Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a pervasive neurological condition affecting a significant portion of the population, both children and adults alike. Traditionally, the first line of treatment for ADHD has been pharmaceuticals, typically stimulants or non-stimulants. While these medications can effectively manage symptoms in the short term, these medications often fail to target the root causes or accompanying conditions. They commonly result in adverse effects such as:
Disruptions in weight and height
Irregular sleep patterns
Personality alterations
The development of "tics" alongside potential addiction
A comprehensive, whole-person treatment strategy can effectively tackle these obstacles. This has led many people to seek alternative approaches, such as naturopathic medicine. At Mountain View Vital Medicine, we offer a holistic approach to treating ADHD, focusing on addressing the root causes of the disorder while considering the individual as a whole.
Whole-Person Treatment
One of the key principles of naturopathic medicine is treating the whole person, considering not just the physical symptoms but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. We spend ample time with patients to understand their unique experiences with ADHD and to identify any underlying factors contributing to their symptoms. This may include evaluating diet, lifestyle habits, genetics, environmental influences, and more.
Evidence-Based Naturopathic Treatments
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Diet plays a crucial role in brain function, and certain foods may exacerbate ADHD symptoms. We may recommend food sensitivity testing or an elimination diet to identify and eliminate potential triggers. Lifestyle interventions such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and spending time in nature can also help manage ADHD symptoms.
Supplementation: Nutritional deficiencies, such as magnesium, iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins, have been linked to ADHD symptoms. We may recommend targeted supplementation to address these deficiencies and support overall health. Fish oil supplements, in particular, have shown promise in improving ADHD symptoms. Probiotics may also be recommended to support gut health, which is increasingly recognized as playing a role in brain function.
Botanical Medicine: Herbal remedies can be used to calm the nervous system and reduce symptoms of restlessness, anxiety, and irritability associated with ADHD. Bacopa monnieri and Ginseng are examples of botanical medicines that may be incorporated into a treatment plan. We customize herbal formulations to suit each patient's needs and preferences, monitoring their efficacy in helping the patient.
Behavioral Medicine: Behavioral therapy is essential to ADHD treatment, particularly in children. We may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals develop strategies for managing ADHD symptoms and improving executive function skills. Neurofeedback, a non-invasive therapy that uses real-time EEG data to train the brain, has also shown promise in improving ADHD symptoms.
If you or a loved one is struggling with ADHD, reach out to us at Mountain View Vital Medicine to explore integrative treatment options tailored to your needs. Visit our website at Mountain View Vital Medicine to learn how we can help you create a tailored approach to healing and regain your health and vitality!