Managing ADHD Holistically

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder better known as ADHD has three subcategories, explains Jaymati (Jay) Kunvar, a natural health advisor at The Natural Health Centre:

Inattention: this includes being disorganised, having problems staying on task, constantly daydreaming and not paying attention when spoken to directly.

Impulsivity: making spur-of-the-moment decisions without thinking about the consequences or the possibility of harm or long-term effects, acting quickly to get an immediate reward and regularly interrupting teachers, family and friends.

Hyperactivity: squirming, fidgeting, tapping, talking and constant movement, particularly in situations where it is not appropriate.

Treatment depends on the parents’ preference, explains Mitzi Hollander, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and ADHD specialist and founder of the ADD Lab. “Some parents don’t want to go the medication route.” Using only medication to treat these conditions, without looking “from the bottom up” or taking into account the physiology of the child, is akin to “putting on a Band-Aid” and expecting the problem to go away. Hollander, therefore, works with functional medical specialists and dieticians to develop a holistic treatment plan using neurotherapy or other therapies; and that may include supplements, as well as medication if needed. “When it comes to using medication, one is rather cautious,” she says. “If it is necessary, bring it in – but know that you have sorted out the basics first.

Kunvar agrees, saying: “While a lot can be done naturally to improve the symptoms of ADHD and to help your child focus and concentrate far better in the classroom, it is important to consult with a natural health practitioner to ensure that your child is treated both holistically and individually.
This should involve:

• watching what your child eats: avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, colourants and additives, and including more healthy food options such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains and pulses. Ensure that your child only has natural snacks and sugar-free sweets and children’s nutritional shakes if they’re difficult eaters getting enough exercise: any form of physical activity that your child enjoys especially outdoors
• checking for candida/yeast infections as this imbalance may lead to ADHD symptoms taking an omega-3 supplement taking a good probiotic or kefir.

Useful supplements for managing ADHD

While the following supplements may assist with the management of your child’s ADHD, Kunvar suggests that you chat with your health practitioner before making any decisions.

• Mindset from viiv
• ADHD from Willow
• Calmega from Willow
• Mentat from Himalaya
• IQ Script from Medford
• NeuroVance from MNI
• Concentrate herbal tincture from Medico Herbs

Bach Flower Remedies dispensed by a registered Bach Flower practitioner. This remedy bottle would consist of seven essences, including, for example, Clematis for concentration.