10 Natural Tips to Help Improve ADHD in Children
Helpful recommendations for families dealing with ADHD
- Turn off the TV and limit video games. This avoids excessive visual stimulation and increases the chance that your child will engage in normal, healthy activities that will improve physical function and also expend excess energy.
- Ignore anyone who tells you that chemical additives in foods cannot affect ADHD. Numerous studies indicate that artificial flavors, colors, and other additives can increase aggression and hyperactive behavior in some children—and there’s certainly not one study suggesting they are good for anyone!
- Try to keep blood sugar levels steady—avoid sweets and provide nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day.
- Eliminate yeasty foods. For more information see Yeast and ADHD.
- Use a Six- to-One rule—Every time you must criticize your ADHD child, find six reasons to provide compliments that day (If you’re like most parents, the balance is just the opposite!) Psychologists suggest that many children need several positive remarks to counteract the effect of criticism.
- Try to discover if there are foods your child may be sensitive to, and eliminate them from the diet.
- Consult a physician or nutritionist specializing in ADHD to recommend specific nutrient supplements for your child. New information clearly supports this approach.
- Consider non-drug treatments including EEG biofeedback, craniosacral therapy, or homeopathy.
- Rule out potential visual issues. In addition to traditional eye examinations, look into Scotopic Sensitivity and Developmental Optometry on our site for help in this area.
- Allergies and toxic chemicals can negatively impact the central nervous system. Try to detect and eliminate allergens such as dust, mold, and inhalants. Consider a high quality air filter in the home if there seems to be an allergy connection. Substitute scented products with unscented ones, and avoid traditional pesticides.
