Healthy Nature

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ADD can be a frustrating condition to deal with…whether you have it yourself, or if it’s a loved one who has it. When it’s not managed in a healthy way, it can also be quite debilitating, making it difficult to even hold down a job.

There’s no one right “cure” for ADD. But a combination of lifestyle changes (making lists), and dietary changes can lead to dramatic results.

What natural supplements and other foods should people with ADD eat? Find out below:

• Omega-3s
  
  Many supplements advertise they help with “brain function.” Well, what good does that do you if you don’t know what it means?Truthfully, omega-3 fatty acids do improve focus. And they can also relieve symptoms of ADHD.

  Omega-3s aren’t as effective as stimulants in dealing with ADHD. But they do work. To get omega-3s, add fish to your diet, or use fish oil to enhance what you already get.

  Some research indicates you should have a good balance between omega-3s and omega-6s also. For that, you’ll need a doctor’s help.

  Dr. Edward Hallowell recommends 5,000 mg of omega-3 supplementation daily for adults and 2,500 mg for children.

• Zinc May Reduce Impulsivity…But Take It With Caution
  
  ADD can come with a lot of impulsivity. You may notice someone who always wants to buy something they can’t afford. Or maybe your loved one whips their neck around so fast (because they’re changing their thoughts) that they look like they’re going to give themselves whiplash. Or, they may blurt out something or want to act on an idea that’s clearly not a good one.A certain amount of impulsivity is okay. But if your amount of impulsivity causes serious issues in your life, or if your loved one does the same, you may want to do something about that.

  One study quoted in Psychology Today found that children taking 15 mg of zinc along with Ritalin (versus those just taking Ritalin) improved their ADHD symptoms over the course of 6 weeks.

Adults shouldn’t take more than 20 mg daily. Taking 200 mg or more daily can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, irritability, lethargy, and dizziness. Make sure you factor in other possible sources of zinc, like whole grains, milk products, breakfast cereals, multivitamins, oysters, red meat, and poultry so you don’t overdo it.

While natural supplements don’t eliminate ADD or ADHD, they certainly reduce the symptoms. And they can go above and beyond the benefits of Ritalin and other coping methods you already use.