A person’s diet is often the most overlooked cause of ADHD. Foods containing gluten, casein, and artificial additives tend to trigger ADHD-like symptoms because the body is unable to handle these substances. Deficiencies in key nutrients could also be a factor. The diets and supplements suggested by the other users can help manage ADHD naturally, but you can also try supplementing your diet with a multivitamin. These vitamins and minerals are often deficient in individuals with ADHD, and are known to have a positive effect on brain function.
1) Magnesium. Also known as the “relaxation mineral”, magnesium participates in over 300 chemical processes in the body. In the right amounts, magnesium can induce a calm, tranquil state without causing sluggishness, and enable a person to focus better on tasks.
2) Calcium. Calcium is best known for its function as the building blocks of the bone, but this mineral is also needed for a number of functions, including neurotransmitter production. Most kids get a lot of calcium in their food, but the body cannot utilize calcium as efficiently if there is a deficiency in magnesium. This is why calcium and magnesium supplements are usually lumped together. A good supplement should contain twice more calcium as magnesium to obtain the right balance of these two nutrients.
3) B-vitamins. B-vitamins are eight compounds that help metabolize glucose, the fuel of the brain. They are also part of a chemical process called methlaytion, which boosts the production of neurotransmitters and improves the body’s natural detoxification pathways. A child’s multivitamin formula should contain the recommended daily allowance for B-vitamins: 25mg of vitamin B-1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B6 (pyroxidine), 800mcg of vitamin B9, and 500mcg of vitamin B12.
4) Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important natural antioxidant that protects fragile nutrients from oxidation, protects the body from free radicals, and increases tolerance to allergens.
5) Vitamin D. Brain scans show that a deficiency in Vitamin D is related to brain shrinkage, abnormal brain growth, and development of abnormal neurons. Vitamin D3 can calm down a hyperactive brain by soothing the overactive microglial cells.
6) Omega-3 fatty acids. Many cases of ADHD are caused by a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that makes up 60% of the brain's structure and the cell membranes of neurons. When the brain does not receive enough omega-3 fats, the neurons' membranes have difficulty sending and receiving neurotransmitters.
