Alternative ADHD Therapy - Is This Better Than Taking ADHD Drugs?

Much is known about the side effects that are brought about by ADHD medications. Consequently, more people are turning to alternative methods, such as various alternative ADHD therapies, in addressing the symptoms of the disorder. However, despite the growing number of people using alternative treatments, this question still lingers in the minds of some people: Is ADHD therapy better than taking ADHD drugs?

To answer this question, let us first look at the advantages of taking ADHD medications.

For years, drugs used in the treatment of ADHD such as Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall have been proven effective in alleviating the symptoms of ADHD. This is why doctors still use these medications despite the known side effects that go along with these drugs. Doctors believe that although many side effects can occur from the intake of ADHD medications, patients can still obtain more advantages from it than disadvantages. The most important thing to do so that the disadvantages will not outweigh the number of advantages that patients obtain from medications is to maintain close communication with the doctor and to report any unpleasant behavior or side effect that may occur while taking the drug.

Now, let us take a look at the advantages of using an ADHD therapy other than the usual medications.

People who have used alternative treatments for ADHD have reported positive results after using these methods. Alternative treatments have been said to work out well for some patients, although results can be seen only after some time of regular use. The best thing about using alternative treatments such as diet therapy, behavioral therapy, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, and cognitive therapy is that they have no side effects on the patients - be it children, teenagers, or adults. Therefore, there is no need to worry that the patient may be in danger of another set of discomforting experiences. Moreover, ADHD therapy may be considerably less expensive than prescription medications.

Although ADHD therapy is not yet widely used by doctors in the treatment of ADHD, a patient or parents of the patient can discuss with the doctor the use of natural treatments as an alternative to conventional treatment. The doctor may then devise a treatment plan without the use of medications. If the doctor is not open to discussing alternative treatments, a parent or patient can proceed with a trial of an alternative treatment themselves, although it is a good idea to keep the doctor appraised of progress.

Patients and parents can choose from the different natural treatment methods. Some may go for diet therapy, homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, or they could opt to choose homeopathic remedies like Focus, BrightSpark or Attend. These have been proven by many to be effective and safe.

Although perhaps you have read many articles discussing the effectiveness of alternative therapy, the best way to know if it is really better than taking medications is to try it yourself. It is always different when you only heard it from other people than when you have tried and experienced it yourself. Go ask your doctor or your child's doctor of the alternative treatment that can be best for you or your love one. But it pays to be open to alternative methods regardless of your doctor's willingness to use them. By doing so you will begin to discover the answer to this question: Can ADHD therapy be better than taking ADHD drugs?

An ADHD Diet Therapy Can Really Help!

Bringing home your tiny bundle of joy, many parents never think about the possibility of dealing with ADHD. But for parents and children diagnosed with this problem, the challenges of ADHD can frustrate and overwhelm. As questions arise about the best treatment from doctors, many quickly assume that parents will want the easy way, with a prescription. Many parents are concerned about the long-term affects , however, and have found that there are alternative therapies through ADHD diet therapy and herbal supplements.

DIET and ADHD

Diet and behavior has been studied as a possible factor in ADHD in children, as well as the cause for other behavior problems, since the early 1970's. Some parents have found that by keeping the diet remedies for ADHD children through an additive free diet that the results have been nearly as good or better than drug treatment. Modifying diet is a good first step to take before resorting to medication.

Since some children's behavior is triggered by different dietary factors, finding the culprit can be tricky. Keeping a food journal and eliminating certain trigger foods through the "elimination diet" is the most effective way to find out what foods are causing problems and finding diet remedies for ADHD for your child. ADHD is not the only problem from food triggers; behavior problems - including autism - as well as sleep problems and irritability - have also shown improvement from the elimination diet.

ELIMINATION DIET HOW TO

When searching for diet remedies for ADHD, read up on the common triggers. Make your child's meal plans for a week while withholding the suspected trigger. Chart behavior changes and attention over the course of the week, since it often takes time for the allergen or trigger to work itself out of the child's system. Teachers and care providers are going to have to be on board to get accurate results!

Common triggers include food dyes - this includes dyes found in medicines, drinks, food products, candy - dyes are a non-essential part of the child's dietary needs. Other common foods that can trigger reactions are dairy products, particularly cow's milk, sugar and artificial sweeteners, processed meats and fried foods.

Once you are ready to add the foods back into the diet, add one type of food every two days, and watch for behavior changes. After it is determined that the food is not a cause, it can be added back into the regular diet.

HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS

ADHD diet therapy can be used in conjunction with herbal supplements to maximize results. Both children and adults have seen positive response when using herbal treatments. These are common items, easy to find.

Ginkgo Biloba is known to improve blood flow to the brain, thus improving memory and concentration. Combining this with American Ginseng has been shown to help symptoms of ADHD in children in several studies. St. John's Wort is another popular treatment. It has been used for years as an anti-depressant, by increasing serotonin (which affects mood).

Grape Seed Extract is another popular treatment, becoming more common as a first line of defense by doctors. Grape Seed Extract is believed to inhibit the faster than normal breakdown of dopamine in the brain for ADHD patients.

Pine Bark, also called Pycnogenol, is a complex of flavanoids that increases circulation and lowers free radicals. This is a potentially good treatment up and coming in the herbal remedies available for treating children with ADHD.

Finding the right ADHD diet therapy for your child is not an overnight magic pill . It takes time and persistence, but many parents and teachers will testify that diet remedies for ADHD combined with alternative therapies such as herbal remedies and extended behavior modification, that there is hope! Your child can be the focused and attentive child you want - well, as much as any child can be! By using ADHD diet therapy, you are keeping your child from the risks of associated drug risks.