Natural Cures For ADHD - Fact Or Fiction?

Certainly the topic of natural cures for ADHD is one of the most contentious subjects around. Natural health advocates scream that the side effects of prescription drugs are simply too great, while those in favor of prescription medications claim that natural cues for ADHD are nothing more than a bunch of hocus pocus that should be ignored. Ironically, there is convincing research on both sides leading an open minded person to believe that both styles of treatment can be helpful if given to the right person under the correct circumstances.

The idea that vitamins and/or minerals might be able to cure ADHD has been around for a long time. While vitamins in themselves many not be a natural cure for ADHD research suggests they should not be ignored either. Several studies have shown that nutritional supplementation can improve mental function in school aged children and adults alike. Most of the research in this area revolves around calcium, magnesium, and the B vitamins.

Calcium and magnesium are minerals that help your body absorb B vitamins. Some studies seem to point to the fact that many people with ADHD have a deficiency in these minerals and have shown that by correcting these deficiencies those with ADHD were able to increase their ability to focus, thereby reducing their propensity for hyperactivity. Another very recent study specifically focused on the vitamin B12 and found that B12 alone was able to improve focus and concentration in both children and adults. There was no effect on hyperactivity. The great thing about natural cures for ADHD, such as vitamins, is that many of them can be taken in addition to conventional treatment options, and are in most cases very affordable.

Another area of natural cures for ADHD which deserved attention is that of diet, and specifically carbohydrates and sugar. Most parents know first hand how their hyperactive children behave after a large piece of sugar laden birthday cake but may not have considered their recent visit to the Spaghetti Palace may have had the same effect. Examples of simple carbohydrates that quickly metabolize are white flour, pasta, potatoes, corn, white rice and chips just to name a few. Consuming simple carbohydrates promotes inattention, tiredness, and unorganized or abstract thinking.

The problem seems to lie with the initial overproduction of insulin, which once exhausted (normally about 45 minutes), produces precisely the same symptoms that parents of ADHD children are so familiar with. There is a simple solution to this problem. All you need to do is substitute the slower burning complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread or pasta, brown rice, beans, and whole grains for those high octane simple carbs.

What Next? While natural cures for ADHD may not be for everyone there is substantial research that suggests they may in fact prove beneficial for many.

Another natural cure for ADHD that many parents have found to be effective, especially when combined with smart nutrition and diet, is homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies for ADHD will deliver powerful, lasting results and are certainly not a natural treatment option that should be ignored.



----------
I still believe that doctors can help your children with ADHD. They know what is the best treatment for your children and they can help you minimize the symptoms of ADHD. I think that if you notice some of ADHD symptoms in your child you should visit your doctor immediately.

Source