The phrases “ADHD” and “medication” go hand-in-hand. Usually, the word “medication” is replaced with a particular brand, such as Ritalin or Adderall. After hearing about some of the side effects of the medications, you may be seeking more homeopathic options. Here are some holistic treatments for ADHD:
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Improving Your Diet
Believe it or not, your diet has a huge impact on your ability to focus. A healthy, nutritional diet can also reduce restlessness, decrease insomnia, keep bowel movements more regular – which are some of the symptoms of ADHD.
Make sure you’re drinking the recommended amount of water each day. Dehydration affects cognition more than anything else. It’s important to drink enough water to keep your urine clear, but if you’re having a hard time keeping track this way, drink 64 oz of water each day.
You can also see positive impacts on your symptoms after decreasing your sugar intake and increasing certain vitamins and minerals, such as fish oil and ginseng.
Exercising (More)
“More” is in parentheses because we find that many of our clients don’t have an exercise routine at all. It’s easy to get wrapped up in work and parenting and hobbies (if you have time for those), and cast exercise by the wayside. Working out at least twice a week though, for 30-minute intervals, can reduce your restlessness and fidgetiness over time.
If you’re already exercising, but you find that you’re still experiencing severe symptoms of ADHD, try some of these workouts:
- Medicine ball slam
- Core workouts (planks, crunches, etc.)
- Cardio
- Boxing
- Team sports
Working out the right part of your body can greatly decrease symptoms of your ADHD.
Changing Your Sedentary Lifestyle
This one is really important – more than people realize. Improving your diet and exercising regularly will decrease the severity of your ADHD symptoms and improve your overall health, but those things might not have the impact you’re looking for if you don’t first change your lifestyle.
You may have seen posters around your workplace that say, “Sitting is killing you,” and it’s true. New studies are showing that sitting for hours on end can have even more damaging health effects than smoking.
Instead of sitting at your desk at all (if you do sit at a desk), consider getting a standing desk. If you don’t have access to a standing desk, purchase a cheap ($20) exercise ball to sit on. You’ll still be sitting, but more actively. Instead of sitting down and watching TV or playing video games when you get home, consider unwinding after a long day of work by going for a walk around your neighborhood, riding a bike or joining a community sports team.
If you want to start some of these holistic treatments for ADHD today, sign up for services with Special Strong. We have private training sessions and local boot camps that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD.