ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common mental disorders that affect children. It most often affects children and teenagers and may even continue into adulthood. Children who have ADHD are usually hyperactive and cannot control their impulses. This kind of altered behavior can affect their social as well as school life. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD).
ADHD Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are a little different for adults and children.
Symptoms In Children
The symptoms in children are classified into three groups.
A child who has ADHD:
- Can be distracted easily
- Doesn’t obey directions or finish tasks
- Doesn’t pay attention
- Makes careless mistakes
- Is forgetful
- Has trouble organizing
- Cannot sit still for long
- Daydreams
- Hyperactivity
A child may also show the following symptoms of hyperactivity:
- Squirms, fidgets, or bounces too often
- Doesn’t remain seated for long
- Always moves around
- Talks excessively
- Faces trouble in playing quietly
- Impulsivity
The impulsive symptoms exhibited by a child with ADHD are:
- Impatience in waiting for their turn
- Often interrupts
- Blurts out replies
Symptoms In Adults
As an individual grows older, the symptoms they show tend to change. They may include:
- A chronic feeling of boredom
- Chronic forgetfulness
- Frustration: Being unorganized, Poor self-esteem
- Anxiety: Frequent problems at work, Trouble in managing anger
- Impulsiveness
- Depression: Problems in relationships, Frequent mood swings
- Procrastination
- Addictions
- Substance abuse
Causes and Risk Factors for ADHD
Given the severity of ADHD, it is important to be aware of its possible causes. Doctors are yet to find the exact cause of ADHD. It could be resulting from:
- An imbalance in the chemicals produced by the brain
- Changes in certain areas of the brain that are responsible for attention control
- An injury to the brain or a brain disorder
Other factors that can increase your risk of developing ADHD are:
- A family history of the condition
- Smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol during pregnancy
- Lack of proper nutrition or exposure to any infection during pregnancy
- Toxins like lead that can affect the brain development of a child
- Substance abuse during pregnancy
Natural Remedies for ADHD
While there is no cure for ADHD yet, early detection and treatment can play a major role in managing the symptoms before the child enters adulthood. In this article, The following is a list of a few natural remedies that can help you manage the condition.
Valerian Root
Incorporating valerian root supplements into the diet of those affected by ADHD was found to improve symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and concentration difficulties.
You’ll Need:
- 300-600 mg valerian root supplement
Process:
- Consume 300 to 600 mg valerian root supplement.
- Do this once daily, preferably before bedtime.
[ Recommended:
Ginseng
Ginseng, especially the red Korean variety, is excellent in improving inattentiveness in children diagnosed with ADHD.
You’ll Need:
- 200 mg of ginseng supplement
Process:
- Take 200 mg of ginseng supplement daily.
- Take ginseng supplement twice daily for optimum benefits.
Vetiver oil
Vetiver oil is also known as khus oil. Aromatherapy with this oil was found to increase the attention levels of those affected by ADHD.
You’ll Need:
- 3-4 drops of vetiver oil
- A diffuser
- Water
Process:
- Add three to four drops of vetiver oil to a diffuser filled with water.
- Inhale the diffused aroma.
- Alternatively, you can apply a few drops of the oil on your wrist and inhale its fragrance now and then.
- You must do this 1 to 2 times daily.
Kava Kava
Kava is popular for its anxiolytic, sedative, and relaxant properties that can help in managing symptoms of anxiety and restlessness.
You’ll Need:
- 100-300 mg of powdered kava
- 1 glass of water
- A strainer
Process:
- Add 100 to 300 mg (or 1 tablespoon) of powdered kava to a glass of water.
- Mix well for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
- Filter the kava drink using a strainer (not coffee/tea filter).
- Drink the concoction.
- Drink this 1 or 2 times daily depending on the concentration of kava you take for each cup of water.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidins that exhibit anxiolytic properties. This can help attenuate the symptoms of anxiety that accompany ADHD.
You’ll Need:
- 150-300 mg of grape seed extract supplement
Process:
- Consume 150 to 300 mg of grape seed extract supplement.
- Take this supplement once daily.
Vitamins
Intake of nutrients like vitamins D and B12 has proved to be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of ADHD. While vitamin D improved the cognitive function of the affected children, vitamin B12 also offered help.
To get your daily dose of these vitamins, you need to consume foods rich in these vitamins like fatty fish, low-fat dairy, egg yolks, poultry, and lean meats. You can also take additional supplements for these vitamins.
[ Read: 10 Best Foods To Eat When You Have ADHD ]
Omega-3
ADHD patients are often deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementing it will promote brain function and development, thereby alleviating symptoms of ADHD.
You’ll Need:
- 1000-2500 mg of omega-3
Process:
- Children with ADHD must consume 1000-1500 mg of omega-3 daily, and affected adults must consume 2000-2500 mg of omega-3.
- You can either consume more of omega-3 foods like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts or take supplements for it.
- You must do this on a daily basis.
One of the best ways to support those who have ADHD is to lend a helping hand and have a holistic approach towards managing the condition. Making even the slightest of changes to their diet or following the tips and remedies provided in this article can help the affected individuals in their struggle against ADHD.
You must visit a doctor if there is no improvement in your symptoms despite following the treatments mentioned here. Some medications may show great results in the beginning and stop doing so after a while. In such cases, your doctor may have to prescribe other medications to control your symptoms.
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