Holistic/ herbal supplements

[sarahlovesskittles]

Can anyone recommend any herbal/ holistic options for ADHD focus and concentration symptoms and hyperactivity symptoms? Thanks x

[PoppyWithADD]

I had a friend who was trying to sell me on the supplement idea and all I remember is omega-3s. Following in case other people have suggestions. Also did you look online? (I may do that now...)

[PoppyWithADD]

here is the first link I found draxe.com/natural-remedies-...

scroll down one or two pages to get to the supplement bits.

I'm vegan so I won't take some of these recommendations but I can look for alternatives with the same nutrients...

I definitely agree with the breakfast part!

Thanks for bringing this up cause I've been meaning to explore for myself!

[Jilliern]

As a RN for 30 years, the mother of an adolescent with ADHD and having a serious case of ADHD myself, I can assure you that your physician is the best advisor of what may be effective. Further, your physician can assist you in avoiding interactions between any over the counter "supplements" you may consider trying and the medications you are prescribed.

[TinaJuanita]

Yes! Please work w your doctor.

Google PhD can be dangerous!

[ZoeyHarper]

Hi sarahlovesskittles. Knowledge is power. I think it's important to review all the choices available to you, and if you have a good Doctor, to consider their advice too. However I believe supplements do have a place in treating ADHD, and it is absolutely your right to choose not to take pharmaceuticals if you wish. Dr Amen's 7 types of ADHD has very interesting information about nutrition and supplements tailed to each of those types, and I'd recommend you check this out if you haven't already. For many types, these supplements seem to help:

Magnesium: For sleep and muscle relaxation.

Fish oil / Omega 3's: With the right fatty acid balance, can help with brain function.

Enzogenol: An antioxidant formula derived from pine tree resin (developed here in New Zealand). This is showing to have a major positive impact on executive brain function, and focus. Some users say this is an excellent alternative to stimulant medication because it doesn't produce the high anxiety that often comes with those meds.

Hope this is of some use. Best of luck!

[StarDreamer]

Check out ‘Finally Focused’ by James Greenblatt. It’s a thorough rundown of nutritional and supplemental interventions for adhd, which I found really useful.

[InfoAddict]

I have been trying to help manage my ADHD with supplements until I can find medication that I feel safe with. I’m a slow drug metabolizer, so I have a consistent track record of adverse drug reactions and side affects at very low doses —-medication is scary for me. Having said all that, what I learned about how finding the right medication /right combination can really alter peoples lives for the better, makes me realize I need to keep and open mind, and be a little more brave about it. Supplements help, some. But they do not make the kind of difference that I have heard of others experiencing. I very much want to experience life without all these challenges. I will never knock the supplements, they simply don’t bring about as drastic the changes seen with proper medications.