Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition affecting 3 to 5 percent of the children in the United States, more commonly boys, according to Medline Plus. The symptoms of inactivity, hyperactivity and impulsivity may hinder learning and endanger safety in some children. Medications for this disorder can be expensive and pose various dangers to health, including insomnia and heart trouble. Alternative treatments, without the use of drugs, may be a safer option.
Dietary Changes
Diet is an important aspect of health. Poor dietary habits pose risks to health by causing obesity and other health issues. While a healthy diet is modeled by the food pyramid, not every individual will have the same nutritional needs. Dietary changes to aid those with ADHD focus on eliminating certain foods, thought to be problematic. While few studies prove that eliminating certain foods (mainly processed foods with artificial colors, flavors and preservatives) is beneficial, experts believe a small percentage of children may have food sensitivities, according to the National Resources Center on ADHD.
Fish Oil Supplements
Supplements are helpful for filling in nutritional gaps, offering moderate amounts of nutrients needed for health. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that cannot be produced by the body, making foods sources and supplementation of the fatty acids imperative. Children with ADHD may have a deficiency in certain essential fatty acids, making omega-3 intake a reasonable treatment approach. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, significant improvements in reading, spelling and behavior were noticed when 117 children with ADHD supplemented with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These supplements are available over-the-counter at most pharmacies, health and grocery stores.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic medicine is based on the theory that spiral problems cause various health problems in the body. Some individuals experience pain relief and other benefits to health with spinal manipulations. According to the Natural Resource Center on ADHD, some chiropractors maintain that chiropractic care is an effective intervention for ADHD. Those who agree with this belief note that imbalances in muscle tone directly relate to imbalances in the brain, making spinal adjustments, somatosensory stimulation and other chiropractic methods effective for treating learning disabilities and disorders like ADHD.
