ADHD

ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder

This information is not intended to replace appropriate professional advice. Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription medications.

Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can face unique challenges including the struggle to fit in and be accepted. This can impact their self-esteem and overall wellbeing. The following suggestions, introduced gradually, may be helpful.

Balanced Alkaline / Acid Diet

6-10 (depending on age) glasses of filtered or spring water. Tap water contains multiple trace chemicals that can cause a sensitivity, such as chlorine which destroys healthy gut flora that can impact on mental health.

Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming. The most healthful, alkalizing foods are fruits, vegetables, raw seeds and nuts. Studies link agitation, hyperactivity, and loss of concentration with over-acidity.

Use mainly organic foods, especially those listed on the Environmental Working Groups dirty dozen (updated yearly). Studies find children regularly exposed to pesticides in their diet are at a higher risk of developing ADHD.
Modest quantities of high quality protein are important from lean meats, eggs, legumes and beans. They balance blood sugar and provide necessary building blocks for neurotransmitters.
Use only whole grains and avoid wheat unless sprouted.
Fermented foods improve mood and can reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Avoid additives, preservatives, artificial colouring, sugar, & deep fried food.

A chart is available here to help you plan a more alkalizing diet. When body chemistry is too acidic elimination of waste is impaired. Acidic material ends up stored in body tissue causing inflammation and imbalance.

Supplements – Elevate Nutrition from Adequate to Optimum

Bio-Strath – a fermented wholefood source of B vitamins and multiple other vital nutrients. European studies show a significant improvement in concentration after just a few weeks of use.
Vitamin C – boosts immunity, protects cells, and reduces feelings of anxiety.
Vitamin D – anti-inflammatory, a lack is associated with depression.
Magnesium – improves sleep quality and mental health, induces relaxation.
Essential fatty acids – improves cognitive function and promotes overall health.
Probiotics – can significantly improve symptoms of ADHD.

Special Care for Adults and Children OVER 12

These remedies may be suitable for younger children, but a natural health care practitioner should be consulted. Try one or more of the following for 1-2 months and assess their impact, then use as needed.

Panax ginseng – in studies, ginseng has been shown to increase concentration, improve memory, and reduce inaccuracy.
Pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) – reduces hyperactivity, improves attention, helps normalize stress hormones and dopamine levels.
Glutamine – needed for production of the neurotransmitter glutamate. A deficiency is associated with ADHD. Also helpful for digestive problems.

Homeopathic remedies can address specific symptoms or behaviours. Ask one of our staff to assist in choosing an appropriate remedy.

Children Under 12

Young children will benefit from all the diet and lifestyle suggestions. A natural health care professional can be a guide to the use of homeopathic and herbal remedies. They approach treatments from a holistic perspective taking into account the mental and emotional wellbeing of each child.

Concentration and Rhythmic Breathing

These practices fill a gap in our busy, hurried, and sometimes harried lives! That gap is a need for intervals of rest and inner quiet. Families may benefit from practicing together. It creates a unifying force that can be felt by all participants.

Concentration – choose a nearby object and examine it carefully. Close your eyes and, keeping your attention focused on the object, visualize all the detail you can remember – colour, shape, size, texture, etc. One or two minutes a few times each day really does strengthen your concentration muscles!
Rhythmic breathing – sit comfortably (some people get dizzy at first so go slowly). Make sure your spine is straight and there is no pressure on your lungs. Some people do best to hold their hands in the prayer position as shown.
Gently draw air in through the nose and fill your lungs all the way down to your belly. Hold for 2-3 seconds then steadily exhale until your lungs are fully emptied. Find a comfortable rhythm. Two or three breaths is enough for your first try. Gradually work up to 10 twice a day or anytime you need to recharge and relax.
With practice, you can access that quiet space anytime, anywhere – your private refuge when things get stressful.

Nature Therapy

Individuals with ADHD, with their ultrasensitive natures, can be profoundly affected by time spent in nature. The Earth continuously emits a negatively charged ionic field that promotes healing and calm. Spend some quiet time each day in nature just noticing smells, colours, sounds, etc. Let them fill you with the harmony that is all around us.

Artistic Expression as Therapy

Unique people are often highly gifted and creative, whether it’s drawing, painting, storytelling, dancing, or acting out a scene from a play. Allow lots of time for creative expression and appreciation of your unique gifts.

Final Thoughts

Keep a journal to honour your feelings and track your progress. Make it a game and challenge yourself to the discipline of as many of these suggestions as possible.

Limit online and cellphone use. Excessive exposure to these “modern day conveniences” is harmful to everyone, and particularly detrimental to vulnerable individuals.

For adults (18 and over) we recommend an annual or biannual cleanse. A cleanse allows the body to eliminate accumulated waste that may cause other health problems down the road. People often enjoy a heightened state of mental clarity at the end of a cleanse.

Finally, it is quite possible through proper diet, correct supplementation, fresh air and exercise, rhythmic breathing, and the practice of inner contentment, to enjoy extraordinary health on every level!

Many customers experience improved health and wellbeing in multiple ways. We hope you will too!

*Revised September 2024

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