Alternative Medicine for ADHD in children

There's little research that indicates that alternative medicine treatments can significantly reduce ADHD symptoms, although some do appear to help. These include:

 

• Yoga. There's growing evidence yoga may help alleviate symptoms of ADHD.
• Special diets. Most diets for ADHD involve eliminating foods thought to increase hyperactivity, such as sugar and caffeine, and common allergens such as wheat, milk and eggs. Some diets recommend eliminating artificial food colorings and additives. So far, studies haven't found a consistent link between diet and improved symptoms of ADHD, though a limited number of studies suggest diet changes might make a difference.
• Vitamin or mineral supplements. While certain vitamins and minerals are necessary for good health, there's no evidence that supplemental vitamins or minerals can reduce symptoms of ADHD. "Megadoses" of vitamins — doses that far exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) — can be harmful.
• Herbal supplements. The verdict is still out on whether taking hypericum, ginseng, ginkgo, traditional Chinese medicine formulas or other herbal remedies may help with ADHD.
• Essential fatty acids. These fats, which include omega-3 oils, are necessary for the brain to function properly. Researchers are still investigating whether these they may improve ADHD symptoms.
• Glyconutrients. The term "glyconutrients" refers to eight specific sugars that theoretically reduce symptoms by helping form important compounds called glycoproteins. While sugars are necessary for brain function, it isn't clear whether glyconutrient supplements have any effect on ADHD.
• Neurofeedback training. Also called electroencephalographic biofeedback, this treatment involves regular sessions in which a child focuses on certain tasks while using a machine that shows brain wave patterns. Theoretically, a child can learn to keep brain wave patterns active in the front of the brain — improving symptoms of ADHD. More research is needed to see whether this treatment works.

Source:  Mayo Clinic Embody Health