Alternative Treatments

[Sofiesue]

Besides medication, has anyone found a good treatment for ADHD? Supplements? Specific exercises? I have many symptoms, and really want to avoid a prescription.

[Birdwatcher19]

Supplements, modifications to your diet (cutting out/reducing grains, dairy, and sugar for starters), adequate sleep, and regular exercise all play a role in managing ADHD symptoms. For me, they weren’t enough without also taking medication, but some people can manage well enough by making these changes. And if you do decide you want to try medication, you may find that those things help reduce the necessary dose and mitigate some of the side effects. Some supplements to consider include magnesium, fish oil, Vitamin B, and Vitamin D, though it’s a good idea to check your levels and talk to your doctor before you start supplementing (though there is a difference between optimal levels and what most doctors consider normal). “Finally Focused” by James Greenblatt is a good place to start for ideas on more natural ways to treat ADHD. Also, books by Dr. David Perlmutter (“Brain Maker,” “Grain Brain”) can give you an idea of how certain foods may affect your symptoms. “Spark” by Dr. John Ratey (psychiatrist with ADHD) talks about optimizing exercise for brain function. Additude magazine has lots of info on this, too. Good luck!

[Sofiesue in reply to Birdwatcher19]

Thank you so much!

[Mini-S8]

The only way I have had some symptom control without prescribed medication for my ADHD is through lots and lots of exercise and fresh air. However, this was exhausting and I still struggled lots in other areas of my life and with my mental well-being.

It’s your journey but for me, meds have really helped me to find a bit more consistency and to do things that I once found unbearable like sitting down for a coffee with friends. I didn’t realise how much life was a struggle until I began a trial of ADHD meds. I do worry about being on them long-term and the side effects but I am trying to just take it one day at a time and do what’s right for me.

I also have therapy and have other tools to help me on my journey, so I don’t just rely on medication. I think of it as an aid to help me to build a better life for myself and be the best version of myself I can be.

Best wishes x

[mcfail]

as others have said - sleep and exercise for sure....and practice pausing. I really try to just STOP for a minute or two and and ask myself 'ok what was I doing', 'where am I' -not what room but where am I in my day. I also set an alarm for noon - to remind me to; a) eat properly and b) check my daily calendar - which reminds me - use a calendar - write ALL the day's tasks and follow-ups down then (with the alarm) review it often. No value in looking at you calendar at diner time when you were supposed to follow up on something during business hours - right? Its tough but its worth it - less anxiety less stress, more feeling of control and accomplishment which offset the regular criticisms of us by the non ADHD population

[theBEAUTYofADHD]

iexperiences.i take L-Tryptophan and Sam-e together and together they create serotonin and dopamine. I notice it increases my overall mood but doesnt help much with inattention but keeps you away from all the negative thought processes that come with adhd

[sjayer]

Meditation has been a gamechanger for me!! It helps with slowing down my heartrate and anxious thoughts, which really helps with emotion regulation. It also clears my head a bit, which helps a ton with the executive dysfunction piece. Exercise is also really huge. Going on a jog/run/walk outside can help me later focus on schoolwork. Exercising helps produce the chemicals that we ADHDers lack. But finding any type of exercise you enjoy most and then doing it consistently is key!! I hope this helps : )

[Sofiesue in reply to sjayer]

Thank you!

[horizonwatch]

Taking B-Complex plus a B12 supplement has helped me immensely. Make sure the supplement is Garden of Life brand - this is very important since it is a supplement made from whole food which your body can absorb. You will usually have to go to an organic grocery store to get Garden of Life brand. Don't get the regular grocery store or drug store supplements, they are usually synthetic and your body can't absorb them. Also eating a whole food diet (avoid processed foods as much as possible) with lots of green smoothies helps me immensely.