How to Help ADHD Symptoms in Children

You may have come across the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD) in children who you know or are related to. These  are neurological and behavior-related conditions that cause difficulty in concentrating as well as impulsiveness and excessive energy.

• Those with ADHD symptoms can have a challenge in concentrating as well as perhaps sitting still. 
• Those with ADHD can be more disruptive than those with ADD.
• Although we think about children having these disorders, they are  not solely confined to them.  Adults can be affected too.

ADHD often has an onset age of seven years but can continue through the teen years and into adulthood.  It is estimated that ADHD affects nine percent of American children between the ages of thirteen and eighteen as well as over four percent of adults. 

Sadly, the number of children being diagnosed with ADHD is increasing. 

What are the signs and symptoms of ADHD?

The severity of symptoms can vary greatly from individual to individual, depending on environment, diet and other factors. 

Children may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms of ADHD/ADD:

• Difficulty in concentrating and diminished focus
• Easily distracted
• Easily bored
• Difficulty organizing or completing tasks
• Prone to losing things
• Tending not to listen
• Difficulty in following instructions
• Fidgety behavior, squirming
• Extreme difficulty being still and/or keeping quiet
• Impatience

Remember if the symptoms appear at school but not at home or vice versa, then ADHD is not the problem. 

What is thought to cause ADHD?

Most physicians and research indicate the increase in ADHD is directly linked to the food that children eat, how they sleep and even how they breath. 

Recent research has suggested that sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm disturbances and sleep-disordered breathing (including mouth breathing) may lead to ADHD-like symptoms.

Other studies point to a genetic link.

In addition, there are environmental factors, and dietary concerns that many researchers believe increase the risk and in many cases, worsen the symptoms.

Refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and chemical food additives, nutritional deficiencies, preservatives and food allergies are all  possible causes of ADD/ADHD.

In children, a partial cause is related to a lack of interest or forcing children to learn in a manner to which they are not geared to learn. Some children learn better by seeing or doing, rather than by hearing.  

How to help with the symptoms of ADHD?

The most common treatment of ADD/ADHD today is the use of  pharmaceutical medications (examples are Ritalin and Adderall).  Unfortunately, both of have been linked to suicidal thoughts and personality changes.

Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant, that can cause nervousness, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, vomiting, an increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and even psychosis. 

Adderall is an amphetamine that is highly addictive with prolonged use. Side effects include tremors, hallucinations, muscle twitches, high blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeats, and extreme mood swings. 

With such worrying side effects, it is easy to see why parents and others affected look for more natural remedies...

Here are five suggested supplements 

1.  Omega-3 supplements are said to help ADHD patients with their brain function and anti-inflammatory benefits.  In addition, there can be a reduction in symptoms and improved learning.

2.  B-Complex (50 milligrams daily) especially vitamin B6  as these can help with the formation of serotonin.

3.  Multi-Mineral Supplement (including zinc, magnesium and calcium) in as these play a role in relaxing the nervous system.  If there is a deficiency in these minerals, it may exacerbate ADHD symptoms. 

4.  A good quality probiotic taken daily can be helpful in maintaining intestinal health as ADHD may be connected to digestive issues.

5. GABA which is a calming amino acid.  It can interact with other medications so checking with your doctor is advisable.

A further suggestion is the use of Rhodiola Rosea which can be effective at improving the focus of both adults and children, increasing the sensitivity in the neurological and nervous system that produce serotonin and dopamine - essential for effective ADHD symptom control. Obviously we recommend adding supplements with your medical professional's input.

Checking the diet

• Include whenever and wherever possible, unprocessed, whole foods as additives including artificial sweeteners, preservatives and colorings (that exist in processed foods) may be especially problematic for those with ADD/ADHD.
• Include foods high in B-Vitamins as these help to maintain a healthy nervous system - examples are leafy green vegetables, wild tuna and salmon, grass-fed beef, bananas.
• Include a good breakfast as this helps the body properly regulate blood sugar and stabilize hormone fluctuations.  Eat a breakfast that contains at least 20 grams of protein.

But avoiding these foods as much as possible

• Sugar 
• Gluten
• Conventional dairy 
• Food coloring and dyes 
• Caffeine 
• Additives MSG and HVP 
• Nitrites 
• Artificial Sweeteners 
• Soy 
• Personal food sensitivities/allergens.  This means eliminating the top seven allergens (including soy, wheat, conventional dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and shellfish. In addition, eliminate any foods or beverages that are personal allergens.

Helpful lifestyle changes for parents to make

Show affection (and ask for it too).  If parents only respond to negative behaviors, it can trigger more negative behaviors in children.  Find ways to compliment your child while holding them accountable for their actions.

Provide opportunities for Success.  If you can engage them in creative activities such as painting and sketching.  Suggestions include “quick sketch” competitions that force artists to provide their best work in 30 to 45 minutes. Celebrate your child’s focus and creative spirit in these types of challenges.

Regular physical exercise and outdoor playtime.  Burning some of the excess energy of the day can help to balance hormone levels and provide them with the building blocks for healthy bones and muscles.

Create a child-friendly organizational system.  This will help them to prioritize tasks including schoolwork, home chores, exercise and fun activities.

Teach your child to cook.  It can be very helpful for your child to learn what foods cause ADD/ADHD and which ones can help it. Engage them in the menu planning and cooking process - and the dietary changes recommended in this post above could be easier to implement.

Establish healthy sleep patterns.  Help your child establish a nighttime routine that involves sticking to the same bedtime and wake-up time every day.

Avoid Mouth Breathing.  Some research studies have found that those who habitually breath through the mouth are more likely than those who breath through the nose to have ADHD and sleep disorders because of a difference in oxygen load in the brain, which can adversely affect brain function.  In addition, mouth breathing causes an increased oxygen load to the prefrontal cortex, thereby causing central fatigue and sleep disturbances. Impulsive behaviors around the clock are deemed to have ADHD and, if not dealt with properly, the symptoms can continue well into adulthood.

Conclusion...