In some parts of the US up to 20% of children are being medicated with stimulant drugs such as Ritalin after being diagnosed as having ADHD. Parents are understandably concerned and are becoming increasingly focused on finding natural remedies for ADHD children.

So what natural remedies for ADHD children are available:

ADHD and similar conditions are less common in Mediterranean countries where children and adults eat a diet rich in olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish, vegetables and fruit. Doctors are slowly starting to recommend that children diagnosed with ADHD or suffering from ADHD symptoms should benefit from a supplement of Omega 3. Omega 3 and 6 are both special kinds of polyunsaturated fats – also known as essential fatty acids. Our bodies cannot make these EFA’s so we need to obtain them from our food. The natural remedies are to eat a diet rich in nuts, seed, whole grains, meat, fish , dairy produce, eggs and seafood.

Parents can elect to increase these foods in their children’s diets or provide them with a good quality supplement aimed at children. The benefits of these natural remedies become apparent very quickly – the children start sleeping better, become calmer and thus easier to manage. The child’s overall health also improves.

So what are the natural sources of Omega 3? They are easily found – all fish and seafood but especially oily fish such as sardines, mackerel, salmon and to a lesser extent, Tuna. Other sources include, fortified eggs and milk products, green vegetables – the darker and leafier the better. Flax seeds, oil, walnuts and other nuts and seeds will also provide Omega 3 oils.

Natural sources of Omega 6 are most vegetable oils (corn, sunflower, soy), most nuts and seeds and most grains. A great natural source of Omega 6 is evening primrose oil.

Many diets and lifestyle factors can reduce the bodies ability to process these natural remedies. Diets high in saturated, hydrogenated fats (junk food, pre cooked meals, takeaways etc) will reduce the bodies ability to absorb the above omega 3 and 6. So it is not enough to give your child a supplement unless you also address their diet as a whole.

Your child needs both omega 3 and omega 6 to develop his brain and nervous system in the first instance. He then needs a good dietary supply to keep them functioning properly. However too much Omega 6 relative to Omega 3 can upset the balance of the bodies chemistry (and has been linked to cancer, heart disease etc) so children (and adults) should be encouraged to eat plenty of foods that are high in Omega 3 and some children benefit from taking omega 3 capsules.

What Is ADHD?
Symptoms of ADHD