Authored by Kate Beswick in Parenting
Published on 10-29-2009
When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, it strikes terror in the hearts of many parents. This is not necessarily because of the condition itself, although that certainly plays a part in it. But it’s mostly because many parents are aware of the negative side effects that the prescriptions for the condition can cause. Some of these side effects include irritability, mood swings, lethargy, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. For concerned parents, there’s good news! There are many natural ways to deal with ADHD that will not cause any side effects while improving their child’s overall health.
Herbal supplements can be a good solution for many health problems. And ADHD is no different! The specific herbs that have been found to be very effective in cases of ADHD are Gingko Biloba and St. John’s Wort. These supplements have been shown to be very effective in treating specific symptoms of the disorder. The symptoms they are most effective on are the limited attention span that most children with ADHD suffer from and hyperactivity. However, these supplements are also known to have a few side effects although they are much fewer than those found with prescription medication. Because of the side effects that may be experienced however, it’s wise to always use them under a doctor’s supervision.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also be a great natural way to deal with ADHD. The biggest benefit that comes with Omega-3 fatty acids, other than helping with the condition, is that there are no side effects. Omega-3 fatty acids are the good fats that come from food such as fish, avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Making sure that your child has a wide variety of foods that contain these fatty acids is the best way to ensure that they are receiving them. There are supplements available that provide these fatty acids in supplement form. However, many of these supplements contain preservatives and additives that can also cause side effects.
A lack of zinc in the system may be another reason why ADHD becomes present. This can be determined through a simple blood test done in the doctor’s office that will help to determine the amount of zinc found in the system. If there is a zinc deficiency present, taking a zinc supplement can often be a very easy way to deal with ADHD in childhood. Eating foods that are high in zinc content can also be a great way to get more zinc in the system. Some foods that are high in zinc are: cashews, beef, chickpeas, split peas, almonds, and poached eggs.
Chiropractic care can also be a great way to dealing with childhood ADHD. A study done in 2004 by the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported that adjusting the child’s spine can help with some of the behavioral issues that are associated with the disorder. Many parents are hesitant to take their child to a chiropractor. If this is the case, there are many chiropractors that deal specifically with pediatric cases. This may be the best solution for parents that are looking for unique ways to naturally deal with childhood ADHD.
