Natural Ways to Control Your Adult ADHD

If you're dealing with ADD or ADHD, you may be wary of medication. It's not unusual for adults to forego treatment for their ADHD, thinking that if they just try to focus, they'll be able to deal with their symptoms without medical intervention. Rather than trying to get a handle on your symptoms on your own, there are many natural remedies that you may find useful.

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1.Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba has been shown to increase the blood flow within the brain, helping to improve memory and focus. According to ADD/ADHD Advances, the supplement can be of great assistance to those adults suffering with the effects of attention deficit disorder. Gingko Biloba can help to increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, reducing the severity of the symptoms associated with ADD. The proper dosage for adults with ADD is 120 mg per day. It should be noted, however, that it is not recommended to begin any type of supplementation without first speaking to your physician.

TruNature Ginkgo Biloba with Vinpocetine, 120 mg

2.Feingold Diet

You may find it surprising that changing your diet can affect the severity of your ADD symptoms. The Feingold Diet is one of the most beneficial for adults suffering with ADD, according to The University of Maryland's Medical Center. The basics of the diet are simple: Cut out additives and salicylates from your diet. Processed foods, those that contain artificial colorings, and foods that contain artificial flavorings can exacerbate the symptoms of ADD. One of the easiest ways to follow the diet is to cook your own foods rather than preparing pre-packaged fare.

3.Amino Acids

The correct amino acids can help to suppress many of the symptoms of attention deficit disorder in adults. Two of these amino acids are tyrosine and levodopa. These two amino acids can easily be found as supplements in your local pharmacy or health food store. While the amino acids can help to increase dopamine in the brain, overdosing on them can cause a depletion of serotonin. It's imperative that you speak to your physician before you begin to supplement your diet with tyrosine and levodopa; your doctor can recommend the proper dosage of these amino acids as a way to control your ADD/ADHD symptoms.

 l dopa Extract - L-Dopa - Pure Macuna Pruriens Extract          Tyrosine (L) - Free Form Amino Acid Powder

4.Zinc

Though use of the mineral as a supplement has not been proven to treat ADD, many adults with the disorder report that taking a zinc supplement has been beneficial. Zinc helps metabolize some neurotransmitters, and the mineral can help to regulate dopamine levels within the human brain. If you are deficient in zinc, supplementation may be necessary. Before you take a zinc supplement, you may want to add foods to your diet that are high in the mineral. Dark chocolate, roasted pumpkin seeds, peanuts and crab are all excellent, natural sources of zinc.

New Chapter Zinc Supplement - Zinc Food Complex

5.Sleep

Many adults with ADD find that their symptoms are more manageable if they get between seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Along with exercise and a healthy diet, a proper sleep schedule can help you to remain focused and alert during the day. If you aren't currently sleeping well, start by removing distractions from your bedroom. Go to bed at the same time each night, and set your alarm for the same time each morning. While it may take a week or two to adjust your sleep schedule, you'll soon be reaping the rewards during your waking hours if you can stick to it.

Just because you don't want to swallow handfuls of pills doesn't mean that you can't get your ADD/ADHD under control. While no natural remedy will cure your attention deficit disorder, many can help you to control your symptoms. Try to follow the tips above for at least four weeks and see if you notice a difference.

Colby Hetrick writes articles for several health sites that recommend using non drug alternatives when treating ADHD.