Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder – known better by its acronym, ADHD – affects an estimate of over 50 million people, and is common in children. Characterized by impulsivity, difficulty paying attention, and excessive restless activity, ADHD can be difficult on children and parents. But the good news is that, through therapy, diet and medicine, it can be managed.
But many parents here in Ajax are sceptical of medicine prescribed for ADHD, either of its side effects or its overall efficacy, and that’s why they look to natural medicine as either a replacement or supplement to their child’s traditional ADHD medicine. Using non-invasive, non-toxic treatments natural medicine helps a child with ADHD gain better focus, control impulsivity and become calmer.
The first step, as with anything, is to do some research, and learn about the benefits of seeing a naturopath for your child’s ADHD. Finding a Naturopath here in Ajax will take some looking, but the ones that are here are wonderfully helpful, offering an array of naturopathic services, like botanical medicine, vitamin supplements, homeopathy and acupuncture. A Naturopathic Doctor will treat your child personally – that is, they will resist an easy, catch-all approach and instead delve into the specifics of what might be underlying your child’s ADHD.
This focus on the big picture belies a more preventative approach, one that seeks not just to remedy symptoms, but get to the root of what’s causing those symptoms. It’s the kind of personal approach that, unfortunately, is missing in much of mainstream medicine, which is another reason parents should consider supplementing their child’s traditional medicine with naturopathic treatment as well.
There is solid evidence that diet plays a major role in ADHD symptoms, so one of the first things that a Naturopathic Doctor is likely to do is create a diet for your child. This might include a focus on overall nutrition, or supplemental vitamins and minerals, or it might entail eliminating certain things from your child’s diet. There have studies done that indicate rolling back simple carbs and introducing more omega-3 fatty acids – found in nuts and olive oil, and also in fish and fish oil supplements – help treat ADHD symptoms. There is also good evidence that food additives (such as these nine) and artificial colour are linked with hyperactivity, so a Naturopathic Doctor might suggest eliminating those from your child’s diet.
Of course, ADHD symptoms can vary greatly between people, and you shouldn’t take as gospel anything you read on the internet; you need to look into seeing a naturopath about your child’s specific form of ADHD to properly treat it with natural medicine. According to this study, from BMC psychiatry, a significant number of children overcome or partially overcome symptoms of ADHD as they grow older, and it’s with the help of a number of approaches. If you are treating your child’s ADHD with conventional medicine, it might be time to think about supplementing those efforts with naturopathic medicine. Visit a Naturopathic Doctor here in Ajax to learn more.