Take your child on a nature walk
Kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have less symptoms after a being in nature or taking a nature walk. Activities in "green" spaces such as farms, parks and even backyards  temporarily quell the children's symptoms. Journal of Attention Disorders, October 2008.

Diet and nutrition - food and fish oils - natural remedy
Research indicates artificial food colorings and benzoate preservatives increase hyperactive behavior in preschool children. One good dietary natural remedy for ADHD is to remove food coloring, preservatives, processed sugars and flour from the diet and replacing them with more protein and fish, along with adding omega-3 supplements such as fish oils.

When children between the ages of 4 and 8 are placed on a diet containing no processed foods for five weeks, ADHD symptoms diminished in the vast majority. And, when suspected trouble foods were reintroduced into the diet, most of the children experienced a relapse in symptoms. Researchers recruited 100 children from Belgium and the Netherlands and were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first was placed on the restrictive elimination diet, and the second served as a control group. The restrictive diet began with a diet called the "few foods diet," which includes just rice, meat, vegetables, pears and water. The researchers then added this diet with certain foods, such as potatoes, fruits and wheat. The restrictive diet lasted for five weeks. During the next four weeks, kids in the restricted diet group received two food challenge diets, in which certain foods were reintroduced into the diet. Of those who completed the study, 78% had a reduction in their ADHD symptoms, compared with no improvement in the controls. Thirty children who had shown a response on the restrictive diet went on to the challenge test. Nineteen of those children had a relapse in symptoms on the challenge test. Lancet, 2011.

Natural Remedy for ADHD - treatment with vitamins, supplements and proper fatty acids
Over the years many attempts have been made to find natural therapies in order to avoid the use of stimulants such as Ritalin. Little research has been done in this area since the medical profession has focused their attention almost exclusively on the use of stimulant drugs. It does seem probable that some nutrients or herbal remedies could eventually be found to be helpful. I am not a pediatrician and do not have first hand experience treating ADHD in children, but based on my general knowledge of herbs and nutrients, and some preliminary studies, there are several natural supplements that are worthwhile for researchers to study. A combination formula called Mind Power Rx may be helpful. I will update this page as I come across more information about herbs or supplements helpful in the natural remedy and therapy of ADHD. If any parents have had success using natural therapies, please email me and I will post your email so that others are helped.

Which one of your products might be useful for a person experiencing symptoms popularly associated with Attention Deficit Disorder, such as: excessive daydreaming, time management issues, disorganization, forgetfulness, trouble staying focused, trouble following instructions and mild depression? We are looking for natural products that might alleviate these symptoms without destroying the positive aspects of the personality -- great imagination, empathy, creativity, sense of humor and willing to try new things.
   It is difficult to predict what would work in any one individual, but you can try different ones listed below.

5HTP and GABA
Email - Several months ago our nutritionist recommended the combination of GABA and 5HTP as a natural treatment for symptoms of ADD in our 6 year old son. The recommended dosages were 100 mg of 5HTP each morning and 500 mg of GABA each morning and 500 mg each evening. We initially tried the combination and found that the results were very positive. He was noticeably calmer, happier and less anxious in virtually every context. His teacher noticed a difference, and our son seemed genuinely better off.

L-acetylcarnitine treatment
Acetyl l-carnitine may help ADHD in children with the genetic disorder known as fragile X syndrome. Fragile X syndrome results from an inherited genetic defect on the X chromosome. It is associated with mental retardation and may also cause autism and ADHD, common in young boys with fragile X syndrome. Dr. Giovanni Neri from Universita Cattolica in Rome studied boys between 6 and 13 years old for a period one year. Twenty four received the nutrient and 27 received placebo. There was a more effective reduction of hyperactivity and improvement of social behavior in patients treated with acetylcarnitine. American Journal of Medical Genetics 2008.
   Comments: I have not seen any studies regarding the use of acetyl l carnitine in children with ADHD who do not have fragile X syndrome, but I think its use is a safer alternative to prescription stimulants. A dosage of 5 to 10 mg per kilo is a reasonable one to begin with. This dosage can be adjusted higher or lower as needed. For a 30 kg child, (66 pounds), this would be about 200 to 300 mg per day.

A double-blind, parallel, multicenter comparison of L-acetylcarnitine with placebo on the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in fragile X syndrome boys.
Am J Med Genet A. 2008.
Our results show that L-acetylcarnitine 20-50 mg/kg/day represents a safe alternative to the use of stimulant drugs in a sample of fragile X syndrome boys with ADHD.

Acetyl l-carnitine reduces impulsive behavior in adolescent rats.
Psychopharmacology 2004.
This study shows the ability of chronic acetyl- l-carnitine to reduce impulsivity in a validated animal model for ADHD.

