5 natural remedies for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects a person’s ability to pay attention and manage certain behaviors, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. This disorder is commonly diagnosed in childhood.

There are several natural remedies that can help a person manage their symptoms of ADHD, both in childhood and over the course of their adult lives. The effectiveness of each option will vary depending on the person. Using various natural remedies in combination can also help boost their overall effectiveness.

Exercise

A 2022 meta-analysis suggests that physical exercise can improve attention and motor skills in children with ADHD. It also notes that this treatment option led to no adverse side effects when compared with taking ADHD medication.

A 2023 randomized controlled trial suggests that exercises of cycling or Hatha yoga for as little as 10 minutes could be beneficial in decreasing impulsivity.

During exercise, the brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can often be reduced in people with ADHD. That dopamine release can help people pay better attention to tasks and experience clearer cognition.  

Exercise also boosts the brain-body connection, an important and natural way to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms.

Yoga

Yoga, which combines mindfulness meditation, breathing practices, and physical exercise, can be an effective complementary therapy for people with ADHD.

A study conducted in 2013 suggests that regular yoga, in combination with daily medication, helped teenage boys improve their hyperactivity and anxiety. 

Yoga helps people gain self-awareness by increasing the mind-body connection and can help those with ADHD slow down their impulsive thoughts and behaviors. 

There are several different types of yoga that can be done at home, including:

• Vinyasa flow: This practice involves moving from one yoga pose to the next without interruption, creating a flow of movement.
• Hatha yoga: This involves breathwork and controlled movement to incorporate both the body and mind.
• Yin yoga: This works on the deepest tissues of your body by asking you to hold yoga poses for long periods of time.

Diet

Having a healthy diet that is high in nutritional foods can help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service recommends keeping a food diary to track what you eat and make a note of the behavior that follows. This can be beneficial in identifying a link between possible foods that may be triggering ADHD symptoms.

If you are considering cutting out certain foods or drinks to help with ADHD, consider speaking with healthcare professionals first, as they can help you identify what your best dietary approach may be.

Therapy

There are two main types of therapy used to support people with ADHD. This includes behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Behavior therapy focuses on several social skills training, habit reversal training, observational learning, and behavior modification. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the other hand, focuses on the thinking behind the behavior, using mindfulness practices to improve thoughts that lead to ADHD behaviors. 

Studies suggest that CBT can help reduce the core symptoms of ADHD, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.  

Neurotherapy

Neurotherapies, such as electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback, may help provide prominent treatments for ADHD. It involves attaching sensors to your head to stimulate and monitor frontal areas of the brain responsible for increased impulsivity management and focus. 

This can allow the doctor to monitor which areas of the brain are triggered when someone with ADHD tries to concentrate and what strategies can be put in place to combat this.

Further research is still needed in order to confirm the effectiveness of neurotherapy for ADHD.

Other treatment options 

There are several other treatment options, such as medication, that can help those with ADHD manage their symptoms. Medication can work by stimulating the cognition and attention parts of the brain and helping with disruptive behaviors and problems with memory.

Examples include:

• methylphenidate (Ritalin)
• amphetamine (Adderall)
• atomoxetine (Strattera)
• guanfacine (Tenex)

A 2022 meta-analysis suggested that these types of drugs may also be able to reduce the risk of injuries associated with ADHD medication, but only as short-term prevention.

It is important to know that ADHD medications can result in side effects such as:

• difficulty sleeping
• depression
• headaches
• nausea
• aggression

If you are taking medication for ADHD and are concerned about any side effects, consider speaking with a healthcare professional.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

When to speak with a doctor

It can be difficult to know when to speak with a healthcare professional about ADHD symptoms.

But if they appear to be chronic or affect your daily functioning and ability to maintain positive relationships with family or friends, it may be time to speak with a doctor. They can help you identify what treatment options may be best.

Summary

ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects a person’s ability to pay attention and manage certain behaviors. It can lead to symptoms such as impulsivity and hyperactivity.

While medication is among the most common treatment options for ADHD, natural remedies can also provide a great way to manage symptoms.

Examples can include:

• diet
• exercise
• yoga

Combining these methods can also help boost their overall effectiveness.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.