Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Manage ADHD

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Manage ADHD

While a healthy diet and exercise regime should be a part of every child’s life, children diagnosed with ADHD need more intensive care when it comes to the food they eat and the time they spend playing. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition where a child finds it difficult to follow rules, sit in a place and play, or engage in healthy interactions with friends as they get overwhelmed easily. Here are some natural treatments for ADHD that you can follow at home to help your child manage the condition better.

  • Include a lot of healthy fat in their diet
    Several clinical trials show that foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help manage ADHD better in children. This natural treatment for ADHD only requires parents to make healthier choices when they buy groceries. Pick up good fats such as walnuts and almonds for snacks, cook fish a couple of times a week, and make your child an avocado smoothie or avocado on toast for breakfast. All these are food sources are rich in Omega 3 and 6.
  • Sleep-train your children
    Sleep is a natural and powerful medication for children with this condition. This natural treatment for ADHD is very effective if your child practices it regularly. Talk to the child about the importance of sleep and make a sleep schedule that is easy for them to adhere to. You can include a small nap in the afternoon and make the child follow a set sleep pattern at night. The better they sleep, the more peaceful their mind is, and the easier it is to manage symptoms of ADHD.
  • Make your child drink more water
    Adequate levels of hydration will make your child calmer and more peaceful as dehydration can aggravate the symptoms of ADHD. Make sure your child drinks adequate water all through the day. If this is not possible, you can offer glasses of freshly squeezed juice or flavored water for a change.
  • The importance of physical exercise
    Studies prove that physical exercise is a mandatory part of ADHD treatment. This is one of the natural treatments for ADHD that will also make your child stronger and fitter. If your child is reluctant to play or exercise, split the workout period into 2-3 sessions. A walk in the morning, playing with friends in the afternoon, and cycling in the evening can make a good exercise routine that will also be fun to practice. Some studies show that practicing different forms of martial arts helps the brain and the body calm down and get fit.

These natural treatments for ADHD have been proven to work for children of all ages. As parents, it is necessary to train them to practice these healthy steps. These, along with prescribed medications, can make a tremendous difference in the mental health of the child. Keep in mind that it is always a good move to talk to your pediatrician before introducing your child to any new regime.