Carnitine treatment
Efficacy of carnitine in the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2002.
In 13/24 boys receiving carnitine, home behavior and school behavior improved. In the majority of boys no side effects were seen.  Treatment with carnitine significantly decreased the attention problems and aggressive behavior.

Mind Power Rx - Formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D. for a healthy mind

This herbal and nutraceutical combination is a sophisticated cognitive formula. It combines a delicate balance of brain circulation agents and neurotransmitter precursors with powerful natural brain chemicals that support healthy:

Memory and Mood
Mental clarity
Concentration 
Alertness and Focus

The herbs in Mind Power Rx include: Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Fo-Ti, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Gotu kola, Mucuna pruriens, Reishi, and Rhodiola.  The nutrients and vitamins in Mind Power Rx include Acetyl-l-carnitine, Carnitine, Carnosine, Choline, DMAE, Inositol, Methylcobalamin, Pantothenic acid, Trimethylglycine, Tyrosine, and Vinpocetine.
   We have some anecdotal reports of Mind Power Rx being helpful in adhd, but we don't have any studies to prove it.

Testimonials
I just wanted to let you know that I had ordered Mind Power Rx about 8 months ago and found it to be extremely helpful in keeping focus. I have been diagnosed with Adult ADD and had been on Concerta (basically Ritalin) for some time. I know that this drug can be taxing on the liver and other organs as many prescriptions, but I really felt that I needed the focus it gave me. After doing research on more natural approaches to my issue, I came across Physician Formulas. I haven't had any Mind Power Rx in a while, but I just placed another order and anticipate it greatly. Thank you for an outstanding product!

I had been prescribed Adderall for some time and have recently stopped using it because I would like to explore more natural alternatives. While on Adderall I noticed that I had more energy and slightly better concentration, but I felt that I didn't really need it and that I could find a more natural alternative. I came across your supplement medication on the web and am wondering if it would be something to consider as an alternative. Have your patients been able to find Mind Power Rx helpful in increasing their energy and concentration levels?
    Most users have found this mind formula to increase focus, alertness and concentration.

My 8-yo has ADHD. I give her one Mind Power Rx weekday mornings. The initial effect is/was amazingly quick and noticeable. However, by lunch time the effects are wearing off. Is there a reason I should/could not give her 1 capsule in the morning and one in the afternoon?
   Mind Power Rx was formulated for adults, and we have had some feedback from parents that it helped their child, but since we don't have much details on the use of its in children or adults with ADHD, we really can't say much more. One option is to have supervision by your child's doctor and use the lowest amount and number of capsules that work for your child and take occasional breaks from use.

Ashwagandha herb
Is ashwaganda useful to treat ADD? My child is 12 years old.
   I have not seen such studies but is is worth a try for a week or two to see if there is an improvement since this herb can help relax.

Carnosine
It may be worthwhile to try carnosine to see if it is of benefit.

DMAE emails
I find DMAE helps me with my ADHD symptoms. My daughter is able to substitute one DMAE tablet every other day for her Adderall which reduces her need for this drug. So she takes Aderall one day, and DMAE one tablet the next day, alternating the use.

I have miraculously stumbled onto your website, how wonderful and educational. I have recently taken my 8 yr old son off of Ritalin due to ADHD combined type and after long research I have put him on natural supplements. He is taking a combination of DMAE and Leci-PS , also a combination in one, of omega 3 fatty acids and a multivitamin high in magnesium and natural food minerals. This has worked tremendously.

Fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids
There are many reasons given for unruly children - from television to bad parenting to video games. But recent research suggests there may be a more subtle reason. A team of Oxford scientists showed in a series of trials that a range of behavioral disorders, including attention deficit hyperactive disorder, can be dramatically improved by adding fish oil supplements to the diet. Researchers tested 100 students suspected of having dyspraxia, a behavioral disorder related to movement and attention. The students were divided into two groups; one was given fish oils and the other placebos. After three months, half the group taking the fish oils no longer fit the criteria for abnormal behavior. The other group was switched to the same treatment soon after. An alternative to fish oils may be flaxseed oil.

Ginkgo and ginseng
Effect of the herbal extract combination Panax quinquefolium and Ginkgo biloba on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a pilot study.
J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2001.
A combination herbal product containing American ginseng extract, Panax quinquefolium, 200 mg and Ginkgo biloba extract 50 mg (AD-FX; CV Technologies, Edmonton, Alta.) was tested for its ability to improve the symptoms of ADHD. AD-FX capsules were taken twice a day on an empty stomach for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment, the proportion of subjects exhibiting improvement ranged from 44% for the social problems attribute to 74% for the Conners' ADHD index and the DSM-IV hyperactive-impulsive attribute. Five of 36 subjects reported adverse events, only 2 of which were considered related to the study medication.
   Comments: It may be preferable at first to just try one herb for a few weeks before adding another one. The combination of herbal remedy with pharmaceutical medication may be unpredictable. We suggest using the herbal remedy by itself, not in combination with ADHD drugs.

