ADHD is common. In fact, many adults are now often being diagnosed with ADHD after spending decades wondering why they sometimes react the way they do in certain situations.
Within ADHD there is a spectrum and, in fact, ADHD as a term is quite misunderstood. The term refers to ‘attention-deficit’ and ‘hyperactivity’ but there is also a ‘hyper-focus’ and a mixture of all of these within it to varying levels.
ADHD can also sometimes come with other traits, such as autism, ODD and OCD, for example. In my clinic, I see clients very often who are on the ADHD spectrum, because there is a very significant link between the brain, for example, and symptoms which relate to gut health and IBS.
In researching what may be at the root cause, I have found that ADHD is complex, and is influenced by both genetics and the environment. What is very well studied is that there is a link between ADHD and low dopamine, and that this maybe involved with an immune and oxidative stress imbalance.
Natural Remedies in Managing ADHD
The positive effects of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) intreating ADHD in children have been recently investigated. Supplementation may improve attention and reduce hyperactive and defiant behaviours. Supplementation with highly unsaturated fatty acids may play a role in EFA-induced improvement of ADHD symptoms.
One other study revealed improvements in inattention and oppositional behaviours in children who received combined EFA supplementation (polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplement comprised of 480 mg DHA, 80 mg EPA, 40 mg arachidonic acid (AA),96 mg gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and 24 mg alpha-tocopherol acetate)
Magnesium
Magnesium has over 600 cellular functions within the body and many of these are related to brain health. Studies have shown that magnesium improved ADHD symptoms in children
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has many benefits to the body, not just for immune health, but for many other functions within our bodies. In one study, the effects of blending vitamin C with alpha linolenic acid- (ALA-) in the form of flax oil had a positive impact on the behaviour in children with ADHD. This may be due to the antioxidant properties of vitamin Cand the bioavailability of it to the cells when mixed with ALA.
Minerals
Mineral deficiencies have been implicated in the presence of ADHD, making supplementation a potential for improving symptoms. Minerals help with the uptake, and breakdown of crucial neurotransmitters associated with ADHD and so it may be beneficial to supplement with a high-quality mineral complex.
Zinc
Zinc is a nutrient that plays many vital roles in your body. Because our bodies don’t naturally produce zinc, we must obtain it through food or supplements. Zinc is required for numerous processes in our bodies, such as gene expression, immune function, wound healing and growth and development.
Iron
Iron carry oxygen throughout your body as a part of red blood cell. It’s an essential nutrient, meaning you must get it from food. Iron has been well-studied in the treatment of ADHD because it is also a cofactor in the synthesis of both adrenaline and dopamine and these two factors may be dysregulated in the case of ADHD.
Ginseng
Research has shown that the herb ginseng may improve ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine
Passion Flower
Passion flower is a traditional remedy for anxiety and ADHD. Studies suggest it might help relieve insomnia and anxiety as it may boost levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain, and GABA lowers brain activity, which may help you to relax and sleep better.
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