15 Natural Remedies for ADHD Suitable for Kids and Adults

child with adhd caption home remedies

Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera and Dexamphetamine are all big money items for the monster pharmaceutical industry, but they are also doing as much, if not more, harm than good. Seeking natural remedies for ADHD suitable for kids and adults is a viable alternative, but first, let’s explore the probably causes of ADHD.

A definitive cause for ADHD has not been specifically identified. Theories suggest that ADHD’s root cause stems from factors related to:

  • Heredity;
  • Exposure to toxic substances during fetal development;
  • Brain trauma during fetal development or during the birthing process;

What is known about ADHD is that, for some reason, damage or malformation of the frontal lobe of the brain causes it to not function properly in relation to what are termed executive functions. Processes like inhibition, working memory, planning, self-monitoring, verbal regulation, motor control, maintaining and changing mental set, and emotional regulation are restricted.

Though natural remedies for ADHD treatment might be safer, they are not all inclusive, severe cases might require greater attention from a health care provider. Additionally, be aware that dosages and amounts of certain remedies are different for kids and adults.

15 Natural Remedies for ADHD Suitable for Kids and Adults

Behavioral Therapy

Though ADHD is not a behavioral problem, behavioral therapy has been added to our list of natural remedies for ADHD.

What to do:

  • Contact a licensed therapist who is specifically trained in handling ADHD behavioral challenges.
  • Learn and apply coping strategies to overcome the executive function deficiencies associated with ADHD.

How it works:Both children and adults can benefit from being able to effectively deal with the behavioral functions that are connected to ADHD.

two stones on top of eachother

Go Outside

Joining nature where she lives is a great addition to natural remedies for ADHD.

What to do:

  • Spend 20 minutes engaged in some activity out of doors.
  • Make a habit of going outdoors 2 or 3 times a day.
  • Seek greenery and nature setting for the greatest effect.

How it works:A number of studies indicate that outdoor play for children and outdoor activities for adults significantly improves ADHD symptoms.

Yoga or Tai Chi

Another of the natural remedies for ADHD is the regular practice of tai chi or yoga.

What to do:

  • Enroll in a yoga or tai chi class or study them using videos.
  • Get into a habit of practicing these arts for 20 to 30 minutes daily.
  • Combine them with going outdoors for added benefits.

How it works:Research indicates that ADHD patients, especially males, who practice either tai chi or yoga, significantly reduce the effects of ADHD symptoms.

Avoid Potential Allergens

Though allergens are not a specific cause, avoiding them as one of the natural remedies for ADHD can help improve ADHD symptoms.

What to do:

  • Learn about the allergens that tend to exacerbate ADHD.
  • Experiment with potential allergen to see what effect they have on the ADHD sufferer in your home.
  • You can also be tested in a clinic for allergic reactions.

How it works:Learning which food allergies tend toward worsening the effects of ADHD can help you avoid those foods and decrease your symptoms.

Avoid Food Coloring and Preservatives in Diet

Though hyperactivity is not the only major symptom of ADHD, helping to reduce its effects by avoiding certain food colorings and preservatives in your diet is an important addition to the natural remedies for ADHD.

What to do:

  • Learn which food colorings and preservatives have the most negative effects on ADHD.
  • Alter your diet in order to eliminate foods that contain those ADHD triggers.

How it works:Studies have indicated that certain food colorings and preservatives add to hyperactivity, which can become a controlling factor of ADHD symptoms.

Vitamin B

A diet rich in B vitamins is another of the most promising natural remedies for ADHD.

What to do:

  • Learn which foods are rich in B vitamins, especially vitamin B6.
  • Increase consumption of these foods on a daily basis.
  • Consider the addition of a daily vitamin B complex supplement.

How it works:B vitamins help enhance nervous system function as well as regulate the production of brain chemicals that are essential to proper brain function.

Protein Consumption

Eating protein is another of the best natural remedies for ADHD.

What to do:

  • Add more beef, pork and game meat to your diet.
  • Consume more turkey and chicken regularly.
  • Consider loading up on seeds like: pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, sesame, sunflower and flax.
  • Also increase your consumption of nuts such as: pistachios, cashews and almonds.

How it works:The amino acid, tryptophan, found in these foods aids in the production of serotonin, which has a significant effect on mood, impulse control and aggression.

Cold Water Fish

Another of the natural remedies for ADHD is the addition of cold water fish into your diet.

What to do:

  • Cold water fish include: wild caught salmon, halibut, cod, mackerel and tuna.
  • Increase your consumption of these foods on a weekly basis.
  • Consider a daily supplement of krill oil.

How it works:Deficiencies in omega 3 fatty acids, in those suffering from ADHD, tend to lead to more learning and behavioral issues.

Eat Breakfast

At first glance, this seems to be a rather strange addition to our natural remedies for ADHD, but eating breakfast does have its merits.

What to do:

  • Make it a regular habit to eat breakfast on a daily basis.
  • Include, at least, 20 grams of protein with the meal.

How it works:Studies indicate that eating breakfast helps to regulate both blood sugar levels and stabilize hormone fluctuations. The balance of these two functions has a significant effect on ADHD symptoms.

poached eggs breakfast

Avoid MSG, Nitrites and Artificial Sweeteners

Again, chemical additives do not cause ADHD, but reducing or eliminating their consumption as one of a combination of natural remedies for ADHD can produce significant results.

