How ADHD Affects Your Child’s Development and the Best Natural Remedies

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) commonly affects children and interferes with their quality of life. ADHD is commonly referred to as a mental disorder that can continue into adulthood. While acknowledging the fact that mental causes contribute to this condition, many parents have no idea nutritional deficiencies also cause ADHD. The condition is usually diagnosed in the earlier years of childhood, especially when children begin attending school. Research has shown ADHD tends to be more prevalent in boys than girls. Fortunately, the symptoms of ADHD can easily be identified and dealt with in good time. Symptoms of ADHD in Children The following are common symptoms in children. Lack of Focus Children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have a low concentration span and easily get distracted. This negatively affects your child’s performance at school as most children find themselves unable to concentrate in class and keep up with their academic work. At home, children with a low concentration span have difficulty doing tasks such as eating and playing. They are often disoriented and quickly lose interest in an activity. Inability to Follow Instructions Children from this condition generally have problems adhering to instructions and will often end up doing the wrong thing. On the other hand, tasks are never completed within the assigned time or fail to finish work they have been allocated. This often manifests both in school and at home especially when you notice your child can’t follow even the simplest of instructions. Forgetfulness While it’s normal for kids to be forgetful, extreme forgetfulness is a cause for concern as your child may be suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. When your child persistently fails to remember simple and routine tasks such as brushing their teeth, doing their homework and flashing the toilet after use among others, there is likelihood something may not be right and you need to seek medical attention. Lack of Interest When your child doesn’t seem interested in anything including playing their favorite games or watching their favorite TV shows, you need to be concerned. While this often regarded as a general symptom for any child who is feeling unwell, it is also a sign of ADHD. You may also notice your child doesn’t listen or contribute to conversations. Carelessness Children with this condition tend to make careless mistakes, often lose items and have challenges remaining organized and effectively planning their daily tasks. As a parent, you will find yourself having to constantly clean after your child, items will be regularly misplaced or left in the wrong places. Hyperactivity There is nothing wrong with children being up and down and playful. However, children with ADHD are impulsive, interrupt others, talk excessively and can’t sit still in one place. They are also fidgety, always on the move and impatient. What Causes ADHD? Many parents get alarmed when their children are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Research has proved there are different causes of this condition and they include: Hereditary ADHD runs in some families which exposes children to the risk of contracting the condition as it is passed down to younger generations. In such circumstances, children can inherit the condition from their parents and older family generations. rnChemical Imbalance Lack of chemical balance in the brain can cause ADHD. In addition, when there are any changes in the brain especially in areas that control attention, children become less active and focused. A reduction of dopamine has been identified as a major cause of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Dopamine is a brain chemical responsible for transmitting signals from one part of the brain to another, as well as triggering movements and emotional responses. Poor Nutrition What you may not know is food and nutritional deficiencies can aggravate ADHD symptoms in both children and adults. Focusing on the right diet with the appropriate nutrients and minerals helps to optimize brain functions. Lack of proteins as well as minerals in food such as zinc, iron and magnesium can cause Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Other causes of ADHD include; -Habits such as smoking, substance abuse and excessive drinking especially during pregnancy. -Brain injuries particularly damage to the frontal lobe which causes a disruption in controlling emotions and impulses -Dangerous toxins such as lead can negatively affect a child’s brain development. rnHow to Treat ADHD ADHD just like any other condition is treatable. You shouldn’t be worried if your child is diagnosed with this condition because even though it is considered a mental disorder, it is not disability. The treatment encompasses medication, behavioral therapy or both depending on the diagnosis. Medication is designed to help stabilize brain chemicals in order to promote better control of actions and impulses. On the other hand, behavioral therapy includes talk therapy and psychotherapy. While conventional treatment is effective, there are a couple of side effects such as loss of appetite, mood swings, insomnia, suicidal thoughts or heart complications. However natural remedies of ADHD are extremely helpful because they’re gentle on the body with less or no side effects. Natural Remedies for ADHD Avoid Food Preservatives and Colorings Experts have observed certain food preservatives and colorings have chemicals which increase hyperactivity in children. Such chemicals include Sodium Benzoate commonly found in fruit juices, carbonated beverages and salad dressings. Other chemicals include FD&C Yellow No. 5 and 6 and D&C Yellow No. 10 among others found in juices, cereals, soft drinks and candy. Try Yoga Classes Previous studies indicate yoga is useful for alleviating the symptoms. According to research, children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder who attend yoga sessions show great improvement in areas of socialization, reduced hyperactivity and anxiety. Tai Chi has also been lauded as an effective method of reducing hyperactivity, daydreaming and reduced emotional reactions. rnSpending Time Outdoors Being outdoors is beneficial for children as interacting with nature helps to improve levels of concentration. Experts agree regular exposure to green environment has helped both children and adults with ADHD. Parental or Behavioral Therapy In cases of severe ADHD, parental therapy is important since raising a child with this condition will require more effort, patience and dedication. Behavioral therapy is an effective treatment technique especially for young children. The goal of this therapy is to correct certain negative behaviors and find ways of preventing them. Rules and goals need to be set up for the child which offers long term benefits of treatment.