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How to Naturally Treat ADHD

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(12 Ratings)

Every year, more and more adults and children are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Most of the pharmaceutical treatments for ADHD are expensive, so it's important that people evaluate cheaper ways to treat the condition naturally.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

    Learn to Naturally Treat ADHD

  1. Step 1

    Take fish oil supplements. These pills are taken daily with a meal. Fish oil is believed to naturally increase attention spans and the ability to concentrate. Be sure to take a breath mint after you take fish oil--it's known to make your breath smell like the bay at low tide.

  2. Step 2

    Look for supplements called Pycnogenol. These supplements are made from French pine bark extracts and are often used to treat ADHD naturally. They are not widely available in stores yet, so you may have to buy them online.

  3. Step 3

    Increase your caffeine intake. This compound is the natural component of many well-known ADHD medicines. The stimulation of caffeine provides a temporary boost in your ability to focus. Try drinking tea or coffee in the morning and early afternoon.

  4. Step 4

    Eat some ginkgo leaf compounds. These leaves are common ingredients in many Eastern foods and drinks. They are also available as supplements at most drug stores. Ginkgo increases the blood flow and metabolism of your brain, two important factors in treating ADHD naturally.

  5. Step 5

    Take green oats pills. These seeds can provide a stimulating effect similar to that of caffeine, but it's not as intense or prolonged.

  6. Step 6

    Drink chamomile tea if your ADHD makes you very restless. This tea can calm the body's nervous system and help naturally treat the fidgety symptoms of ADHD.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be sure that you take all of your food allergies into account when choosing a way to treat ADHD naturally. Some supplements will cause allergic reactions.
  • Most supplements will require a loading period before you feel any benefits. This period can be as long as 2 months. Don't be discouraged if you don't get results quickly.
  • Chamomile makes some people very sleepy. It might not be the best way to start your day, but it can help calm you at the end of it.
  • If you develop and allergic reaction or experience side effects from a supplement, stop taking it immediately and see your doctor.
  • If you have an allergy to shellfish, fish oil supplements will likely cause an allergic reaction.
  • Be careful about drinking too much caffeine. The stimulation of caffeine can last for up to 8 hours, so you might have trouble sleeping if you have some too late in the day. Caffeine can also dehydrate your body and cause other unwelcome side effects if you have too much of it.

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