I think it's very important to acknowledge the root causes of "hyperactivity symptoms" in children of which center majorly around nutrition and lifestyle. I would argue that "ADHD" is VERY rare genetically (if at all). Many scientists also believe ADHD is a "made up" diagnosis (here are two articles you can read about this: https://www.rael.org/adhd-is-a-fake-disease-invented-by-big-pharma-to-drug-children-for-profit/ and https://www.collective-evolution.com/2016/09/01/adhd-is-a-fake-disorder-says-neurologist-turned-author/)
I am more inclined to believe that decades of accumulated toxicity and the removal of our natural food sources are the main causes of these symptoms. In addition to unrealistic expectations placed on our children in public school settings. (We could also discuss the incentives/federal funding schools receive for children with this specific diagnosis - "But a diagnosis of ADHD could be worth, to a school district, perhaps as much as an extra $1,000 or more per child, as long as that child is at least two years below grade level. The school district might spend much more than that giving the child “special services,” but that is simply an argument between different departments." (https://www.howtolearn.com/2011/07/adhd-diagnosis-is-worth-money-to-schools/)
Dr. Axe even stated, "Refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and chemical food additives, nutritional deficiencies, preservatives and food allergies are all causes of ADD/ADHD." (https://draxe.com/health/natural-remedies-adhd/)
The MTHFR gene mutation, of which over 60% of the population has, ALSO correlates with this diagnosis as people with this mutation cannot properly synthesize Folate into usable forms. Synthetic Folate - aka, Folic acid, is in many vitamins, foods, etc and is a known trigger of hyperactive symptoms in people with the MTHFR gene mutation. See my MTHFR highlight for more education on this. Also: https://mthfrgenehealth.com/mthfr-adhd/
(Methyl B 12 is another known trigger)
Parents, when it comes down to reversing hyperactivity symptoms in your children, you must first recognize the WHY. What is causing these symptoms?
Without this knowledge, you will feel helpless.
Avoid:
Gluten (Glyohosate intolerance, arguably) -"Research shows a link between ADHD and celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity. It is reported that those who were sensitive to gluten (celiac disease) but were not avoiding gluten in their diets had increased ADHD symptoms compared to those following gluten-free diets.
Gluten is found wheat, rye, barley and related grains." (https://latitudes.org/adhd-and-the-gluten-link/)
Foods that have gluten: processed breads, chips, crackers, cookies, etc. CARBS, BABY!
"According to studies, gluten, wheat, corn, and soy cause some children to lose focus and become more hyperactive. Vincent Monastra, Ph.D., author of Parenting Children with ADHD, suggests that all children be screened for food allergies before being prescribed medication for ADHD. Talk with your doctor about testing for allergies." (https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-diet-nutrition-sugar/)
Food dyes - "Many studies have shown that food dyes can impair children's behavior, but until now the amounts of dyes in packaged foods has been a secret. New research by Purdue University scientists, published in the journal Clinical Pediatrics, reports on the dye content of scores of breakfast cereals, candies, baked goods, and other foods. According to the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, the findings are disturbing since the amounts of dyes found in even single servings of numerous foods—or combinations of several dyed foods—are higher than the levels demonstrated in some clinical trials to impair some children's behavior." (https://www.cspinet.org/new/201405071.html)
"Studies published in The Lancet7, Pediatrics8, and The Journal of Pediatrics9 suggest that some children with ADHD are adversely affected by food additives. A recent study10 indicates that artificial food coloring and flavors, as well as the preservative sodium benzoate, make some kids without ADHD hyperactive.
Avoid colorful cereals, like Fruit Loops and Lucky Charms. Cheerios are better, and lower in sugar. Substitute 100 percent fruit juice for soft drinks and fruit punches, most of which are artificially colored and flavored. If your child wants a treat, offer him Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies, which are free of dyes and low in sugar." (https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-diet-nutrition-sugar/)
Nitrites -"Commonly found in lunchmeat, canned foods and many processed foods, nitrites are linked to an increase of childhood type 1 diabetes, certain types of cancer and IBS. In addition, it can cause rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing and restlessness that worsen ADHD symptoms." (https://draxe.com/health/natural-remedies-adhd/)
Sugar - this topic is highly debated, interestingly, however I would caution ANYONE on consuming too much synthetic sugar as it's a known contributor of inflammation and cancer - "While some studies have found no correlation between refined sugar and increased hyperactivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD), other studies on nutrition suggest that some kids with ADHD are “turned on” by copious amounts of sweet stuff." (https://www.additudemag.com/sugar-diet-nutrition-impact-adhd-symptoms/)
The amount of synthetic sugar in processed/packaged foods/juices is INSANE
"Several studies suggest that some kids who have ADHD are “turned on” by copious amounts of sugar. One study5 concluded that the more sugar hyperactive children consumed, the more destructive and restless they became. A study6 conducted at Yale University indicates that high-sugar diets increase inattention in some kids." (https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-diet-nutrition-sugar/)
Conventional Dairy - "Most cow milk dairy contains A1 casein that can trigger a similar reaction as gluten and therefore should be eliminated. If problematic symptoms arise after eating dairy, discontinue use. Goat’s milk, however, does not contain the protein and is a better option for many individuals with ADD/ADHD." (https://draxe.com/health/natural-remedies-adhd/)
Artificial Sweeteners - "Artificial sweeteners are just bad for your health, but for those living with ADHD, the side effects can be devastating. Artificial sweeteners create biochemical changes in the body, some of which can harm cognitive function and emotional balance." (https://draxe.com/health/natural-remedies-adhd/)
Soy - Soy is a common food allergen and can disrupt hormones that cause ADHD. (https://draxe.com/health/natural-remedies-adhd/)
Inactivity can lead to restlessness!
