Home | health | Simple Tips To Help Manage ADHD

Simple tips to help manage ADHD

Simple tips to help manage ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is one of the most typical neurodevelopmental disorders in the country. It primarily occurs in childhood, but some adults also develop ADHD. Several studies have been conducted to find out the potential causes of ADHD. Besides genetics, no other definite cause has been discovered, making it difficult to find a concrete treatment for it.

Nevertheless, here are a few simple tips that can help manage ADHD:

Tip 1: Start treatment without delay
Diagnosing ADHD is not simple, as many of the symptoms associated with the condition can be typical of childhood. What makes the detection of ADHD possible is that children suffering from this disorder do not just grow out of their childhood behaviors. Keeping this in mind, it is essential to consult a health professional if any of the following symptoms are observed:

  • Difficulty in staying still
  • Forgetting to complete tasks
  • Not being able to remain organized
  • Having difficulty concentrating or staying focused.

To decide whether a patient has ADHD or not, the doctor may follow several steps as it is not possible to diagnose ADHD with a single test. Several other conditions like depression, anxiety, specific learning disabilities, and sleep issues exhibit the same symptoms as ADHD, making it mandatory for health experts to follow specific standard guidelines in the diagnosis.

One of the steps prescribed by these standards entails a physical examination, including vision and hearing tests, to slash off other health issues causing ADHD-related symptoms. Besides that, specific checklists are used to rate ADHD symptoms, and adequate information about the patient is collected from their parents, teachers, and sometimes, the patient.

Once the patient is diagnosed with ADHD, the doctor prescribes a combination of oral treatment and behavior therapy. Suppose the patient is a preschool-aged child, i.e., 4 to 5 years of age, in that case, the health professional may proceed with behavior therapy, training parents as the first line of treatment.

The efficacy of a particular treatment mainly depends on the nature of the concerned patient and their family. However, a well-made treatment plan includes:

  • Monitoring
  • Follow-ups
  • Introduction of timely changes in treatment, if necessary.

Tip 2: Prepare a well-balanced meal plan
Even though there is hardly any evidence to prove that nutritional deficiencies cause ADHD, some studies show that including specific foods in the patient’s meal plan can, to some extent, help the brain function better. This, in return, helps ease ADHD-related symptoms such as lack of concentration or restlessness.

However, not much has been researched on ADHD meal plans. Basis the limited available data, medical experts opine that whatever food improves the brain’s functionality, eases ADHD symptoms.

A well-balanced ADHD meal plan mainly comprises the following components:

  • A high-protein meal:  Yogurt, beans, nuts, and seeds constitute some of the most vital protein sources. Start the morning with these foods to enhance concentration and help ADHD treatments work better. These can also be taken as snacks after school or in the evening.
  • Foods containing complex carbohydrates : Carbohydrates have different types and are mainly notable for their sugar content. However, complex carbohydrates are much more than that and can be considered good carbs. Fill the plate with as many vegetables as possible. Also, include loads of fruits, such as tangerines, oranges, grapefruit, pears, kiwi, and apples. Use them to prepare healthy evening snacks and have a good night’s sleep.
  • Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids:  Omega-3 Fatty Acids are specifically noteworthy for stimulating blood circulation into the brain. This, in turn, contributes to brain development. Brazil nuts, walnuts, canola, and olive oils are some of the most significant sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. 

A good ADHD meal also entails eliminating foods that could trigger specific behaviors or make ADHD symptoms worse. Foods that one must avoid to ease ADHD symptoms include:

  • Artificial colors, specifically yellow and red.
  • Food additives like MSG (monosodium glutamate), nitrites, and aspartame. Specific research studies have related hyperactivity with preservatives like sodium benzoate.
  • Simple carbohydrates, the ones found in candies, corn syrup, sugar, honey, white flour products, white rice, and blanched potatoes.
  • Caffeine

Tip 3: Improve lifestyle choices 
It is essential to note that while clinical remedies for ADHD can significantly help in improving brain function and enhancing concentration, they also have some severe side effects. These include sleep problems, mood swings, and heart problems.

Introducing specific progressive changes in living habits is also necessary, besides following treatment and meal plans. These include:

  • Exercise: Engaging in at least one hour of physical activity every day.
  • Sleep: Following a strict sleep schedule.
  • Electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback training: This will teach the patient new focusing methods and enable them to pinpoint and rectify their symptoms.
  • Yoga: Practicing yoga or engaging in Tai Chi classes to keep the mind calm and enhance focus.
  • Outdoors: Spending at least 20 minutes per day outside in a natural, green setting.

