Alternative Treatments for ADHD in Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also referred to as ADHD, is typically diagnosed in children between ages 6 and 12. Princeton University and the Feingold Association of the United States suggest that ADHD behaviors, such as distractability and hyperactivity, may be induced or exacerbated by external factors. Altering these factors and including other treatments allow ADHD children to control ADHD symptoms is a healthy and supportive way.

Adding Omega Fatty Acids

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega fatty acids are a crucial part of human development and can profoundly affect brain development and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. It suggests that children who regularly consume foods rich in omega fatty acids, or who take a supplement of omega fatty acids, have a dramatic decrease in ADHD symptoms and behaviors. Food rich in the omega fatty acids include salmon, tuna and algae. Supplementary oils can be bought at a natural foods store and should be refrigerated so that the oil doesn't go rancid. The most common oils that contain omega fatty acids are flaxseed oil and hempseed oil. If the child has difficultly taking the oil straight, it can be incorporated into a fruit smoothie or juice. By taking omega fatty acids regularly, ADHD symptoms can be reduced and behavior can be improved.

Following The Feingold Diet

The Feingold Diet was created by Dr. Ben F. Feingold, who was a prominent allergy specialist and pediatrician. Dr. Feingold noticed a connection between allergies and ADHD behaviors and quickly discovered that by eliminating certain triggers, ADHD symptoms can be diminished. The main culprits that the Feingold Diet recommends eliminating are foods and beverages that contain artificial flavorings, artificial sweeteners, artificial colorings or artificial preservatives. By not consuming these food additives, Dr. Feingold suggests that the body is no longer toxified by these substances, and the abnormal behaviors of the ADHD sufferer are reduced and eliminated.

Eliminating Electronic Media

In a study conducted by Dr. Dimitri A. Christakis, Dr. Frederick J. Zimmerman, Dr. David L. DiGiuseppe and Dr. Carolyn A. McCarty, a significant relationship was observed between the amount of time spent watching television and other visual media and the prevalence of ADHD behaviors in children. When electronic media was reduced or eliminated from the child's life, ADHD behaviors and symptoms were dramatically reduced. This suggests that the hyperactivity and distractability seen in ADHD can be controlled by eliminating electronic media from the home.