14 Natural Remedies & Supplements for ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects many people worldwide. Symptoms can include difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. While there is no cure for ADHD, there are treatments and nutritional supplements that are available that can help lessen the symptoms. Some people choose to treat their ADHD with prescription medications, while others prefer to use natural remedies and supplements or other alternative treatments that are available.

In this blog post, we will discuss 10 natural remedies and supplements that have been shown to be effective in treating ADHD.

1. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy nervous system. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be effective in treating ADHD symptoms, especially hyperactivity and impulse control. Omega-3 contains compounds that help to improve communication between the brain cells, thereby helping to improve focus and concentration.

Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish oil supplements such as those found in salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines. You can also get omega-three fatty acids from plant sources such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. Omega-3 supplements are also available in capsules or liquids.

If you are considering taking omega-three supplements, you must speak with your healthcare provider first as they can interact with certain medications. The recommended dosage for children and adolescents should take 500 mg of omega-three fatty acids per day. Adults should take 1000 mg per day.

2. Physical Exercise

Physical exercise is a great way to help improve ADHD symptoms. Exercise is a natural way to increase dopamine levels in the brain, which can help with focus and concentration. In addition, it also helps release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Plus, exercise can also help to improve sleep quality, which is often an issue for people with ADHD.

Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day can help to improve ADHD symptoms. There are many different types of exercise that you can do to help improve ADHD symptoms. Some examples include walking, running, biking, swimming, and playing sports. It is important to find an activity you enjoy and can stick with in the long term.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps to support the immune system. It has also been shown to be effective in eliminating symptoms of ADHD. Studies have found that children with ADHD who take vitamin C supplements have improved symptoms compared to those who do not take vitamin C. This study looked at the effect of a type of oil called ALA on the blood fatty acids composition and behavior in children with ADHD. The results showed that there was a significant improvement in the symptoms of ADHD, which was reflected by a reduction in the total hyperactive behavior scores of ADHD children who were rated using an ADHD rating scale.

4. B Vitamins and Magnesium

B vitamins and magnesium are important nutrients that play a role in many different processes in the body. B vitamins help the body produce energy, and they also help with nerve function.

On the other hand, magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, which is important for the nervous system’s function. Nutritional deficiencies in magnesium have been linked to ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty concentrating.

5. Therapy

While not a traditional “remedy,” therapy can be a great way to help treat ADHD symptoms. Different types of therapy can be effective in treating ADHD, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy. These types of complementary therapy manage symptoms by helping patients change their thinking patterns and behaviors.

Peer-reviewed studies found that CBT was an effective treatment for reducing ADHD symptoms in both children and adult ADHD patients. CBT has been studied in 14 low- to moderate-quality trials, with medical reviewers looking for possible CBT advantages as an ADHD treatment. Researchers found that CBT was beneficial for decreasing hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. They also discovered that combining CBT with ADHD meds improves anxiety and depression symptoms and daily functioning more than simply taking medication alone.

6. Iron

Iron is an important mineral that plays a role in many different body processes, including energy production. It is also necessary for cognitive function and the proper development of the brain.

Iron is important for many things in the body, like keeping the hemoglobin structure healthy, being an antioxidant, helping with genetic repairs, and ensuring that the central nervous system works well. It is also crucial in early brain development and is needed for normal myelination (a process that helps nerve cells work well) and neurotransmitter function. Some evidence shows that if a person doesn’t absorb iron well or if they are deficient in iron during both the prenatal and postnatal periods, it can cause neurodevelopmental problems that last a long time and might be irreversible.

If you think you or your child might have an iron deficiency, it’s important to talk to a doctor before doing iron supplementation. This is because too much iron can be toxic and lead to serious health problems. In addition, doing blood tests can help determine if someone has an iron deficiency.

7. Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that are found in yogurt and other fermented foods. They are also available as supplements. Probiotics are said to have many health benefits, including improving gut health, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation. In addition, some research suggests that they might also help with ADHD symptoms.

In a study, Pärtty found that some probiotics may help reduce the risk of developing ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The study also showed that giving a child LGG for the first 6 months of life may reduce their risk of developing ADHD and ASD later in life.

8. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral important for many different functions in the body, including the immune system, brain development, and metabolism. It is also necessary for the proper function of enzymes that are responsible for many different chemical reactions in the body, such as DNA replication and protein synthesis.

Zinc has been studied as a possible treatment for ADHD because it involves many processes that are important for cognitive function and behavior. For example, zinc is involved in synthesizing neurotransmitters, myelination, and gene expression. Zinc is also an antioxidant and can help reduce inflammation. It is an alternative medicine that is sometimes used to treat ADHD, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

A review of the evidence concluded that zinc supplementation might be beneficial for reducing ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. However, medical reviewers found that zinc was most effective when combined with other treatments, such as medication or behavioral therapy.

9. Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplements

Multivitamin/multimineral supplements combine vitamins and minerals to prevent or treat vitamin and mineral deficiencies. They are also sometimes taken to improve overall health. While there is no evidence that multivitamins can help with ADHD symptoms, they might benefit people with deficiencies in certain vitamins or minerals.

According to research, a certain multivitamin/multimineral combination can help kids with ADHD and emotional dysregulation disorders, which are often shown through oppositional behavior in children.

10. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that is sometimes taken to improve cognitive function. However, it also has other health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and improving blood circulation. In addition, some research suggests that ginkgo biloba might be effective in treating ADHD symptoms because it is a cognitive enhancer that can improve attention, memory, and other cognitive functions.

11. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract

French maritime pine bark extract is an ADHD supplement made from the bark of the maritime pine tree. The maritime pine tree is found in coastal areas of France and Spain. French maritime pine bark extract is a source of antioxidants and is said to have many health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and boosting the immune system.

The French maritime pine bark extract is considered one of the best natural treatments for ADHD. The reason this extract is successful in helping those with ADHD is because it consists of antioxidants. These work by lowering cell damage and improving blood flow to the sections of the brain affected by ADHD.

12. Unprocessed Food

Processed foods contain food additives, chemicals, and dyes that can negatively affect health. They have been linked to problems such as obesity, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

A healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for people with ADHD. This is because a healthy diet can help to improve focus, energy levels, and mood. In addition, eating unprocessed foods rich in nutrients is a good way to improve overall health and well-being.

13. Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is a natural remedy that is made from cannabinoids like CBD and THC. It is said to have many health benefits, including reducing stress, relieving body aches, and even helping you get a more restful nights sleep. Some research suggests that CBD oil might be effective in treating some of the symptoms associated with ADHD. This 2013 study, for example, investigated the link between cannabis usage and ADHD subtypes. The findings of over 2,800 participants were that individuals were more inclined to self-report hyperactive-impulsive characteristics when they were not using marijuana to self-medicate.

Wrap Up

These are just a few natural remedies and supplements sometimes used to treat ADHD. While some of these remedies have been studied more than others, more research is needed to confirm their efficacy. Therefore, it is always important to speak with a doctor before starting any new treatment, especially if you are already taking medication for ADHD.