Living with ADHD can be challenging, and part of this challenge can be discovering the right treatment options for your particular situation. The truth about most treatment options is that there is "no one size fits all treatment" that will work for each and every situation. Given that ADHD is a disorder that originates in the brain, it can make some treatment options risky to the individual, especially those considering pharmaceutical treatment options. Exploring natural treatment options that are proven effective and are backed by scientific research offer the potential to avoid the risks associated with other treatments and can potentially reduce the challenges you or your loved once face concerning ADHD.
Understanding Natural Treatment OptionsNatural treatments for ADHD are scientifically based treatments that attempt to treat the underlying causes and effects of ADHD. While there is a place for pharmaceutical treatment options, they tend to be focused more on managing the symptoms and not meant to address the ADHD triggers and causes as much, and they tend to have side effects that have to be considered. Natural treatment options include dietary adjustments, Neurofeedback therapy and other associated treatments that have long-lasting effects and are non-invasive.
Dietary Adjustments
ADHD has linked to several causal factors, one of which is the nutritional linkage between ADHD and some food types. Adjustments in the uptake of fatty acids and amino acids have shown to help reduce triggers associated with ADHD and ADD. Also, heavy metal toxicity is also a known causal factor that also requires adjustments to nutrition to avoid increasing or enhancing any toxic effect. What we put into our body matters. Our body's performance can be directly related to the type and quality of fuel we use. High quality protein, carbs and fats are important. A fast food diet may slow learning and reduce ones IQ.[1] Often, dietary adjustments are used in conjunction with other treatments.
Neurofeedback and Temporal Processing Modification
Natural ADHD treatments seek to address the underlying concerns associated with the imbalance in the brain. Neurofeedback therapy occurs by studying the real-time analysis of brain waves and using this information to help promote positive patterns by use of a visual response. Temporal Processing Modification, known as Interactive Metronome Therapy helps to synchronize the internal timing of the brain. The Interactive Metronome®is a research-based training program that helps children and adults overcome attention, memory, and coordination limitations. IM works for people of all ages who have a variety of conditions affecting their cognitive and physical abilities. Temporal processing can be altered by nutrition, illness, and other external factors and by restoring a proper timing to the internal "brain clock," with Interactive Metronome® training, the concerns associated with ADHD can be reduced significantly.
Spinal Adjustments
The spinal cord is the main pathway for the body's neurological system. Even minor adjustments along this axis can have a profound effect on both the brain and the rest of the body.[2] Abnormal movement patterns in the spine affect the sensory input stream to the back part of the brain known as the cerebellum. Specifically, data have suggested that this brain structure may participate in sensory integration activities, motor skills learning, visual and auditory discrimination performance, emotion and motivation control, and reinforcement processes.[3] Unilateral spinal adjustments, one type of brain-based therapy, are used to help allow brain's sensory input pathway to operate more efficiently and effectively to facilitate better neurological stimulation across the body. Also, it helps with the physical condition of the body as well, further reducing distractions and other aspects that might not be directly related to the ADHD condition but do contribute to the concern.
Selecting Natural ADHD Treatment Options
Natural ADHD treatments are proven effective but require a process to determine if a specific treatment is right for your particular circumstance. Often the first step is a functional neurological evaluation coupled with a metabolic assessment to determine the interrelation that is occurring in your ADHD circumstances. Importantly, ADHD treatments are adjusted to target your case and as such, you must have a commitment to complete the treatments.
Perhaps the most important aspect in exploring your options for ADHD treatments is to consult with those who could provide you with choices. Discussing your specific situations as well as any concerns or questions you may have allows you to make a more informed choice when it comes to dealing with ADHD. ADD/ADHD does not have to control your life, contact the professionals that can help you regain control.
Always remember one of my mantras., "The more you know about how your body works, the better you can take care of yourself."
For more details about the natural approach I take with my patients, take a look at the book I wrote entitled: Reclaim Your Life; Your Guide To Revealing Your Body's Life-Changing Secrets For Renewed Health. It is available in my office or at Amazon and many other book outlets. If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the top of this post and please share with those you know who are still suffering with chronic health challenges, despite receiving medical management. Help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living! Thank you!
ALL THE BEST – DR. KARL R.O.S. JOHNSON, DC – DIGGING DEEPER TO FIND SOLUTIONS
Sources:
1.http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/01/07/fast-food-slows-learning.aspx
2. http://www.chiro.org/ChiroZine/ABSTRACTS/Seaman_dysafferentiation.shtml
3. Revel M, Minguet M, Gergory P, Vaillant 3, Manuel 3. Changes in cervicocephalic kinesthesia after a proprioceptive rehabilitation program of in patients with neck pain: a randomized controlled study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1994; 75:895-9.