11 Best Natural Remedies and Alternative Treatments For ADHD

The Many Symptoms Of ADHD

You probably think you know the “ADHD kid” when you see them. They are the little kid dashing wildly around the classroom unable to stay seated or listen. While that is sometimes the case, the symptoms of ADHD aren’t always so obvious. ADHD is characterized by the inability to keep focused, listen, and remember things, especially that are not of interest to the child (or adult). Other features include increased impulsivity (the child that hits without thinking of consequences first, the adult who spends money or speaks his or her mind without thinking of the consequences first), that can make school and other structured settings challenging. There are three main subtypes of attention deficit disorders: hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive, and combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive, all of which can contribute to symptoms such as:

• Trouble listening
• Inability to sit still
• Lack of organizational skills
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Anger management problems
• Difficulty staying focused

Side Effects Of ADHD Medication

Typically, conventional medicine’s solution to ADHD (and other brain-related problems such as anxiety) is medication. ADHD drugs are designed to help manage symptoms by targeting certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

 Adderall and Ritalin are two of the most common ADHD medications, and they work to dull symptoms for many people, but they also come with a variety of side effects, including trouble sleeping, depression, and mood swings.

Studies have shown, however, that long-term usage lessens the response from these medications in a high percentage of patients (3).

That doesn’t mean that medication isn’t a good choice for everyone. It has certainly helped many children get through school and has helped some children get better grades. However this does lead many to ask “how can I help my ADHD child without medication?”  It is important to know that there are natural treatment options for ADHD before resorting to medicating your child (or yourself). Let’s explore some of those options. 

Natural Remedies For ADHD

So what is the holistic approach to ADHD? As a functional medicine practitioner, I try to avoid medications and the side effects that come with them as much as possible. By clinically investigating the underlying and often overlooked factors that contribute to ADHD, we can then target and address these problems naturally (and effectively) to avoid a lifetime of ongoing and sometimes debilitating symptoms. 

These are the best natural treatments for ADHD that you can start implementing today:

1. Supplement zinc, magnesium, and other deficiencies

Natural ADHD treatment begins with the basic nutrients our bodies and brains need to function properly. Many health problems are caused or greatly exaggerated by nutrient deficiencies, and brain disorders like ADHD are no exception. For instance, children with ADHD are more likely than children without ADHD to have magnesium deficiency with one study (4) finding that 95 percent of diagnosed children were deficient. Supplementing with 200 milligrams of magnesium per day over six months has been shown (5) to decrease symptoms of hyperactivity. Magnesium threonate is the best type for addressing ADHD because it can cross the blood-brain barrier.

For more information on how magnesium deficiency affects ADHD, read: The Important Signs Of Magnesium Deficiency.

Another common deficiency directly related to brain health is zinc, which is necessary for the metabolism of neurotransmitters, specifically dopamine (the “happy hormone”). Zinc deficiency has been linked (6) to ADHD, and many studies suggest that zinc supplementation may help reduce symptoms, (7) especially of hyperactivity in children. Not all people with ADHD are zinc deficient, and in these cases, zinc hasn’t been shown to help, but that’s just further proof that zinc is important for healthy brain function. Supplements may not be necessary, as you can get zinc from eating more dark leafy greens, wild-caught salmon, and legumes.

2. Consider your genetic profile

Genetics don’t control your health, but they can influence just about every aspect of your health. Because variations in your genes can put you at a higher risk for certain health problems, examining the implications of these variations can help you understand your individual susceptibilities so you can take action to protect yourself as much as possible. Variations in the BHMT gene in particular have been directly associated with developing ADHD. Also, the COMT (8) gene works to balance and regulate communication between neurotransmitters, so certain variations in this gene can increase your risk for ADHD as well. When looking at natural remedies for ADHD, it is important to understand and acknowledge the role that your genetics play in the disorder. This will help you be aware of how your inherent foundation may support or limit your efforts.

3. Eat clean

Eating clean is one of the best natural remedies for ADHD. But rather than focusing on eliminating whole food groups or avoiding a long list of specific foods, it can be more beneficial to focus on the food additives, dyes, and other chemicals in packaged and processed food. 

Between 1950 and 2012, intake of artificial food dyes increased from 12 milligrams to 68 milligrams per day. According to studies, just 50 milligrams a day was shown to increase hyperactivity (9) and symptoms of ADHD, and it looks like many people (kids included) are already above that limit. Some of the food dyes and additives to look out for are:

• FD&C Yellow No. 6: found in cereal, candy, and soft drinks
• FD&C Yellow No. 5: found in cereal, pickles, and granola bars
• D&C Yellow No. 1: found in juices and frozen desserts
• FD&C Red No. 40: found in candy, soft drinks, and even children’s over-the-counter medications
• FD&C Blue No. 1 and No. 2: found in candy, sports drinks, and cereals
• FD&C Green No. 3: found in candy, sports drinks, cereals, and ice cream
• Sodium benzoate: a preservative found in a huge variety of foods, from soft drinks to condiments

4. Discover food intolerances

Although I advised in #3 above that it is best to focus on additives rather than entire food groups, there is evidence that some food categories do tend to be more likely to aggravate ADHD symptoms in some people. 

