Overprescribed? There are other possibilities.

In recent decades, the production of drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has soared. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of children diagnosed with ADHD grew by 41% between 2003 and 2011. As of 2011, it was projected that 11% of children between the ages of 4 and 17 had been diagnosed with ADHD. That’s a total of 6.4 million kids.

Side effects from medications are possible.

By boosting and regulating neurotransmitters, ADHD medications can assist to alleviate symptoms. Neurotransmitters are substances that send signals from your brain to your body’s neurons. There are a variety of drugs available to treat ADHD, including:

Stimulants like amphetamines and Adderall (which help you to focus and ignore distractions)

Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) or bupropion (Wellbutrin), can be used if stimulant side effects are too much to bear or if other medical issues make stimulant use impossible.

While these medicines can help with concentration, they also have the potential to induce major negative effects. Sleep issues are one of the possible side effects.

Fluctuations in mood

Heart problems and loss of appetite

Suicidal ideation or behavior

There haven’t been many studies on the long-term consequences of these drugs. However, some research has been conducted, and the results raise red flags. In a 2010 Australian study, children aged 5 to 14 years old who were on ADHD meds showed no substantial improvement in their behavior or attention problems. Neither their self-perception nor their social functioning improved.

The medication group, on the other hand, had increased diastolic blood pressure. They also had worse self-esteem and performed below age level than the non-medicated group. The study’s authors stressed that the sample size and statistical differences were insufficient to make any conclusions.

1. Avoid using artificial colors and preservatives in your food.

Alternative treatments may help manage some of the symptoms of ADHD, such as:

Inability to pay attention to organizational issues

Forgetting is a common occurrence.

Certain food colorings and preservatives, according to the Mayo Clinic, may cause hyperactivity in some youngsters. Avoid meals that include the following colorings and preservatives:

Sodium benzoate is a preservative used in carbonated beverages, salad dressings, and fruit juices.

Breadcrumbs, cereal, sweets, frosting, and soft drinks include FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow).

In juices, sorbets, and smoked haddock, D&C Yellow No. 10 (quinoline yellow) is used.

Pickles, cereal, granola bars, and yogurt include FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), which can be found in foods like pickles, cereal, granola bars, and yogurt.

Soft beverages, children’s pharmaceuticals, gelatin desserts, and ice cream all include FD&C Red No. 40 (allura red).

2. Stay away from allergies

Diets that limit probable allergens may help some youngsters with ADHD improve their behavior.

If you suspect your child has allergies, you should consult an allergy specialist. However, you can try it out by avoiding the following foods:

BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) are chemical additives/preservatives that are commonly used to protect the oil in a product from going bad and can be found in processed foods such potato chips, chewing gum, dry cake mixes, cereal, butter, and instant mashed potatoes.

Eggs and milk

Chocolate

Berries, chili powder, apples and cider, grapes, peaches, plums, prunes, and tomatoes (salicylates are compounds that exist naturally in plants and are a prominent element in many pain medications.

3. Experiment with EEG biofeedback.

Biofeedback based on electroencephalography (EEG) is a type of neurotherapy that measures brain waves. According to a 2011 studyTrusted Source, EEG training could be an effective treatment for ADHD.

During a normal session, a child might play a unique video game. They’ll be assigned a focus task, such as “keep the plane flying.” If they become sidetracked, the jet will begin to dive or the screen will go dark. Over time, the game teaches the child new concentrating techniques. The youngster will eventually learn to recognize and correct their symptoms.

4. Think about taking a yoga or tai chi class.

Yoga appears to be beneficial as a supplemental therapy for patients with ADHD, according to certain modest research. In a study published in 2013Trusted Source, boys with ADHD who practiced yoga on a regular basis in addition to taking their daily medication saw significant improvements in hyperactivity, anxiety, and social issues.

Early research suggests that tai chi may potentially help with ADHD symptoms. Teenagers with ADHD who practiced tai chi were found to be less anxious and hyperactive. When participants attended tai chi lessons twice a week for five weeks, they also daydreamed less and demonstrated fewer inappropriate emotions.

5. Spending time in nature.

Children with ADHD may benefit from spending time outside. Spending even 20 minutes outside has been shown to benefit kids by boosting their concentration. The most useful are greenery and natural environs.

According to a 2011 study

The assertion that regular exposure to the outdoors and green space is a safe and natural treatment for people with ADHD is supported by Trusted Source and several previous research.

6. Parental or behavioral therapy.

Behavioral therapy may be effective for children with more severe instances of ADHD. Behavioral treatment should be the initial step in treating ADHD in young children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

This technique, also known as behavioral modification, focuses on resolving specific problematic behaviors and providing solutions to help prevent them. Setting goals and rules for the youngster might also be part of this. Because behavioral therapy and medication work best together, it can be a valuable tool in your child’s recovery.

Parental counseling can help parents gain the skills they need to assist their ADHD child succeed. In the long run, providing parents with tactics and strategies for dealing with behavioral issues can benefit both the parent and the child.

What about vitamins and supplements?

Supplements may assist to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. These supplements include the following:

Zinc

L-carnitine

B-6 vitamin

Magnesium

The results, however, have been mixed. Ginkgo, ginseng, and passionflower are some of the herbs that can aid with hyperactivity.

Supplementing without a doctor’s approval is risky, especially in children. If you’re interested in attempting these alternative remedies, talk to your doctor. They can conduct a blood test to determine your child’s current levels of a nutrient before they begin taking supplements.

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