It is quite normal for kids to get agitated, distracted, impulsive, fidgety, less attentive and sometimes even blurt out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times, getting you in an embarrassing situation. However, if this behavior continues despite getting constant warnings, it is high time you get a medical examination of your child done to check for the underlying causative factor.
Attention deficit disorder is a chronic psychiatric disorder, which develops in children below the age of 5 and is marked by attention deficiency, easy distractibility, impulsivity, forgetfulness, procrastination and disorganization in kids. Also, termed as ADHD-inattentive, ADD is a subtype of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, with the affected children being more prone to depression and anxiety disorders.
Besides genetic factors, the exposure to pesticides, lead, mercury, food additives, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, antibiotics, vaccines, etc., can tamper with the child’s brain and interfere with the development of brain cells, thus leading to life-long complications like Attention Deficient Disorder.
Even though, many medications exist for treating Attention Deficit Disorder in children, most of these medications are not tolerated by kids and most often do not even prove effective enough for treating the condition.
Hence, to overcome the common side effects like sleep problems, anxiety, irritability, decreased appetite, etc., that are associated with medication used for the symptomatic treatment of ADD, many people have started opting for natural and more economical ways of treating ADD. Listed below are a few home remedies that can be used as an alternative for alleviating the symptoms of ADD.
Walnuts
Rich in vitamin B-5, walnuts aid in the conversion of carbohydrates to glucose and provides the required fuel for the brain to enable it to concentrate and focus on the task at hand.
It also helps children suffering from ADD to become socially active and overcome impulsiveness by enhancing their thinking and reasoning abilities.
Bananas
One of the most essential nutrients for brain, namely vitamin B-6 is found abundantly in bananas, which aids in the synthesis of a neurotransmitter called serotonin that keeps emotions under control and elevates mood levels in ADD sufferers. It also enhances the immune system, improves memory and helps to boost energy levels, thereby preventing lethargy and fatigue in children suffering from ADD.
Milk and milk products
Consumption of dairy products enables a child to get adequate levels of vitamin B-12, which acts as a precursor for the synthesis of the fatty, myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves.
Hence, it coats and protects nerve cells from the damage caused by toxins and harmful free radicals present in the body.
Salmon
Most often, the symptoms of ADD are attributed to an imbalance in the levels of the neurotransmitters released by the brain. Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon essentially works for improving the functioning of the nervous system by promoting the synthesis of adequate levels of neurotransmitters that govern and control moods, anxiety and behavioral patterns in an individual.
Moreover, deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with learning disabilities, increased violence, memory problems, depression and lack of concentration, all of which mimic the symptoms associated with ADD. Also, replacing your cooking oil that is rich in saturated trans- fatty acids with oils rich in omega-3 fatty acid like flax seed oil, olive oil, canola oil, etc. and consuming other dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids like fish, salmon, tuna, flax seeds, nuts, etc., can aid in the proper functioning of the brain in ADD sufferers.
Green tea
Most popularly known for its powerful anti-oxidant abilities, green tea is also rich in stimulants like caffeine, theobromine and theophylline that enhance the activity of the central and peripheral nervous system. These compounds enable children suffering from ADD to stay alert, focused, energetic and less lethargic.
On the other hand, the presence of an amino acid called L-Theanine in green tea acts as a relaxant by calming down the nerves, thus leaving a soothing effect on the mind. It also stimulates the release of “feel-good” hormones like dopamine and serotonin that elevates and stabilizes mood, thus giving a feeling of well-being to the patient.
Avocados
Avocados are packed with essential nutrients that are known to play a key role in promoting brain health by enhancing concentration and alertness of the mind. Besides being composed of healthy monounsaturated fats (MUFA’s) that are required for the proper functioning of the brain, avocados are also one of the richest sources of acetyl L-carnitine, an amino acid that converts fat into fuel.
This not only helps in fighting obesity, which can trigger the symptoms of ADD, but also serves as an instant source of energy for the brain. It exerts a protective effect on the nervous system by improving memory, alertness, attention and most importantly aids in the repair of damaged neurons, thereby slowing down the process of cognitive decline observed in patients suffering from ADD. In order to increase your intake of this brain-friendly food, make it a part of your diet by adding slices of avocados to salads, soups, smoothies, scrambled egg, etc.
Essential oils
Studies have shown that the inhalation of the aroma released from essential oils like lavender, cedarwood, vetiver, peppermint oil, etc., can produce a calming and soothing effect in the mind by stabilizing the child’s brain waves, thereby helping them to stay more attentive.
Besides improving concentration, memory and learning abilities, they act as powerful anti-oxidants by detoxifying the body and removing the toxic metals that are responsible for causing neurological disorders like ADD in children. Since, the area of the brain, which senses smell, is located close to the emotional and hormonal centers, the aromas from these therapeutic oils also stimulate the brain areas that regulate emotions in the brain.
Hence, burning an essential oil in the background in the child’s room while he/she is busy with homework or during the night while the child is sleeping is an effective way of alleviating the symptoms associated with ADD.
Over indulgence or excess consumption of the aforementioned remedies can have potent side effects and hence, it is mandatory to seek medical advice, before incorporating these remedies in your diet. Besides using certain home remedies for extracting their benefits to treat ADD, it is also important to keep an eye on your child’s eating habits and identify all possible triggers of ADD like foods rich in refined sugar, white flour, preservatives, etc., to enable your child to overcome the symptoms of ADD.
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