Are There Natural Remedies for Attention Deficit Disorder?

Q: I’ve been diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and prescribed drugs that I don’t feel comfortable taking. Do you think this is a real medical condition and if so, is there anything natural that I can do?

A: I do think this is a real medical condition, but I also think it is over-diagnosed and even when diagnosed correctly we all know we are a prescription-happy culture and often don’t give alternatives a chance before popping a pill. The most common non-pharmacological strategy is dietary change. Eliminate all processed foods, refined sugars, and food additives.

You might also do some research to find therapists in your area that specialize in biofeedback therapy that will help you better understand how your brain works and what you can do to take more active control of it. While some claims have been made for the use of St. John’s Wort, omega-3 supplements, gingko and ginseng, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of any of these natural supplements for the treatment of adult ADD. Lastly, if you are not doing so already, make certain that you include time for exercise in your daily routine.

Dr. Brent Ridge is the health expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. You can call and ask him a question live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 112 (1.866.675.6675). You can also follow along as he learns to grow his own food and raise goats on his farm in upstate New York by visiting www.beekman1802.com.

Got a health question for Dr. Brent? E-mail him at drbrent@care2.com.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jennifer C.

5:14PM PDT on Apr 26, 2012

Thanks.

send a green star

monique r.

11:43AM PST on Dec 3, 2011

Interesting even if seems like there's very litte to do to help the sufferers of this medical condition.

Frederico D.

5:34AM PDT on Aug 9, 2011

Obrigado.

Cheryl B.

4:59AM PST on Jan 13, 2011

thanks for the info

KS G.

12:35AM PST on Dec 5, 2010

Thanks for the article.

Brian M.

10:32AM PDT on Oct 14, 2010

Eliminating sources of high stimulation, such as television and the internet, can also help the ADHD patient to focus better.

SuS NoMail Plez P.

11:34PM PDT on Aug 28, 2010

TY Dearly! Green Star to Johan...YOU NAILED IT. Many others, I thank you for your info as well.

johan l.

10:26PM PDT on May 3, 2010

ADD seems to be a much more global problem than previously suspected.
This of course mainly takes place in well to do countries.
In poor countries people have other problems like just trying to survive or die of starvation.
Or lack of clean drinking water.
So people, relax and change your diet.
In that case you do not need any pharmaceutical help at all!

Past Member .

8:15PM PST on Mar 5, 2010

So many people have ADD and not enough awareness is brought to it. Thanks for the post.

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