15 Home Remedies for ADHD Symptoms

by Staff Writers · Published August 7, 2018 · Updated December 12, 2020

In adults and older teenagers, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, symptoms are usually different from the more common symptoms seen in children. As children mature their ADHD symptoms usually begin to moderate and change. Some of the most common signs of ADHD are listed below.

Finding it difficult to keep still
Feelings of restlessness
Difficulties organizing activities
May avoid projects that call for sustained mental focus
Frequently talking too much
Interrupting people’s conversations

Reactions to Common ADHD Medications

Often times, when children and adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they are put on medication to control their symptoms. While these can increase focus and reduce hyperactivity, they often come with negative side effects. There are a couple of side effects of these drugs and some individuals can`t handle them. This includes the following:

Insomnia
Instability
Twitching muscles
Anxiety
Nausea
Headache
Stomach pain
Loss of appetite

While medications are right for some people, the side effects may not be worth it to others. Whether you or your child is on medication for their ADHD symptoms or not, the home remedies in this article can help to treat the symptoms of ADHD.

Home Remedies for ADHD Symptoms

Water

Try to Substitute juice and soda with plenty of water every day. Water can soothe the entire system in addition to flushing out harmful toxins and other impurities from the body. This also helps control hyperactivity associated with ADHD and ADD.

Drinking soda and other sugary drinks will only amplify the symptoms of ADHD, which is why it’s great to stick with water

Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates present in some foods such as pears, kiwi, tangerines, apples, grapefruit, and oranges would relax the brain. They also impact and the surrounding nerves, relaxing the entire system and offering relief from ADHD symptoms. The likes of sleep apnea, depression insomnia, and anxiety or restlessness, will be dampened.

Vitamin B

Another promising natural remedy for ADHD is vitamin B. Vitamin B helps to enhance the nervous system as well as regulates the production of brain chemicals that are essential to proper brain function. Consider adding a vitamin B supplement to your daily diet. Do research about which foods have vitamin B especially those with vitamin B6. Increase your consumption of these foods on a daily basis.

Eat breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day; this may seem to be a rather strange addition to our natural remedies for ADHD. However, eating breakfast does have its benefits

Incorporate at least 20 grams of protein into your breakfast. Protein is usually found in meat. If you or your child does not eat meat, then they can get protein from eggs or nuts instead. Make sure to eat breakfast every day.

The balance in blood sugar and stabilize hormone fluctuations have a significant effect on ADHD symptoms. Research indicates that eating breakfast helps to regulate both.

Family Support

Some children and adults have a hard time getting used to and enjoying a new routine. Moral support from friends and family members can make this adjustment easier. For example, exchange a wholesome treat for a sugary one or have them play with remote control car instead of a video game. In this way, in your attempt to provide treatment for their ADHD symptoms, you don’t make their life miserable.

That means you have to compromise on a few things but it also means more cooperation. Tell them that their new routine is an experiment to improve his mental focus and let him play a role in how the changes are implemented.

Avoid Soy

You will need to seriously do your homework about soy so as to avoid it in your diet. Eliminating soy is one of the best natural remedies for ADHD on this list. Limit or reduce your intake of soy each day. Educate yourself on food products that produce soy. Learn to recognize the hidden names of soy.

Soy causes the disruption of hormones that can help regulate cognitive and behavioral functions in the brain. Read the ingredient lists on all of the food you buy to make sure that it does not have soy in it. Entirely avoid foods primarily made from soy, including soy milk and tofu.

Other beans and legumes are okay to eat

Wheatgrass

A superfood added to our natural ADHD natural list of remedies. You can add wheatgrass powder of juice into vegetable soup. One tablespoon of wheatgrass powder can be added to oatmeal. You can addwheatgrasss or juice or powder to a smoothie. Protein shakes are also enhanced by its addition.

Chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals are abundant in wheat grass, along with all nine amino acids. All these nutrients help support hormone balance and boost proper brain function.

Consider Yoga or Tai Chi Classes

A research paper published in 2013 reported significant improvement in anxiety, hyperactivity and social problems with children with ADHD who practiced yoga regularly. More studies have indicated that yoga may be helpful for people with ADHD.

Research reports also found that patients with ADHD who practiced tai chi weren’t as anxious or hyperactive. They displayed fewer inappropriate emotions and daydreamed less when they attended Tai chi classes twice a week for five weeks. It is also believed that the classes help reduce ADHD symptoms

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar certainly belongs on the list of natural remedies for ADHD. This is a solution on almost every home remedies outline. To get the most benefits, choose natural organic apple cider vinegar.

Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink this three time a day, once before each meal. Do this every day to see results. This can help to soothe the digestive system, which is often disrupted by ADHD medications.

Spend Time Outside

In 2011, research support claims that regular exposure to the outdoors, and green space, is a safe and natural treatment that can be used to help people who have ADHD. There is strong evidence that spending even twenty minutes outside can benefit children by improving their concentration span. Greenery and nature setting are the most beneficial.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is one of the many B vitamins. This vitamin helps to maintain both a healthy body and a healthy mind. Many foods naturally contain vitamin B6. Some of these foods include beans, fish, white meat, melons, and dark leafy greens. Add more of these foods into your diet.

When possible, try to get your vitamins and minerals from food sources instead of from pills

Herbal Remedies

Herbs such as ginkgo, ginseng and passionflower may also help calm hyperactivity. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in trying these alternatives. Many of these herbs are available in supplement pills and/or in tea form. If you take any of these, make sure to take them as directed.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a healthy mineral that can help to aid with many digestive functions. Since nausea and stomach aches are common symptoms, taking in more magnesium may be able to help. Some foods that naturally contain magnesium include seeds, nuts, dark leafy greens, oats, rice, beans, and seafood.

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is a type of naturally-occurring amino acid. Your body needs amino acids for many reasons, one of which is to get the energy in your body absorbed the right way. Since people with ADHD often have too many energy, taking in more of this amino acid can help. Foods that contain high amounts of L-carnitine include red meat, fish, poultry, and milk.

Zinc

Zinc is another natural mineral which can help with ADHD symptoms. It can help to boost the immune system. Some foods with high levels of zinc include meat, fish, nuts, beans, and grains. Add more of these foods to improve general health and to treat ADHD symptoms.