Is There a Natural Cure For ADHD?

Physicians regularly have parents show up in their office asking, "Is there a natural cure for ADHD?" Between today's increased use of homeopathic remedies and a growing awareness of the hazards presented by the drugs that parents have depended on for decades, the possibility of a natural cure for ADHD has become an intriguing one.

When it comes to finding a natural cure for ADHD, there is good news and there is bad news. First and foremost, it's vital that parents and educators understand that there is no such thing as a "cure" for ADHD. It is tempting to hope for a "magic pill" that will completely eradicate the disease, but for the moment that pill doesn't exist (although researchers are working on it).

ADHD, however, is a chronic condition.

The good news is that when you are talking about a "cure" as it relates to controlling the symptoms of ADHD, the answer is absolutely yes-there is a natural cure for ADHD. There are many, many non-narcotic ways of treating ADHD and helping patients control their symptoms without the many risks presented by Ritalin, Adderall or any of the other drugs currently prescribed on a daily basis. If you're looking for a natural way to control your child's ADHD, here are a few tips for you to try:

1) Control Your Child's Diet

A healthy diet is the best natural cure for ADHD. A study done by researchers showed that children who were treated with regulated dietary supplements were able to control their ADHD as well as, if not better than, children who were given Ritalin. It's believed that ADHD is closely linked to dietary deficiencies, an inability to properly process glucose and an intolerance to preservatives and artificial colors and flavorings. By eliminating these factors from your child's diet you can immediately help them control their ADHD.

Coincidentally, studies in the University of Adelaide in Australia showed that children with ADHD regularly given fish oil showed tremendous improvement in their control of their symptoms. Grass fed beef and fresh caught fish are great sources of fish oil, and there are numerous effective over the counter fish oils through pharmacies, Wal-Mart, Costco and other providers.

2) Be Sure They Get Plenty of Exercise

Not only is plenty of exercise a great outlet for the pent up energy that plagues children with ADHD, it improves the circulation of blood to the brain and elevates the body's levels of serotonin, making it easier for them to control their ADHD. Thirty to forty five minutes a day or more will go a long way toward helping your child stay in control of their actions and reactions.

3) Spend Some Time Outside

Nature is a great natural cure for ADHD. A study done by researchers at the University of Illinois showed that children with ADHD benefitted greatly from spending time getting back to nature, and that those who spent time in outdoor settings with plenty of greenery showed more progress than those who spent that same amount of time in an area without flora.

4) Accept Them as They Are

Physicians rage about the success of behavior therapy as a natural cure for ADHD, but they miss one of the most vital aspects of that therapy-accepting your ADHD child along with, not in spite of, their disorder. Your love and unconditional acceptance will greatly reduce the stress your children are under, and when they're not stressed out their ability to control their ADHD is much greater.

Unfortunately, scientists have yet to find a natural "cure" for ADHD; however, time, love, attention and the therapies listed above are a great way to start.

For more information on helping your child with ADHD visit the ADHD Survival Guide.