Vitamins and Supplements to Support ADHD

Which Vitamins Help ADHD?

Over the past few decades, alternative and integrated medicine has grown in popularity, and not only in treating physical ailments but psychological, emotional and behavioral ones as well. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is prevalent among youth and adults alike, and some natural vitamins and supplements have been deemed effective in helping with treatments and therapies. As with any treatment regimen, please be safe and consult your physician with any additional treatments you would like to integrate to ensure safety, especially with potential drug/vitamin interactions.

Below are some vitamins and natural supplements that have been used and deemed safe and effective for treating ADHD symptoms.

• Zinc: Some studies demonstrate that youth with ADHD may have low zinc levels in their blood. Plus, some scientists have reported improved symptoms in children with ADHD who took zinc supplements along with continued with conventional ADHD treatment. Improvements among youth treated with zinc include reduction in hyperactivity/impulsivity with zinc supplements. Foods high in zinc include seafood such as oysters, poultry, red meat, nuts, beans, whole grains and dairy products.
• Fish Oil: Fish oil supplements contains omega-3 fatty acids, and in youth with ADHD, there are some findings that suggest that fish oil supplements may improve cognitive skills, such as organization and memory. Fish high in omega 3 fatty acids include tuna, salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, and sardines.

Other natural ways to help treat ADHD have to do with improving overall alertness:

1. Fiber-rich breakfast – We’ve all been told how important breakfast is, but what you eat is as important as making sure you eat. A great choice in the morning is to eat a breakfast rich in fiber, such as bran, which can help boost energy and stay alert. According to a study conducted by Cardiff University, subjects who ate a high-fiber breakfast showed a 10 percent reduction in lethargy and fatigue along with reduced incidence of depression and increased cognitive skills. It is believed that fiber helps regulate the rate at which food is digested, keeping blood sugar levels regulated to help you sustain energy throughout the day.
2. Eat more small meals and snacks– Many of us are accustomed to growing up eating three whole meals per day, but following that regimen might be depleting your energy. Experts recommend eating small meals and healthy snacks throughout the day, about every three to four hours. The reason is that it will help maintain your blood sugar levels throughout the day, preventing a surge following a big meal to an eventual crash, and it also keeps you satiated so that you don’t feel compelled to overeat. Protein, some monounsaturated fat and a small amount of complex carbohydrates are a good blend such as a small salad with grilled chicken and a drizzle of grape seed oil with some lemon juice.
3. Grow a plant in your home and/or office– Consider adorning your workspace with fresh flowers and plants to help boost creativity and promote your energy flow. A research study conducted by Texas A&M found that participants who kept flowers and plants in their office presented with more creative ideas than the control group who worked in a plant-free environment.