Millions of people suffer from attentive deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treating this disorder is different for every patient and depends on age, symptoms, and body’s response to medication.

Here are six natural remedies for ADHD that are known to be effective in controlling the symptoms:

Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Omega-3 fatty acid has brain-boosting capabilities and is an excellent addition to the diet. It affects the serotonin and dopamine levels and reduces oxidative stress, which is often seen in ADHD patients. Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are easy ways to include omega-3 fatty acid to the diet.

Light Therapy
It is important to expose the body to sunlight during the day and darkness in the night to maintain the circadian rhythm. This also helps to eliminate negative effects due to lack of proper sleep. Bright light therapy in the morning is known to improve mood and reduce ADHD symptoms.

Supplements
Lack of sleep causes several disorders and takes a toll on mental and physical health. One may take a melatonin supplement before bedtime to manage sleep disorder. Additionally, adding legumes, nuts, seeds, and other foods comprising zinc increases immunity levels and assists the body to make cell-membrane growth cells. Almost 70% of children suffering from ADHD suffer from magnesium deficiency and including a supplement is beneficial in overcoming this deficiency.

Behavioral Therapy
Taking help from an experienced professional to create a routine, manage distractions, create positive opportunities, learn to organize, limit choices, and set goals can be extremely beneficial. These strategies help create structure, enabling one to remain productive and calm. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a mental treatment that teaches one to focus on the present and is useful in managing anxiety and depression, which may be side effects for ADHD patients.

Exercise
This activity has several advantages for the brain as well as body. Regular workout promotes brain functioning and development, which is highly beneficial for children suffering from ADHD. Studies also show that 45 minutes of moderate to vigorous workout thrice a week for 10 weeks significantly alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Diet
A well-balanced meal that includes fresh fruits, legumes, whole grains, and vegetables also help manage ADHD symptoms. Reducing fat, sugar, and salt consumption is also beneficial. Additionally, eliminating processed foods and chemicals from your meals also reduce ADHD symptoms in patients across all age groups.

Several other natural remedies for ADHD are also available. However, their effectiveness in alleviating the symptoms is not clear. Seek advice from your doctor and dietician before one adopts any of the aforementioned natural remedies to treat ADHD symptoms. These professionals will also help one set the right protocols to start the new treatment for eliminating possible side effects.