There are a million and one herbal and natural remedies out there, and some of them can be helpful. The key to finding helpful remedies for whatever ails you is to research, investigate and be smart about what you buy and put into your body. With ADHD, you want to be extra careful what you put into your body because it is more sensitive than the average folk. There are some natural products that can be helpful in easing symptoms of the disorder, but be cautious in going out and purchasing products that have not been approved by the FDA. One product that can be particularly helpful in treating the symptoms of ADHD is called l-tyrosine. L-tyrosine is an amino acid that makes up the building blocks of dopamine. If taken before meals, l-tyrosine can act somewhat like a stimulant. There are really no side effects with this supplement, and an individual can take doses between 500 mg-1500 mg up to three times a day. L-tyrosine is a nice alternative to a stimulant because it has softer effects than drugs like Ritalin and Adderall. Also, it wears off much easier and is much less harsh on the body. It can also be taken with prescription stimulants to enhance the effect of them. Besides L-tyrosine, there are a couple other supplements that can have stimulant like effects. One is called DLPA, and it is the amino acid precursor for norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter has been shown to low in people with ADD. Another effective supplement is called SAME, and this can help with low grade depression often present in people with ADD. SAME can be somewhat stimulating as well. And it has been shown to be helpful with the chronic pain condition fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia and ADD often come together, for unknown reasons. Other supplements that are helpful for the anxiety and depression that so often accompanies ADHD are 5htp and St. John's Wart. 5htp is an amino acid precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin. It actually increases the amount of serotonin in your brain, and it can really be quite helpful. SSRI antidepressants only recycle the serotonin that already exists in your brain, so 5htp in some ways is more effective. Also, St. John's Wart is a natural antidepressant that has been shown to be somewhat effective in the treatment of depression. In regards to many of the online products advertised for the treatment of ADHD, such as Attend, I would stay far away from these products. Who knows what is actually in them or who is selling them. I just don't trust herbal remedies that are sold online. Too many people are trying to make a buck. |
