7 Science-Backed Secrets to Healing ADD Naturally

Do you or your child have trouble focusing, staying organized, or completing tasks? It could be attention-deficit disorder (ADD), also known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If you (or a loved one) have ADD/ADHD, you may think stimulant medication, such as Ritalin or Adderall, is the only answer. Wrong! Many natural ADD/ADHD solutions are backed by science.

If you (or a loved one) have ADD/ADHD, you may think stimulant medication, such as Ritalin or Adderall, is the only answer. Wrong! Many natural ADD/ADHD solutions are backed by science. Share on X

Although research in the journal Plos One found that the usage of stimulant medication for ADD/ADHD doubled from 2006-2016, it isn’t the only option. Other scientific findings show that alternatives to ADD/ADHD medication can improve symptoms, such as:

  • short attention span
  • distractibility
  • procrastination
  • disorganization
  • problems with follow-through
  • poor impulse control

If you’re one of the 4.4% of adults in America who are affected by ADD/ADHD, or your child is among the over 6 million youngsters who have this condition, you may benefit from some of these natural strategies. In some instances, natural solutions can help reduce or eliminate the need for prescription stimulants. If you or your child are currently taking medication, be sure to discuss your situation with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your prescription medication.

Here are 7 science-backed secrets to healing ADD/ADHD naturally:

1. Nourish the ADD/ADHD brain with nutritional supplements.

A growing body of research shows that nutritional deficiencies—including low levels of vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and ferritin—are common in people with ADD/ADHD. Taking a high-quality daily multiple vitamin/mineral supports healthy levels of foundational nutrients. Similarly, studies have found that those with ADD/ADHD generally have lower levels of important omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementing with omega-3s can improve issues with impulse control, attention, and hyperactivity, according to findings in Translational Psychiatry and the Journal of Lipids.

2. Avoid stimulating substances.

Kick the caffeine habit and eliminate the use of any nicotine products. At Amen Clinics, brain SPECT imaging studies show that, over time, caffeine and nicotine reduce activity in the brain. During concentration in people with ADD/ADHD, there is typically lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, and this can be compounded with caffeine and nicotine use.

3. Get moving.

Physical exercise enhances blood flow and activity in the brain, which can improve focus and attention. The benefits of intense physical exercise are so great, it should be viewed as supplemental medication.

4. Put devices away.

Limiting screen time to no more than 30 minutes a day can make a significant difference in ADD/ADHD symptoms. A study in Plos One found that preschoolers who spent more than 2 hours of screen time per day had “clinically significant” increases in ADD/ADHD symptoms, such as attentional problems.

5. Eat to heal ADD/ADHD.

Consuming a higher-protein, lower-simple carbohydrate diet can help with focus and attention in most people with ADD/ADHD. There is one exception, however. People who have Over-Focused ADD—one of the 7 types of ADD identified by Amen Clinics—usually do better with a diet that includes higher levels of complex carbohydrates.

6. Find out if other issues are contributing to ADD/ADHD symptoms.

Issues, such as head trauma, depression, and hormonal imbalances are common in people with ADD/ADHD. Another condition called Irlen Syndrome, which is a visual processing problem, is commonly seen with the condition. Brain SPECT imaging, in addition to lab testing, can help determine the root causes of your (or your child’s) symptoms. Treating any underlying issues can be a critical part of the process of healing from ADD/ADHD.

7. Target natural treatments for your type of ADD/ADHD.

Brain SPECT imaging shows that there are 7 types of ADD/ADHD. Knowing which ADD/ADHD type you (or your child) have is an important step in finding the most effective natural solutions.

ADD/ADHD—as well as anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions—can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time.

At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.

12 Comments »

  1. Number 4. Hit me. I am getting rid of some bad habit like smoking cigarettes. #4 is my next goal.

    Comment by Lionel Flores — April 26, 2021 @ 3:14 AM

  2. I live in Florida. Is there a way to be evaluated remotely. I have Medicare plus supplement

    Comment by Dolores Ann McCranie — April 26, 2021 @ 3:33 AM

  3. I need help but I am on Medicare….

    Comment by Diane — April 26, 2021 @ 7:18 AM

  4. This is great but one area that is typically overlooked is the possibility of sleep disordered breathing, especially in children.

    Having a sleep study or ruling out sleep disordered breathing is something I recommend to every parent before considering the ADHD/ADD diagnosis.
    Eye exams as well— the symptoms of ADHD are similar to children with sleep disordered breathing and it can be treated and managed so that a child grows optimally rather than treating the symptoms with medications!

    Comment by Britney — April 26, 2021 @ 7:44 AM

  5. This information is so needed by parents, educators AND physicians… THANK YOU

    Comment by Dr. Sally A Shinn — April 26, 2021 @ 7:50 AM

  6. Give up coffee? Not in this life. Ive read many times it helps prevent alzh. diabetes and helps control blood sugar and
    decaf doesnt work as well.
    according to Dr Oz. coffee is packed with antioxidants I think its about 100 of them ?
    My Aunt started drinking coffee with cafeine at about age 5 and was sharp as a tack until she passed at age 97.
    She drank one cup a day not an overuser maybe thats key?

    She was an avid reader and played solitaire , and liars dice often. Could do math faster than her nephew me!
    Threaded needles in mid eighties uncorrected. On the phone at 95 she acted and sounded 40. Seriously.

    Her son is bi polar schizo angry uses meth , smokes, eats fast food and would probably break a Spect imige machine.
    Been grying to get him one for years but he refuses all help. Im an overfocuser and cant perform when I REALLY HAVE TO . Drives me crazy. but its a short trip………

    Comment by Gary — April 26, 2021 @ 9:18 AM

  7. Do you do clinical evaluations for adhd in children via video conference

    Comment by Dr. Gina Nick — April 26, 2021 @ 9:28 AM

  8. Hello Dolores, thanks for reaching out. If you have concerns about COVID-19, or if you simply want the convenience of staying at home, we are offering Telehealth and Video Therapy options. For more information about Telehealth: https://amenclinics.com/services/telehealth-and-video-therapy/. For more information about COVID-19 Safety Practices and Procedures: https://amenclinics.com/covid-19-safety-practices-and-procedures/.

    Comment by Amen Clinics — April 26, 2021 @ 11:35 AM

  9. Hello Dr. Gina, thanks for reaching out. If you have concerns about COVID-19, or if you simply want the convenience of staying at home, we are offering Telehealth and Video Therapy options. For more information about Telehealth: https://amenclinics.com/services/telehealth-and-video-therapy/.

    Comment by Amen Clinics — April 26, 2021 @ 11:40 AM

  10. We live in Australia and I have not been able to find any practitioner to help my son inline with Amen clinics. Can you recommend anyhwere to go please. In particular the SPECT imaging and reconising the different types of ADD – I am at a loss here…..and need help for my 9 year old son. Thanks

    Comment by Michelle McCosker — April 26, 2021 @ 10:37 PM

  11. Is it possible to receive aa accurate clinical evaluation via Telehealth without the SPECT scan?

    Comment by Paula Christy — May 3, 2021 @ 6:14 PM

  12. Hello Paula, thank you for reaching out. We’d be happy to contact you directly to discuss the options. We look forward to speaking with you!

    Comment by Amen Clinics — May 4, 2021 @ 1:34 PM

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