Treating Hyperactivity symptoms naturally is 100% possible and ultimately boils down to DIET, NUTRITION, AND LIFESTYLE. Your child may experience detox symptoms while you're eliminating junk foods - eliminate slowly to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms!
What to eat for symptom control:
WHOLE FOODS - "Foods rich in protein — lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy products — can have beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms. Protein-rich foods are used by the body to make neurotransmitters, the chemicals released by brain cells to communicate with each other. Protein can prevent surges in blood sugar, which increase hyperactivity and impulsivity."
"Faye Berger Mitchell, a registered dietician from Bethesda, Maryland, has a nine-year-old daughter who received an ADHD diagnosis two years ago. While her daughter takes stimulants to control her ADHD symptoms, Mitchell concluded that a pill is not enough. She finds that when her daughter eats a well-balanced diet, including vegetables, complex carbohydrates, fruits, and plenty of protein, her behavior tends to be more consistently under control.
Ned Hallowell, M.D., founder of the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health, in Sudbury, Massachusetts, and New York City, advises all of his patients with ADHD to think about their plates when preparing a meal. Half of the plate, he recommends, should be filled with fruits or vegetables, one-fourth with a protein, and one-fourth with carbohydrates."
Zinc, Iron, and Magnesium: "Zinc regulates the neurotransmitter dopamine and may make methylphenidate more effective by improving the brain’s response to dopamine. Low levels of this mineral correlate with inattention. Iron is also necessary for making dopamine. One small study1 showed ferritin levels (a measure of iron stores) to be low in 84 percent of children with ADHD compared to 18 percent of the control group. Low iron levels correlate with cognitive deficits and severe ADHD. Like zinc, magnesium is used to make neurotransmitters involved in attention and concentration, and it has a calming effect on the brain.
All three minerals are found in lean meats, poultry, seafood, nuts, soy, and fortified cereals. While diet is the safest way to increase all three mineral levels, a multivitamin/multimineral with iron will ensure that you or your child gets the daily reference value (DRV) of these minerals."
B Vitamins & Multivitamins (be cognizant of MTHFR above) - "Studies suggest that giving children who have low levels of B vitamins a supplement improved some IQ scores (by 16 points) and reduced aggression and antisocial behavior. “Vitamin B-6 seems to increase the brain’s levels of dopamine, which improves alertness,” says Brown."
Omega-3s - "Omega-3s are believed to be important in brain and nerve cell function. A new study2, conducted at Göteborg University, in Sweden, concluded that daily doses of omega-3s — found in cold-water, fatty fish, such as sardines, tuna, and salmon — reduced ADHD symptoms by 50 percent. Dr. Sven Ostlund followed a group of ADHD children aged 8-18 who took fish oildaily. Within six months, there was a noticeable decrease in ADHD symptoms in 25 percent of the children."
Probiotic (25–50 billion units daily) - "ADHD may be connected to digestive issues, therefore taking a good quality probiotic daily will help maintain intestinal health. (https://draxe.com/health/natural-remedies-adhd/)
Sleeping regimens are also very important!
"Establish Healthy Sleep Patterns — According to research published in Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, sleep deprivation and disturbances to your circadian rhythm can contribute to the onset or intensity of ADHD symptoms. Plus, researchers point out that the long-term consequences of sleep problems in individuals with ADHD include obesity, poor academic performance and disrupted parent-child interactions. (13)" (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5290714/)
Establish healthy physical activities as to lessen symptoms of restlessness - get your babes away from the television!
Conclusion:
Unfortunately, many parents find natural treatments to be overwhelming, when in reality, it's very simple. Focus on whole foods, healthy sleeping patterns, exercise/activities. Eliminate junk foods, fast foods, artificially sweetened beverages. Introduce vitamins/supplements/minerals!
Healing/treating naturally is 100% possible!