If you or your child suffer from one of the common mental health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or anxiety, you may wonder what the options are for treatment. If you visit a medical doctor, he or she will likely discuss the differences between stimulants vs non stimulants in prescription form. However, these come with various side effects and other risks. If these are concerning, you may want to consider one of the various natural remedies available.
Consider Health Needs
A couple of important considerations when debating whether to do a prescription drug like Adderall or a natural remedy are age and health needs. Many of the prescription meds are not recommended for young children, so if it is your child, a more natural approach should be tried first.
The severity of the symptoms also plays a role. Milder symptoms may respond well to natural remedies, while severe symptoms may do better with more potent prescription drugs. Because all medical remedies can result in side effects, the overall health of you or your child should also be considered, as medication may make health issues worse.
Natural Remedies as Holistic Approaches
Many people prefer to take a more conservative approach first, and there are various natural remedies that have been shown to help.
Supplements, Vitamins, and Herbs
Nutrition plays a large role in certain mental health conditions, such as ADHD. Eating a diet of whole foods and avoiding processed foods as well as artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners can make a big difference. For those who do not eat a well-balanced diet, there are various supplements and herbs that may be beneficial.
When searching for an ADHD multivitamin, focus on the following:
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Zinc
Other important nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids and inositol. There are also herbs that have been shown to help:
- Ginseng
- Green oats
- Pine bark extract
- Gingko biloba
- Red clover blossom
- Valerian
- Lemon balm
If you are considering herbs, check with your medical professional to ensure they do not have negative interactions to other things you are taking.
Therapy
Various types of therapy are also effective for those with ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common, and some see results with just therapy, while other combine it with medication use.
Homeopathic Remedies
If you want the effects of medication without the negative risks, consider homeopathic treatments. These are made with natural ingredients, and they work with your body to counteract symptoms. Because they do not contain chemicals, there are no side effects or other downfalls. For example, some prescription medications cause a dependence, but there is a non habit forming anti anxiety medication that is available over the counter.
Homeopathic remedies do not require a prescription, and anyone experiencing symptoms can try them. Many of them are dose specific to symptoms, so make sure to use one that corresponds with the severity of your condition.
Choosing between prescription medication and natural remedy is a personal choice. Do your research and consider multiple factors before deciding what is best for you.
