More awareness has been coming to this common, yet under-diagnosed chronic condition called ADHD. A condition normally diagnosed to children, it has also been making its mark in the adult population as more ways to test and diagnose become prevalent. While there are medications that can help, holistic treatments can also provide a natural alternative in some cases.
ADHD numbers are as high as almost 10% of children (Ages 2-17 in the USA), and 3% of Adults (Ages 18 +) reporting a diagnosis.1 Typically treated with medication and therapy for related behavioral conditions, one can also consider integrating a natural themed and holistic approach through naturopathy, holistic nutrition, aromatherapy, and meditation practices.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is predominantly characterized by the difficulty to focus on tasks and staying organized.
This creates struggles in life when there is planning and expectations involved. People living with untreated ADHD have difficulties meeting deadlines, partaking in conversations, and it sometimes comes off as if they don’t care.
Medications for ADHD like Adderall and Ritalin are primarily stimulants, with the exception of one called Strattera. These promote chemicals in the brain that encourage focus.
Integrative Therapy or Integrative Medicine is when we choose alternative healing practices to complement, not replace, western medicine, such as our pharmaceutical medications or psychology-based therapy.
For many, this is a great option for improving the results of their standard treatment.
Choosing a holistic approach is for those looking to steer away from pharmaceuticals or want to integrate with their current medications. With treatments targeting different areas of our bodies, we can create feedback to our brains to induce what is needed for improved function.
Treating the mind, body, and soul are the focus of naturopaths. For ADHD, a caring consideration is given to factors such as diet, naturally stimulating the senses, and being able to create a state of calmness.
A 2016 clinical research has shown the impact of food choices on ADHD. In particular, how the integration and elimination of certain foods can adjust symptoms of ADHD, alongside standard treatments.
The results of this particular study shed light on the importance of fatty acids. Low circulation of fatty acids is prevalent in those with ADHD. Including foods into your diet such as small fish can help increase omega-3, and therefore begin to alter associated symptoms.
Part of the discussion is also the importance of leaving out processed foods that often contain manufactured dyes. This is because of the connection to food sensitivities in our bodies that can often trigger more irritations that may affect our cognitive focus and ability.
For many people, aromatherapy can be beneficial for putting emotions in check and lifting energy levels. It is a great way to stimulate the senses, releasing hormones that help improve focus and relaxation. A great routine addition for children in behavioral therapy for ADHD.
Someone living with ADHD can find a boost by using a citrus scent like orange to energize through the day. Then a night, they can settle down with soothing lavender.
As a complementary treatment, aromatherapy can also target secondary symptoms of ADHD. A prime example of a symptom is the anxiety that builds up from putting off a project.
When it comes to focusing, there are two typical behaviors for someone with ADHD. Either it is hard to keep attention, or it is so exciting it’s hard to hold back. This often leads to interruptions and forgetting what the others have said.
This is where a meditation or pranayama practice can produce results. Meditation and pranayama exercises require attention to the self in the current moment without drifting thoughts.
One 2015 report of studies on mindfulness meditation including children, teens, and adults living with ADHD shows promising results, specifically in teens and adults (Age 13 – 18+). In many cases, participants were able to report better management skills when it came to attention and regulating their emotions.
Many people don’t want to rely on their medication alone to regulate their ADHD symptoms. Studies are constantly being conducted and reviewed on the efficacy of holistic treatments for ADHD.
The use of these holistic methods as integrative therapy with medication is proving to be a realistic option to further evolve ADHD symptoms into manageable behaviors.
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