ADHD Treatment Starts at Home

As a parent you have a huge influence over your child’s overall health. Evidence shows that eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and making other smart daily choices can help your child manage the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. That means your child should begin treatment through wellness lifestyle choices today...at home.

The benefits of “nature and exercise”

Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce the symptoms of ADD/ADHD in children. Encourage your child to play outside for at least 30 minutes each day, if possible. Exercising is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Physical activity immediately boosts the brain’s dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels—all of which affect focus and attention. In this way, exercise and medications for ADD/ADHD such as Ritalin and Adderall work similarly. But unlike medication, exercise doesn’t require a prescription and it’s side effect free.

Activities that require close attention to body movements, such as dance, gymnastics, martial arts, and skateboarding, are particularly good for kids with ADD/ADHD. Team sports are also a good choice. The social element keeps them interesting.

The importance of sleep in ADD / ADHD treatment

Regular quality sleep rhythms can lead to vast improvement in the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. However, many kids have problems getting to sleep at night. Sometimes, these sleep difficulties are due to stimulant medications, and decreasing the dose or stopping the medication under a doctors supervision may solve the problem.Using calming oils such as lavender or sandalwood on a child's pillow has calming effects for sleep.

A large percentage of children with ADD/ADHD that have sleep difficulties have shown to benefit greatly by following these lifestyle tips.

1.     Set a regular bedtime (and enforce it).

2.     If background noise keeps your child up, try a sound machine or soothing music.

3.     Turn off all electronics (TV, computer, video games, cell phone) at least an hour before bed.

4.     Limit physical activity in the evening at least 2 hours before bedtime.

5.     Reducing sugar intake can help reduce ADD / ADHD symptoms

Studies show that what, and when, you eat makes a difference when it comes to managing ADD/ADHD.

1.     Schedule regular meals or snacks no more than three hours apart. This will help keep your child’s blood sugar level, minimizing irritability and supporting concentration and focus. Try to include a little protein and complex carbohydrates at each meal or snack. These foods will help your child feel more alert while decreasing hyperactivity.

2.     Check your child’s zinc, iron, and magnesium levels. Many children with ADD/ADHD are low in these important minerals. Boosting their levels may help control ADD/ADHD symptoms. Increasing iron in the form of vegetable may be particularly helpful. One study found that an iron supplement improved symptoms almost as much as taking stimulant medication.

3.      Add more omega-3 fatty acids to your child’s diet. Studies show that omega-3s improve hyperactivity, impulsivity, and concentration in kids (and adults) with ADD/ADHD. Omega-3s are found in non farmed salmon, tuna, sardines, and some fortified eggs and milk products. However, the easiest way to boost your child’s intake is through fish oil supplements. Make sure your getting a pharmaceutical strength trusted Omega. Not sure if you're using the right type? Ask your chiropractor or wellness doctor they can offer a trusted omega source for all your family's needs.