More Than One Alternative Method of Treating ADHD: Important Information for Parents
One alternative method of treating ADHD is eliminating food additives from the diet.
Others include nutritional supplements, herbs and homeopathic remedies.
You can learn about these different approaches here.
The conventional approach is supposed to be behavioral therapy combined with drug treatment if necessary.
However, some doctors prescribe the drugs without recommending or even trying behavioral therapy, which usually includes teaching coping mechanisms.
Because the drugs are accompanied by unwanted side effects that can be dangerous and because therapy can be expensive, many parents are interested in the alternatives.
Let's start with the food additives.
Eliminating Food Additives You might be wondering why this could work.
Food additives like the FD&C colors and the preservative BHA are known to be toxic to the central nervous system.
In small quantities, they may be safe.
But according to specialists who support the idea of avoiding the additives, small quantities add up.
There are hundreds of different foods containing the additives.
A person could easily consume toxic amounts in a single day.
Not only that, but the effects add up over time.
The additives also cause a person's body to lose zinc.
Zinc is an essential mineral that is important for normal brain and nervous system function.
People with attention deficit disorders usually have low blood levels of the mineral zinc, which brings us to another natural way of treating ADHD.
Nutritional Supplements Zinc, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids are among the nutrients that may be beneficial.
Iron is sometimes recommended, but caution should be used, as excessive iron in the diet can be dangerous.
Zinc and magnesium are found in children's multi-vitamins, but many of them contain the FD&C food colorings, as well as other artificial additives that may be detrimental.
Supplements containing only natural ingredients are available.
Omega-3 fish oil supplements have been tested as a natural way of treating ADHD and the supplements are often effective.
Fish oil contains the omega-3s DHA and EPA, which are essential for normal brain development and function.
Herbs A number of different herbs have been recommended including gingko biloba and valerian root.
There are few scientific studies to support the benefits.
The best recommendation for someone who is interested in an herbal remedy is to consult with a doctor of naturopathic medicine.
Homeopathic Remedies Modern scientists have been unable to confirm that homeopathic remedies are effective.
Any benefit may be due to the placebo effect.
Scientists have tested the remedies and found no active compounds.
However, these natural remedies may be worth a try.
Eliminating food additives is the alternative method of treating ADHD with the most scientific support.
It's also one of the easiest approaches to try.
Others include nutritional supplements, herbs and homeopathic remedies.
You can learn about these different approaches here.
The conventional approach is supposed to be behavioral therapy combined with drug treatment if necessary.
However, some doctors prescribe the drugs without recommending or even trying behavioral therapy, which usually includes teaching coping mechanisms.
Because the drugs are accompanied by unwanted side effects that can be dangerous and because therapy can be expensive, many parents are interested in the alternatives.
Let's start with the food additives.
Eliminating Food Additives You might be wondering why this could work.
Food additives like the FD&C colors and the preservative BHA are known to be toxic to the central nervous system.
In small quantities, they may be safe.
But according to specialists who support the idea of avoiding the additives, small quantities add up.
There are hundreds of different foods containing the additives.
A person could easily consume toxic amounts in a single day.
Not only that, but the effects add up over time.
The additives also cause a person's body to lose zinc.
Zinc is an essential mineral that is important for normal brain and nervous system function.
People with attention deficit disorders usually have low blood levels of the mineral zinc, which brings us to another natural way of treating ADHD.
Nutritional Supplements Zinc, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids are among the nutrients that may be beneficial.
Iron is sometimes recommended, but caution should be used, as excessive iron in the diet can be dangerous.
Zinc and magnesium are found in children's multi-vitamins, but many of them contain the FD&C food colorings, as well as other artificial additives that may be detrimental.
Supplements containing only natural ingredients are available.
Omega-3 fish oil supplements have been tested as a natural way of treating ADHD and the supplements are often effective.
Fish oil contains the omega-3s DHA and EPA, which are essential for normal brain development and function.
Herbs A number of different herbs have been recommended including gingko biloba and valerian root.
There are few scientific studies to support the benefits.
The best recommendation for someone who is interested in an herbal remedy is to consult with a doctor of naturopathic medicine.
Homeopathic Remedies Modern scientists have been unable to confirm that homeopathic remedies are effective.
Any benefit may be due to the placebo effect.
Scientists have tested the remedies and found no active compounds.
However, these natural remedies may be worth a try.
Eliminating food additives is the alternative method of treating ADHD with the most scientific support.
It's also one of the easiest approaches to try.