Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is most common among children, but it may continue into adulthood. Treatment for this condition often focuses on medicine and stimulants. Most people never consider natural supplements as an alternative.

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Natural Supplement Treatments for ADHD

Some natural supplements do help with managing ADHD. They form the basis of conventional ADHD medicine. Following is an overview of natural supplement treatments for ADHD.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids6

Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is necessary for the brain’s health. People who have ADHD have low levels of DHA, so taking Omega-3 fatty acids helps. Omega-3 fatty acids are also rich in dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with happiness and relaxation.

Mayo Clinic and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health have officially reported that Omega-3 fatty acids help with ADHD. Studies, however, are mixed about the supplement’s efficacy.

• Vitamins C and D

Adults who have ADHD often have low amounts of vitamins C and D. These vitamins are essential for the brain’s optimal performance, as well as for the production of vital hormones. Natural supplements help minimize symptoms such as impulsivity, albeit dismally.

• Zinc

Zinc helps the body absorb minerals and vitamins necessary for the brain’s optimal performance. Mayo Clinic reports that zinc helps with some of ADHD’s symptoms, including hyperactivity and impulsivity. Zinc supplements, however, are only recommended for patients at a high risk of zinc deficiency.

• Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency not only slows down mental performance, but also actively induces conditions such as a short attention span, confusion, and irritability. These conditions make ADHD worse, and these conditions seem to ease after patients take their magnesium supplements.

There are no studies on how magnesium supplements help with ADHD. Physicians also recommend these supplements only for people at a high risk of deficiency as magnesium is toxic in high doses.

• Iron

Iron helps with the production of norepinephrine and dopamine, which help better manage stress and emotions. A study conducted in 2012 links iron deficiency to mental disorders among young adults. These disorders are thought to be more pronounced among young adults who have ADHD.

Iron supplements, however, are only recommended for people suffering from extreme iron deficiency. It can be toxic in high doses.

 

 

Shortcomings of ADHD Supplements

ADHD is a chronic condition that takes time and a multi-pronged approach to treatment. It is, as such, not advisable to place too much hope on natural supplements. They are only recommended as an alternative to conventional medicine.

Natural ADHD supplements do help, but they have several shortcomings:

• Insufficient Background Research

There is insufficient information on exactly how natural supplements help treat ADHD. Most of the studies are based on the usual benefits of these supplements, most of which overlap with ADHD symptoms.

• Indefinite Timeframe

ADHD starts from childhood and can progress into adulthood, which makes time an essential factor for treatment. Physicians can estimate how long conventional medicine may take to work under certain conditions, but research on the working timeframe for natural supplements is inconclusive.

• Limited Efficiency

Natural supplements are just that: supplements. They are not as strong or as efficient as conventional medicine. Their effects are mild at best and take more time to take effect compared to conventional medicine.

• Mild Side Effects

Natural supplements may also have mild side-effects in some patients. The nature and intensity of side effects depend on the patient’s physiology and related factors, such as any additional medication. Taking some of these supplements in high doses is also dangerous.

 

 

Best ADHD Supplements Practices

The limited capability of shortcomings, combined with their potential for side effects, makes it necessary to exercise caution when using them. Physicians recommend taking the following measures to make the most use of these supplements and stay safe doing it:

• Consult Your Physician

Natural supplements come with some mild side effects, as mentioned. They may also give a negative reaction when used together with some conventional medicine. As such, it is recommended to consult your physician before committing to a regimen of supplements.

Periodic appointments are also recommended to follow up on the effects of these supplements. Patients should not ignore any unusual changes, especially during the first stages of using supplements.

• Combine with Conventional Medicine

Natural supplements may not work well with some medicines, but they may help boost these medications’ efficiency in some cases. For example, natural supplements work well with cognitive behavioral therapy.

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ADHD is Manageable

ADHD is not easy to cope with, but it is manageable and treatable. Adults who have ADHD shouldn’t be afraid to take hold of proven remedies. Unfortunately, natural supplements are often overlooked, despite their proven benefits against ADHD symptoms.

Natural supplements are safe. And, while they are not as effective as conventional medicine, their effects build up over time and help with the patients’ overall health. If you have ADHD concerns, it’s always better to consult a mental health professional first. Schedule an appointment with mangoclinic.com today.