The bottom line 
Although living with ADHD is not without its perils, many patients still enjoy happy and flourishing lives. Some even acknowledge its benefits. What it needs is one to follow the doctor’s directions to lead a disciplined life.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE, is a chronic digestive disease of the esophagus caused by an allergic condition. It is characterized by chest pain, heartburn, and solid food dysphagia. If this disorder is left untreated, it can cause esophageal remodeling and stricture formation. This disorder is also marked by eosinophilic inflammation and impacts the quality of life of the affected person. You can check out various reliable health websites to get information on eosinophilic esophagitis. A patient with EoE must be very careful with his health and meal plans, as research suggests that EoE is linked to food allergies. Therefore, the six most common food items that are responsible for such allergies include: Dairy Cow milk is said to be one of the most common reasons for EoE. Milk protein can trigger too many eosinophils. You should avoid food items made up of milk, buttermilk, lactose, and other related dairy products. You can replace dairy products with coconut hemp, dairy-free yogurts, cashew ice cream, etc. Soy Soy-based food items include tofu, soy butter, soymilk, and miso. Soy cheese, soy nuts, soy milk, etc., should be avoided and can be substituted with refined soybean oil or coconut aminos. Wheat You might think wheat is only found in bread, cereal, or baked goods.
Read More
5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

One of the most vital systems in our body is the digestive system. It is responsible for the digestion of food and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body to meet the bodily requirements for energy, development, and cell repair. Issues in the digestive can interfere with the body’s ability to get energy from food. While some gastrointestinal issues can go away with healthy eating habits, other concerns may require treatment.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is a functional bowel disorder. This means the cluster of varied symptoms categorized as IBS is brought on by changes in the normal functioning of the digestive system. The primary sign is abdominal pain, which can develop before or after a bowel movement, and is a reliable indicator of IBS. Additionally, one may experience both constipation and diarrhea. The form of IBS can be determined depending on whether a person has diarrhea or constipation more frequently or both equally. Other IBS signs and symptoms are incomplete bowel motions, white mucus in the stool, and bloating. Nutrition is important for managing the symptoms of IBS, which includes eating low-fat, high-fiber meals and avoiding common trigger foods when the cause of the condition is unknown. Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection are common causes.
Read More
8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Most of us make it a goal to keep our house clean and tidy. Cleaning the house may look like a straightforward task, but there are certain aspects that are generally overlooked. Cleaning is a time consuming and tedious activity. And most of us make common cleaning mistakes that do not provide us with the results we expect. So here is a list of cleaning mistakes to avoid for better results and a sparkling clean home. Mixing cleaning chemicals You may think mixing two or more cleaning products will increase the cleaning power. However, this can be very dangerous as it might release toxic fumes. For example, household cleaners like Clorox Pinesol should never be mixed with bleach as they can react together to produce hazardous chlorine gas or even chloroform. Similarly, Pinesol disinfectant should not be mixed with room spray sanitizer as the chemicals could react together to unleash a toxic cloud of gases that can trigger respiratory problems and even cause skin burns. Instead of mixing chemicals, use a single cleaning agent or solution and stick to a reliable brand. Alternatively, you can also enlist the help of a cleaning company, like Servpro Services, which offers a range of affordable home cleaning services. Using feather dusters A feather duster may seem very useful, but all it does is spread the dust from one surface to another.
Read More
11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

Processed foods like cakes, cookies, candies, and breakfast cereals contain added sugar, and most people find them delicious and irresistible. However, they have little nutritional value. Eating too many sweets can increase the risk of several health issues. For instance, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and heart disease. When a person eats too much sugar regularly, the body begins to give signs that it is time to cut back on sweet foods. High blood pressure Besides monitoring salt intake, people suffering from high blood pressure should watch their sugar intake because eating too much sugar is also linked to high blood pressure. According to a study, foods high in sugar can reduce nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which can, in turn, impact blood flow and lead to high blood pressure. Mood swings or irritability Feeling moody, irritable, or depressed on and off is a common sign of high sugar intake. Mood swings occur as foods high in sugar affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. Sugary foods also negatively impact gut function, another factor linked to a person’s mood. Low energy or tiredness Binging on sugary snacks wreaks havoc on one’s blood sugar levels. It first causes blood glucose to rise, providing a boost of energy.
Read More