Most children suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have limited treatment options, because their doctors believe that stimulant medication is the best way to manage the condition. Although ADHD medication does provide short-term relief, long-term use can lead to many health and neurological consequences. Due to Western medicine's myopic perspective on the disorder, many children are denied alternative treatment options that bring long-term relief with no side effects.
Natural remedies for ADHD begin with finding the root cause of the disorder, and research suggests that nutritional deficiencies are some of the primary triggers of hyperactivity and inattention. Magnesium is usually among these deficient nutrients. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body, with 50% stored with calcium in the bones. The rest of the body's magnesium is used for over 300 chemical functions, such as regulating blood pressure, assisting the immune system, and maintaining normal nerve and muscle functions. Above everything, however, magnesium is thought to be the "relaxation mineral.". It can induce a calm state without causing lethargy and sluggishness, and enables the mind to think clearly and focus on tasks.
A magnesium deficiency is caused by numerous things. Because the two minerals are biologically interlocked, a magnesium deficiency is sometimes linked to a calcium deficiency. Leaky gut syndrome, or a damaged gastrointestinal tract, can also account for a magnesium deficiency. Most of the time, however, the lack of magnesium in meals causes the deficiency. These days, a child's meals are primarily made up of refined sugar, white flour, and processed foods, which deplete the body's magnesium during digestion. It is hardly surprising that the symptoms of a magnesium deficiency resemble the symptoms of ADHD: poor memory, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and hypersensitivity to sounds.
Treating a magnesium deficiency is not difficult, but it will require some dietary and lifestyle changes. First, you need to add magnesium-rich foods to your child's diet. Slowly eliminate all junk food, refined sugars, and soda from your child's diet and replace them with magnesium-rich green vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, and spinach. All leafy green vegetables are excellent sources of magnesium, because this mineral is the base atom of chlorophyll. Other foods that contain magnesium are whole unrefined grains, seeds, nuts, black beans, tofu, and seafood like tuna, oysters, and scallops.
Depending on the advice of your child's nutritionist, you may also want to give your child multivitamins or magnesium supplements. Use magnesium supplements in absorbable forms like magnesium glycinate or magnesium glycerophosphate. Several studies also suggest that magnesium is best taken together with vitamin B6. Never give your child magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, or magnesium sulphate; not are these forms poorly absorbed, but they can cause diarrhea in high doses. However, magnesium sulfate also comes in a powdered form like Epsom salts, which can be added to a hot bath to induce calmness and relaxation.
If you have any questions about magnesium supplementation or putting your child on an ADHD diet, seek the advice of a holistic practitioner or a nutritionist.
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