Diet
General advice on disease prevention and a healthy lifestyle can be found in the library article "General Advice - for both the healthy and the sick" in the VitaHealth section under Focus Articles. You can also test your health by taking our "Health Check".
Avoid as many food additives as possible. It is important to be most observant of the so-called azocolourants: E102, E104, E112, E124, and E129. Also avoid the preservative benzoic acid: E210 and sodium benzoate E211.
The child should be examined for food allergy/-intolerance and celiac disease. Though true allergy may not be present and celiac disease is not directly involved in ADHD, it, if present, could counteract the desired treatment results. Consuming sugar, sweets, and food made from white flour should be limited. The same is true for additives. A daily broad-spectrum dietary supplement in the form of a multivitamin-mineral tablet and omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) is a good idea.
Primarily eat organic food.
Pregnant women should avoid tobacco smoke, as this increases the unborn child's risk of developing ADHD or similar behaviour.
Sleep
Children with ADHD often require little sleep. Children’s sleeping patterns and quality of sleep should be examined. Does your child get enough sleep? Children should get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Does your child snore? Studies indicate a possible connection between snoring in which the oxygen supply to the body can be too low and behavioural changes. The risk of developing hyperactivity or of an already existing hyperactivity being aggravated is about 4 times higher in children who snore on a regular basis.
Adults with ADHD
Many mind exercises for adults with ADHD have been developed. Some have shown good results.
Beneficial vitamins and minerals
- Vitamin B6: Good results have been seen at doses of 0.8 mg/kg body weight
- Magnesium: Good results have been seen with 6 mg /kg body weight
The above should also be a part of a balanced multivitamin – mineral complex containing all recommended vitamins and minerals.
Useful herbs
- Bacopa monniera: Children 6 -12 years old: Standard extract (20% bacosid A+B). Dosage: 100 mg 1-2 times daily.
- Pycnogenol: Is believed to help some boys, but not girls, with ADHD. The method of action is unknown.
Other
- Omega 3 fatty acids
