Is there a natural alternative to ADHD medication?

For those people who do not want to take the medication route behavioral therapy, nutrition and lifestyle changes, and/or brain training, among other natural therapies designed to improve focus and impulsivity may help alleviate some ADHD symptoms.


What can I take instead of ADHD medication?

Alternative treatments for ADHD include elimination diets, supplementation with omega-3s, parent training, exercise, yoga and meditation, neurofeedback, and memory training.

What is the best natural product for ADHD?

6 Natural Supplements for ADHD
  1. Omega-3s. The fatty acids found in cold-water fish like sardines and salmon that may help to improve: ...
  2. Zinc. These supplements may reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. ...
  3. Iron. ...
  4. Magnesium. ...
  5. Vitamin C. ...
  6. Melatonin.


Is there a way to cure ADHD without medication?

Lifestyle changes. Healthy living may also help children with ADHD — as well as everyone else — maintain their focus. And unlike medication, it's free. Exercise is one powerful intervention, says Matthew B.

How can I increase my dopamine naturally for ADHD?

Several effective medications used to treat the symptoms of ADHD work by increasing the impact of dopamine in the body.
...
You can also do the following to increase your dopamine levels:
  1. Try something new.
  2. Make a list of small tasks and complete them.
  3. Listen to music you enjoy.
  4. Exercise regularly.
  5. Try meditation or yoga.


5 Natural Alternatives to ADHD Medication (..that work)



Is ADHD just a dopamine deficiency?

As you know, one trademark of ADHD is low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine — a chemical released by nerve cells into the brain. Due to this lack of dopamine, people with ADHD are "chemically wired" to seek more, says John Ratey, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

What chemicals do ADHD brains lack?

ADHD brains have low levels of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is linked arm-in-arm with dopamine. Dopamine is the thing that helps control the brain's reward and pleasure center. The ADHD brain has impaired activity in four functional regions of the brain.

Can severe ADHD be managed without medication?

However, there are plenty of other treatment options available for those who do not want their child to use ADHD drugs. Therapy on its own is shown to be highly effective at treating ADHD. Types of therapy used for ADHD include behavior therapy, talk therapy, and family therapy.


Does CBD help ADHD in adults?

Does CBD Help with ADHD? Few studies show CBD helps adults with the core symptoms of ADHD. Those core symptoms can include inattention, impulsivity, or even hyperactivity (which shows up in adults as interrupting or difficulty being still). So strictly speaking, no, CBD does not help with ADHD.

Can I cure ADHD on my own?

Most experts agree that there is no cure for ADHD. The disorder is chronic, which means it lasts a long time—usually throughout adulthood. Many people with ADHD learn to manage their symptoms with treatment and by developing healthy coping mechanisms. Some even find that their symptoms lessen as they age.

How I cured my child's ADHD without drugs?

50 Practical Strategies for Treating ADHD without Drugs
  1. Provide a balanced breakfast.
  2. Consider the Feingold diet.
  3. Limit television and video games.
  4. Teach self-talk skills.
  5. Find out what interests your child.
  6. Promote a strong physical education program in your child's school.
  7. Enroll your child in a martial arts program.


What helps ADHD besides Adderall?

ADHD Medication Treatments: Which Are Best?
  • Adderall XR (amphetamine)
  • Concerta (methylphenidate)
  • Dexedrine (amphetamine)
  • Evekeo (amphetamine)
  • Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)
  • Quillivant XR (methylphenidate)
  • Ritalin (methylphenidate)
  • Strattera (atomoxetine hydrochloride)


What vitamins help with ADHD?

Finally, supplementing vitamins B and C can also help alleviate ADD and ADHD symptoms. Vitamin C, like zinc, iron, and magnesium, is used to produce neurotransmitters like dopamine. Additionally, vitamin B deficiency is linked to irritability and fatigue in children.

Does caffeine help ADHD?

Answer: Using caffeine, either in a drink or in an over-the-counter preparation, is not recommended by medical experts as a treatment for ADHD. Although some studies have shown that caffeine may improve concentration in adults with ADHD, it is not as effective as medication.


What helps ADHD in adults?

ADHD Treatment. Standard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training and psychological counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment. These treatments can help manage many symptoms of ADHD , but they don't cure it.

What's the difference between ADD and ADHD?

There is no difference between ADD and ADHD. ADD (attention-deficit disorder) is an outdated term for what is now called ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). Some kids with ADHD have hyperactive behaviors and some don't, but the diagnosis is ADHD either way.

What happens if you have ADHD and don't take medication?

Untreated ADHD can cause problems throughout life. People with ADHD tend to be impulsive and have short attention spans, which can make it harder to succeed in school, at work, in relationships, and in other aspects of life.


How do you deal with ADHD without stimulants?

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. It is in the class of medications known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Because atomoxetine does not have a potential for abuse, it is not classified as a controlled substance.

Can adults with ADHD live without medication?

Unfortunately, there seems to be no supplement, exercise, alternative therapy, or high level of motivation that normalizes brain function in people with ADHD. Even so, is it possible for people with ADHD to live their lives successfully without medicine? Yes — but not always.

What are the root causes of ADHD?

Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD.
...
Causes of ADHD
  • Brain injury.
  • Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age.
  • Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy.
  • Premature delivery.
  • Low birth weight.


Is ADHD a damaged brain?

Physical brain injury in children contributes to the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), distinct from genetic risk for the disorder.

What are ADHD people deficient in?

ADHD was the first disorder found to be the result of a deficiency of a specific neurotransmitter — in this case, norepinephrine — and the first disorder found to respond to medications to correct this underlying deficiency. Like all neurotransmitters, norepinephrine is synthesized within the brain.

Why do stimulants calm ADHD?

Stimulants are believed to work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.


Do ADHD brains crave dopamine?

As a result, ADHD brains search for stimulation that can increase dopamine more quickly and intensely. Ultimately, the pursuit of pleasurable rewards may become a potent form of self-medication. In fact, dependent brains exhibit similar dysregulation of the dopamine reward system.

Is ADHD considered to be a disability?

Yes. Whether you view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as neurological — affecting how the brain concentrates or thinks — or consider ADHD as a disability that impacts working, there is no question that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers individuals with ADHD.
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