Yes…and no. I’m not a doctor, I’m just a mom. So I don’t want to tell you there is a natural treatment for ADHD and have you run out to try it. There are many vitamin supplements, and other natural products, out there that can be toxic to children. I must ask you to please talk to the Pediatrician before trying any home remedies with your children. The Pediatrician would know best. I would hate for a baby to get sick.
It’s important to understand that there is no wonder drug or cure all for this disorder. There are effective ways of treating some of the symptoms. That’s probably the best you can hope for. I absolutely dreaded putting my 3 year old on medication drugs to treat the ADHD. I absolutely hated it. But I had to ensure that he was going to be able to function in school and before the meds, he wouldn’t have. Come to find out, his ADHD is secondary to Epilepsy. And it just so happens that ADHD medications trigger seizures in people with Epilepsy. So my son is no longer, and never will be again, on ADHD medication.
Are there natural ways to treat some of the symptoms of ADHD? Yes. There are two that I’ve found so far.
Zinc
Studies have found that zinc supplements have reportedly improved symptoms related to hyperactivity and impulsivity, but not much in the way of inattentiveness. Let me be clear, please do not run out and buy Zinc supplements for your child. Call the doctor if you want to give them any supplements at all. My recommendation would be to research different foods that are high in Zinc. Offhand, this would include your red meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, beans, nuts, and whole grains.
Fish Oil
Fish Oil has reportedly improved mental skills related to organization and when mixed with primrose oil improves symptoms of hyperactivity and inattentiveness in children. Naturally, your fish oil is going to come from fish such as trout, sardines, tuna, and salmon. Again, don’t run out and buy fish oil supplements without talking to the Pediatrician first.
St. John’s Wort
It has been thought that St. John’s Wort also improved symptoms of ADHD, however, studies could not confirm that this is the case. Studies show that it is ineffective in treating ADHD symptoms.
I’m a strong advocate of trying anything reasonable in relation to coping, life skills, and discipline to help ADHD children get through their days before subjecting them to any medication at all. Please, please, please do not give your children any supplements or medications without being absolutely certain that it is what they need.
If you have any questions or would like to share your personal experience, please be sure to leave a comment below by clicking on the response link next to my name. I welcome all feedback and will respond to each comment.
I love blogs about natural remedies. I love how you made your info short and to the point as well as placing your pictures in a z like fashion. Studies show that lot’s of people scan pages this way. Smart move.
Thanks Crystal. My son’s name starts with Z. And…we’re ADHD, we like to zig zag. 😉
Great Article. Thanks for the info. I totally agree – we should be looking for natural ways to cure diseases. The drugs are so dangerous.
Thank you Linda!
Good article! I appreciate your thoughts and review on something that affects so many children and adults…keep writing!
Thanks Andrea, I’m happy to share!
I just love this post.
Anything to do with an alternative approach to treating health challenges is all good in my book.
Thank you for spreading the word, this information is very much appreciated.
Hi Garry,
I’m happy to help spread the word. I will say that medications are necessary sometimes, for some conditions. But I will strongly encourage parents to find the healthiest, natural approaches whenever possible. We need to be mindful of side effects and long term issues caused my anything our children consume.
Thanks so much for the article. Great information!
You’re so very welcome Aviva! I’m always happy to help.
Brilliant article, very informative!
Hi Kris,
What a great article. So many parents worry about giving their kids medication and the effects it has on them. My sisters daughter is ADD and she agonised the pros and cons for the same reasons as you. Not being epileptic, the medication did help her attentiveness at school but at 18 she no longer takes it now. I feel very strongly that not enough is done in schools to help kids with ADD/ADHD (in the UK anyway). They are often treated as “the naughty child” in the class and often isolated because they are punished, then other parents complain.. the list goes on. It all comes down to funding and this really upsets me. Anyway – rant over. You have my support. Maria (WA)
Hi Maria,
Thank you. Yeah, it’s real hard road with the schools. I’m still dealing with it myself. I still have sooo much to write about in this area, just not enough time. I’ve learned a lot along the way though and help to share some tips that will help. My son is punished every single day at school this year. It’s tough. It’s a process. But with education and strong parenting, these kids can overcome these obstacles and hurts. A lot of it is about funding. A lot of it is politics (at least here it is). But parents who know their rights and advocate strongly can turn things around nicely. Hopefully I’ll be able to help with that. Thanks for your feedback!
~Kris