Natural ADHD Supplements
Several natural ADHD supplements seem to be effective in treating ADHD. Hence, many patients will not deal with the side effects of amphetamines. Similarly, giving these types of medications to their children is troublesome. Because of this, let’s discuss some supplements that may be beneficial to patients.
Fish Oil
The fatty acids found in omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid are good fatty acids. As a result, brain function formation relies heavily on essential, good fatty acids. In other words, fish oil is vital in ADHD supplementation.
A researcher in the psychiatry department at the University of Oxford said that a lack of certain polyunsaturated fatty acids might contribute to dyslexia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In this particular study, researchers gave school-aged children fish oil supplements for three months. As a result, these children showed significant improvements in behavior, reading, and spelling.
Lots of Studies on Fish Oil
After reviewing the outcomes of this study, researchers became a proponent of fish-oil supplements for children with ADHD. Researches stated that one gram per day of fish oil seems like the correct dose for most children. Furthermore, researchers from this study recommend giving a fish oil supplement that contains a high ratio of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA) to omega-6 fatty acids (DHA). Lastly, researchers stated that the correct rate of 3’s to 6’s was about four to one.
A study from Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School is learning that omega-3 fatty acid supplements are an effective first-line intervention for ADHD, ADD, bipolar disorder and other educational and behavioral problems.
A study by the University of Adelaide in Australia found that fish oil improves the symptoms of ADHD without the side effects of drugs like amphetamine salts. This study included 130 children between the ages of 7 and 12 with ADHD. Researchers gave the children fish oil daily. As a result, the children’s behavior improved within 3 months. After 7 months, the children were not as restless and showed improvements at school. Improvements in concentration and attention improved by one third. After 15 weeks 30-40 percent of the children taking fish oil had improvements. Lastly, after 30 weeks 40-50 percent improved.
Magnesium
Some experts believe that children with ADHD may be showing the effects of mild magnesium deficiency. In one preliminary study of 75 magnesium-deficient children with ADHD, those who received magnesium supplements showed an improvement in behavior compared to those who did not receive the supplements. For reference, the recommended dosage is 200mg per day.
Rhodiola
Russia has been studying Rhodiola for 35 years. It is an adaptogenic herb. Subsequently, Rhodiola increases resistance to chemical, biological, and physical stressors according to the body’s needs.
Rhodiola increases the concentration and performance of students while taking exams. Researchers also theorize that Rhodiola also fights fatigue, improves memory, and increases attention span, therefore making it helpful for those suffering from ADD.
The recommended dosage of Rhodiola is 200-600mg. Take Rhodiola on an empty stomach. In addition, take it early in the day.
Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes
Since the majority of neurotransmitters are formed in the gut, it is essential to reduce gut inflammation. This is the gut-brain connection. Gut inflammation and undigested food cause the immune system to backfire on itself. So this will lead to acne, sinus and ear infections, allergies, headaches, psoriasis, inability to focus, yeast overgrowth, and mood swings.
All this gut inflammation leads to dysbiosis which is an imbalance of good to bad bacteria. Probiotics restore these bacteria and thus reduce gut inflammation.
Digestive enzymes work with probiotics to cure the gut. Many ADHD problems stem from the inability of the gut to properly digest foods. This is due to eating highly processed food and foods that contain GMOs. The majority of the food we consume is also highly inflammatory: gluten, sugar, and casein.
Taking digestive enzymes before we eat helps the body break down all these foods, therefore reducing gut inflammation and improving gut health.
More Information Available
If you want more information regarding natural treatments for ADHD, check out our friends over at Cognitune . Cognitune is a great resource for health and performance. We recommend checking them out!