In general, gluten-containing grains (and other grains in the ultra-sensitive), dairy products, and anything with added sugar are common symptom triggers for those with ADHD. Research has even linked celiac disease with ADHD, with one study showing a significant improvement in ADHD symptoms after starting a gluten-free diet. (10) 

But what food groups should you eliminate first? Everyone’s body is different, so each person is going to have different food sensitivities. An elimination diet is my gold standard for discovering your personal food intolerances to help you take back control of your health and reverse symptoms. Not sure where to begin? Check out my mindbodygreen Elimination Diet Class.

5. Manage inflammation levels

A whole area of medical research known as the cytokine model of cognitive function (11) looks at how brain inflammation is implicated in the onset and perpetuation of brain problems such as ADHD. Backing up the chain, the first step in managing ADHD symptoms is to get tested for these scenarios. I run these labs in my functional medicine clinic to determine a patient’s status by assessing both permeability issues and inflammation levels:

• Blood-brain barrier proteins: These can determine if the blood-brain barrier has been breached.
• Zonulin and Occludin: This blood test looks to see if antibodies to these proteins are present.
• Homocysteine: This amino acid, when high, has been linked to damage of the blood-brain barrier.
• CRP: High levels of this inflammatory protein can indicate how chronic your inflammation is throughout your body.

The next step is to work backwards up the chain, healing breached barriers by addressing inflammation with anti-inflammatory food medicines, such as turmeric, green tea, and other superfoods.

6. Try EEG biofeedback

Electroencephalographic biofeedback (12) is a type of neurotherapy coupled with a learning strategy that gives people feedback about their brain waves to help them learn to self-regulate their brain function. This can help to control their symptoms and increase focus, and has been used successfully with many people struggling with ADHD.

7. Go play outside and exercise

Children don’t play outside as often as they once did, but they should—especially kids with ADHD. According to research, spending just 20 minutes outside can improve concentration (13) in children with ADHD. Research also found that taking a walk in nature or at a park is more effective than just spending time outside in a busy city, for both adults and children. ADHD is associated with lower levels of dopamine (and the consequent negative feelings), but regular exercise can help to compensate for this deficiency by boosting dopamine.

8. Add adaptogenic herbs

Adaptogens are plant medicines that specifically help to restore balance to the body and mind through various stress-relieving functions. Research found that children with ADHD who took Ginkgo biloba once a day for five weeks experienced an improvement (14) in their symptoms. A similar study also looked at the effects of red ginseng and found that a daily dose of 1,000 mg for eight weeks led to a reduction in symptoms, (15) including decreased anxiety and improved social function. Other adaptogens that have been shown to help with ADHD are pine bark extract (16) and Bacopa monnieri. (17) They can easily be incorporated into your favorite smoothies, beverages, or meals to help with symptoms.

9. Try CBD oil

Never fear–CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a cannabinoid compound in hemp and marijuana, but unlike THC (the psychoactive component of the marijuana plant), CBD does not give you the “high” that marijuana is famous for. While CBD oil can contain very small levels of THC, most don’t contain any, making CBD oil a great option for those looking for the benefits associated with hemp and marijuana without the mind-altering effects. If you are concerned, choose a brand with verified purity, as some people don’t react well to THC.

While more studies need to be done to confirm the effectiveness of CBD oil (18) on ADHD symptoms, research suggests that it could help manage symptoms as a natural medicine for ADHD, due to its ability to significantly drive down inflammation in the brain. CBD oil also helps to relieve anxiety by increasing prefrontal cortex activation and lowering activity in the amygdala areas of the brain, as well as keeping GABA and glutamate levels balanced (19) for great calm and focus.

10. Boost serotonin

Many people struggling with ADHD present with serotonin imbalances. (20) Serotonin is the “feel-good neurotransmitter” and plays a role in impulse control, mood swings, and sleep patterns. To help boost serotonin, try tryptophan or B6, an essential amino acid that occurs naturally in many foods, including turkey. B6 is essential for the production of serotonin and has been shown (21) to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity. It is also found in:

• Wild-caught salmon
• Grass-fed beef
• Sweet potatoes
• Hazelnuts

11. Sleep better

Insomnia is a common symptom in those diagnosed with ADHD, as the hyperactive component can make it hard to settle down and rest. Behavioral sleep intervention has been shown in clinical trials to improve sleep patterns, which in turn also helped improve hyperactivity, (22) focus, and other symptoms of ADHD, even long after the trial was completed. A doctor can recommend a good source for this kind of intervention.

Discover The Real Reason Behind Your (Or Your Child’s) ADHD

Since every person’s health case is unique, what works for one person won’t always work for the next. That’s why it is important to work with a qualified practitioner, to help identify any underlying health problems you or your child might have that could factor into symptoms and overall health profile. In my clinic we dive into underlying factors to help you decide if natural remedies for ADHD are a better alternative to medication. This knowledge will help you both to come up with a plan of care that works best for your (or your child’s) individual needs. Schedule a health consultation today and begin taking back your life.