Roughly 11% of US children aged 3-17 are diagnosed with ADHD. It’s characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsivity. It has serious implications in a child’s behavior at home and at school, and is understandably a serious concern for many parents.
It’s not entirely clear what causes ADHD. Studies say environmental toxins, genetics, or both. It could be related to gut health. It could be neurological. It’s usually addressed to kids, but adults have ADHD too. There’s a lot we don’t know.
It’s also the opinion of some that ADHD is overdiagnosed. Parents are weary to prescribe some very strong medications to kids that are still growing and developing. ADHD is hard to diagnose. Some kids learn differently. For example, kinesthetic learners need to be engaged physically. (They learn by doing, better than by listening.) Also, some kids just get bored.
Since ADHD is so hard to diagnose, it makes sense to want to try some more gentle remedies first. For some this may be enough to correct the issue. Certain foods, natural supplements, and practices can help with ADHD and attention issues. If you’re concerned about your child and ADHD, consider these remedies while also consulting with a physician.
Food as Medicine
Food plays a big role affecting the energy of children. Ones to avoid are the usual suspects - sugar, artificial sweeteners, gluten, nitrites, dairy, dye, caffeine, MSG, hydrogenated oils, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein. In short, most processed foods. Once in a while may not be a deal breaker, but having these more than once a day could be asking for trouble.
The hard part is substituting those yummy (but awful) foods, for foods that heal and grow. For example - bone broth (big fan of bone broth), grass-fed beef, poultry, eggs, spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, squash, berries, apples, rice, oats, sweet potato, probiotic-rich foods like kimchi or kombucha, coconut oil, avocado, salmon and omega-3 rich foods.
Find some good foods they like from this list. Gradually add good foods and subtract bad ones. It takes a little time, but sets the foundation for healthy eating your child can take with them throughout life.
Supplements
Foods come first, but supplements kick it up a notch. These are all safe for kids to use, (just be careful with CBD). Try one at a time for a few weeks. See what kind of results you get.
Some great supplements to help with ADHD are:
If there are Gut issues - try probiotics.
If they are very hyper, CBD oil can help to calm. (Make sure you use the proper dose).
Fish oil - omega 3’s for brain health.
Multivitamin with zinc, iron, Mg, B vitamins. (Important for any kids).
Bone broth or collagen - also supports the gut.
Behavioral Practices
Make sure your kids get enough exercise. If you’re into religion, prayer can be very helpful. As can some simple meditation.
Make sure they get enough sleep, about 8 hours. Also calming is time in nature. Watch that screen time too. Encourage limits and take breaks.
For older kids acupuncture, and younger ones acupressure.
If you like essential oils, vetiver, rosemary, and cedarwood 3x daily, are great for relaxation and attention.
*Most of these tips were collected from the text Ancient Remedies by Dr. Josh Axe
If you’d like to talk to an experienced acupuncturist about ADHD for you or your child, call or email:
Michael Savalli LAc
Community Zen Acupuncture
Commack, NY
(934) 221-7111
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