Can A Naturopathic Doctor Help With ADHD?

What comes to mind when you think of ADHD?

The overactive (usually male) child who can’t sit still in class?

Kids who can’t pay attention?

These are some fairly common stereotypes, but ADHD can also be:

The girls who can’t shut up even when parents and teachers are constantly telling her to stop interrupting.

A woman with depression because she is having trouble with things which should be easy for adults to do.

Someone who is always running late because of struggles with time management.

More and more we are seeing ADHD isn’t just reserved for young boys.

If this describes you, you might be looking for natural ways to help manage your symptoms.

As a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, I can help you explore some natural solutions for ADHD.

Keep reading to find out more.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD, which is short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition which results in impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inability to focus on a task.

These issues can often result in difficulties with performance at school and work, as well as trouble with completing tasks around the home.

In the past, ADD and ADHD were considered to be two different diagnoses, but we’ve since changed.

Now, they’re both considered the same thing.

What Are The Three Types Of ADHD?

ADHD has been divided into three subtypes which express themselves in different ways.

These are hyperactive and impulsive, inattentive, and combined.

Let’s look at some of the characteristics of each subtype of ADHD.

Predominantly Hyperactive Impulsive

When you think of your preconceptions of how ADHD presents, you’re likely thinking of symptoms of the hyperactive impulsive type.

This subtype is characterized by symptoms such as:

• Interrupting others
• Having trouble waiting to take turns
• Fidgeting and difficulty sitting still

Predominantly Inattentive

Individuals with inattentive ADHD have often gone undiagnosed in children because the symptoms aren’t as disruptive as the hyperactive type.

It may be perceived as daydreaming or being “in their own little world”.

In adults, this type of ADHD can look like:

• Losing things
• Being easily distracted
• Making a lot of mistakes when performing tasks for work or school
• Having trouble paying attention during conversations, or while reading
• Unable to organize tasks for the day

Combined Hyperactive Impulsive And Inattentive

As its name suggests, combined hyperactive impulsive and inattentive ADHD is exactly that – a combination of both types.

This is the most common type of ADHD.

What Causes ADHD?

Even though ADHD is common, researchers still have not been able to pinpoint a precise cause.

We do know there are some related factors though.

Some of these factors include:

• Low dopamine levels in the brain – also linked with fibromyalgia
• Structural differences in the brain – some people with ADHD may refer to their brain being “wired differently”
• Genetics
• Previous head injury
• Exposure to alcohol and nicotine in the womb
• Premature delivery and low birth weight

How Does ADHD Increase Your Risk Of Burnout?

If you have ADHD, you’re more likely to experience burnout than the average population.

This is likely due to the fact that people with ADHD tend to be more impulsive.

You may be prone to attempting to juggle many different tasks and responsibilities at once.

As a result, you may over commit and overextend yourself.

If you have an ADHD diagnosis, being aware of this tendency can often be the first step to helping you recognize when you’re taking on too much, and then being able to take a step back.

If you haven’t been diagnosed with ADHD and find this is a pattern you’re falling into regularly, you might want to stop and ask yourself if you have other symptoms of ADHD.

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Naturopathic Treatments For ADHD

There is no known cure for ADHD, and it’s unlikely there will ever be one.

That’s because ADHD is a difference in the way your brain is structured, rather than an illness.

But it can still be frustrating to deal with.

If you have ADHD, or have a child with ADHD, there are natural solutions you can use to help manage your ADHD symptoms.

Let’s take a closer look at them.

1. Lifestyle Changes

For children especially, lifestyle factors can influence ADHD symptoms.

Limiting “screen time” and use of technology, having set schedules, and regular physical activity can all be useful to helping manage ADHD.

Practicing mindfulness can also help manage ADHD symptoms, which we’ve talked about on this blog before.

RELATED: Top 4 Mindfulness Apps
RELATED: Health Benefits Of Mindfulness In Times Of Anxiety

2. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that’s important to brain health and functioning.

Some studies have shown people with ADHD may have lower levels of zinc than those without ADHD.

Children on restricted diets, or who have conditions which prevent them from fully absorbing nutrients are more likely to have zinc deficiencies.

These include conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive disorders.

RELATED: Naturopath for digestive problems near me

This can often lead to symptoms similar to ADHD.

For some children with ADHD, supplementing with zinc may help manage their symptoms.

3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

We have already mentioned one potential cause of ADHD is low dopamine levels in the brain.

Omega 3 supplements might be able to help with this, as they can help improve the body’s ability to synthesize dopamine.

This may be especially helpful for people who don’t regularly eat foods rich in omega 3s such as fatty fish and seeds like chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flaxseeds.

4. Iron

One of the most common medications given to children with ADHD is methylphenidate, more commonly known by its brand name, Ritalin.

A 2021 study found children taking iron supplements alongside methylphenidate showed significant improvement of ADHD symptoms over children who weren’t also taking iron.

However, iron is complicated.

It’s important for your health, but too much can be toxic.

Speak to your naturopathic doctor before beginning any iron supplementing.

5. Vitamin D

Low levels of vitamin D have been correlated with a higher incidence of ADHD.

For children who have the inattentive type of ADHD especially, supplementing with vitamin D can help improve attention and brain function.

Book Your Appointment With Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND, Today

Do you have a child who has ADHD, and you’re looking for natural ways to manage their symptoms?

Or maybe as an adult you’ve newly discovered that you yourself have an ADHD diagnosis and want to explore natural solutions.

I’m Dr. Sheila ND, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto and I can help.

Book your appointment with me, Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND, today.