What to do:

  • Look for MSG or HVP on labels and avoid foods containing them.
  • Reduce your consumption of lunch meats and canned meats, which tend to include nitrites.
  • Stay away from artificial sweeteners like: Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet, NatraTaste Blue), Sucralose (Splenda), Acesulfame K (ACE K, Sunette, Equal Spoonful, Sweet One, Sweet ‘n Safe) and Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low, Sweet Twin).

How it works:MSG tends to upset levels of dopamine, which controls pleasure and reward response. Nitrites increase heart rate, difficulty breathing and restlessness. Artificial sweeteners harm emotional balance and cognitive function.

Avoid Soy

Though you might have to do your homework to truly avoid soy in your diet, doing so is one of the best natural remedies for ADHD on the list.

What to do:

How it works:Soy causes the disruption of the production of hormones that can help regulate cognitive and behavioral functions in the brain.

Wheat Grass

A super-food added to our list of natural remedies for ADHD is wheatgrass.

What to do:

  • Wheatgrass juice or powder can be added to a smoothie.
  • Protein shakes are also enhanced by its addition.
  • 1 Tbsp wheatgrass powder can be added to oatmeal.
  • Vegetable soup is also another great place to include wheatgrass powder or juice.

How it works:All nine of the essential amino acids are found in wheatgrass. Additionally, chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals are abundant in wheatgrass. All of these nutrients help support hormone balance and proper brain function.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A miracle solution on almost all home remedies lists, apple cider vinegar certainly belongs on a list of natural remedies for ADHD.

What to do:

  • Make sure to choose natural, organic apple cider vinegar to get the most benefit.
  • Add 1 to 2 Tbsp to a glass of water.
  • Drink 20 minutes before each meal.

How it works:Though their association is not fully understood, ADHD sufferers also tend to suffer from poor digestion. The probiotic effects of apple cider vinegar can help relieve those issues and help your body to absorb the beneficial nutrients that enhance hormone balance and cognitive function.

Herbal Tea

A soothing cup of herbal tea is another necessary addition to our natural remedies for ADHD.

What to do:

  • Turn off the heat after boiling a cup of water.
  • Allow the water to cool for a minute or so.
  • Add 3 tsp dry chamomile flowers, spearmint or lemon grass.
  • Cover and steep 10 minutes.
  • Strain and sip this tea before bedtime.

How it works:One of the issues of ADHD sufferers is failure to be able to fall asleep or sleeping soundly. Lack of sleep worsens the effects of ADHD.

Ginseng & Ginkgo Biloba

A combination of these two herbs, ginseng and ginkgo biloba are essential elements to our list of natural remedies for ADHD.

What to do:

  • Safe dosages of ginkgo biloba range from 120 mg per day to 600 mg per day for adults and between 30 and 100 mg per day for children.
  • Dosages of American ginseng up to 200 mg daily for adults or children
  • If necessary, start at a lower dose in the beginning and increase over the space of a few weeks until you reach the desired effect.

How it works:The combination of ginseng and ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to the brain, boosts neurotransmitter levels and aerobic glucose metabolism in the brain. They also aid in nerve growth in under-developed brain regions typical with ADHD sufferers.

ginseng in a box

Supporting Those with ADHD

It is important to support those with ADHD just as much as it is for them to take natural home remedies. It can be sensitive and sometimes hard to be in relationship with those who struggle, but being in a relationship at all is hard, and even with us! There are certain steps you can take to care for those you love who struggle in this area, and we want to walk you through how below. 

1. Learn Your Stuff

Getting educated on what it means to suffer from ADHD is one of the most helpful things you can do. Not feeding into the things others have told you or what culture classifies ADHD as can be a loving act. Just like anything else we do not personally struggle with, we need to ask questions and learn how to listen well to those who are living the experiences. 

2. Be Encouraging

When you are struggling with a disorder that touches every aspect of your life, it can begin to sink into your brain that you are not enough. That you are flawed in a way no one else is. That you cannot be understood or loved fully. You can combat these lies those with low self esteem who have ADHD can believe by pointing out all the good things, all the strengths, and all the unique qualities that make your loved one with ADHD so incredible. Remind them as much as you can that they are so much more than this disorder.

3. Be Patient

There is nothing more loving and encouraging than choosing to remain calm time after time, when it would be reasonable to be frustrated. Remember that your loved one with ADHD is likely much more frustrated and embarrassed than you when they are not completing a task in time, or are struggling to learn or to focus. Being patient proves to them that you are in this for the long haul, and plan to be there every step of the way cheering them on. 

4. Be Kind

This point goes hand in hand with being patient, but it needs to be said on its own. Being kind means realizing that those with ADHD may need some added care and uplifting words instead of critiques. Remember that they are trying their best and if they are not doing great in certain areas, there is a way to lovingly communicate that to where change will be effective and your relationship will not be harmed. 

5. Learn what Works 

Be willing to ask what makes your ADHD inflicted loved one feel understood and heard. Maybe set a schedule or write down important details. Maybe set times to talk about valuable information, since they may be able to zone in at certain times of the day than others. Figure out as a team what works best for you both when it comes to communication, understanding, and action, especially if you are in a romantic relationship with your ADHD loved one. 

Final Thoughts

The dangerous effects of narcotics and other toxic drugs that include a host of harmful side effects may not be necessary for controlling ADHD in some cases. These 15 natural remedies for ADHD suitable for kids and adults can help ADHD sufferers gain control of their condition without the dangerous risks.

Images from depositphotos.com and pixabay.com.