Kava
Email - I have taken kava occasionally for depression. I suffer from SAD and adult ADHD. It really helps with the calming overall, and seems to help me sleep through the night. With ADD there is a tendency to wake up and channel surf a couple times a night!
   Note: Kava should only be used occasionally.

Magnesium and calcium
Email - With a society willing to choose soft drinks over water phoshates in the drinks further deplete mag. I became interested in studying this as my son has ADHD. I dropped all cola from his diet and supplied him with 1000mg cal / magnesium / zInc. Within two weeks I noticed a more calm, focused and overall settled young man. His grades are slowly improving and after a month, I received a note from one of his teachers that she has noticed an improvement in his behavior. I myself have taken the same dose and I'm less stressed then normal. I also sleep better at night for some reason.

Zinc supplements
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zinc sulfate in the treatment of ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Bilici M. Karadeniz Technical University, School of Medicine, Trabzon, Turkey.
Patients with a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of ADHD  were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to 12 weeks of double-blind treatment with zinc sulfate 150 mg/day or placebo). Zinc sulfate was statistically superior to placebo in reducing both hyperactive, impulsive and impaired socialization symptoms, but not in reducing attention deficiency symptoms. However, full therapeutic response rates of the zinc and placebo groups remained 28% and 20%, respectively. It was determined that the hyperactivity, impulsivity and socialization scores displayed significant decrease in patients of older age and high BMI score with low zinc and free fatty acids (FFA) levels. Zinc monotherapy was significantly superior to placebo in reducing symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impaired socialization in patients with ADHD. Although by themselves, these findings may not be sufficient, it may well be considered that zinc treatment appears to be an efficacious treatment for ADHD patients having older age and high BMI score with low zinc and FFA levels.

ADHD Drugs -- Ritalin - are these drugs safe?
Critics say ADHD drugs are overprescribed, especially among children. The government is strengthening warnings about possible psychiatric side effects from Concerta and related drug treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity, and is probing whether other ADHD drugs need updating, too. Concerta is a long-acting form of methylphenidate, sold generically and under the brand name Ritalin. For years, those drugs’ labels have listed possible psychiatric side effects, such as agitation, psychosis or transient depression. But a routine Food and Drug Administration review of Concerta’s use in children turned up more reports of psychiatric reactions than anticipated, including some that aren’t explicitly labeled, such as suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and violent behavior. A subsequent review of all methylphenidate products found similar reports.

WARNING: Usual doses of Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate) may cause sudden death in children and adolescents with pre-existing cardiac problems. On rare occasions the medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may induce hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms.

In May 2006, Canada's health ministry warned individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) or hyperthyroidism not to take drugs used to manage attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Health Canada said that in rare cases, patient with these conditions could suffer "rare heart-related side effects" from these drugs. All ADHD drugs stimulate the heart and blood vessels... The effects are usually mild or moderate, but in some patients this stimulation may -- in rare cases -- result in cardiac arrests, strokes or death. The medications mentioned by Health Canada include:

Adderall XR, made by Britain's Shire Pharmaceuticals Group Plc
Concerta, made by Johnson & Johnson
Ritalin and Ritalin SR, made by Novartis AG
Dexedrine, made by GlaxoSmithKline Plc
Strattera, made by Eli Lilly and Co.

The Food and Drug Administration has advised doctors and care givers to monitor children and adolescents being treated with Eli Lilly and Co.’s Strattera drug for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Lilly said it would add strong warnings, including the risk of suicidal thoughts, to its label for Strattera. Strattera will now carry a “black box” warning, the strongest required by regulators.

ADHD drugs include Novartis AG's Ritalin and Focalin, Shire Plc's Adderall and Johnson & Johnson's Concerta. A new drug is Daytrana methylphenidate transdermal system which became available in 2006.

Abbott Laboratories Inc. stopped sales of a 30-year-old adhd drug that a consumer group complained was too dangerous to stay on the market. Abbott decided to discontinue Cylert because of declining sales. Charges were made from consumer group Public Citizen that the drug had caused 21 cases of liver failure, including 13 that were fatal or required transplants. Generic companies sell copycat versions of the drug under the name pemoline. Public Citizen asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban Cylert and its generic competitors immediately.

Adult ADHD medication
Between 2000 and 2004, use of drugs that help keep ADHD patients focused doubled among adults aged 20 to 44, but rose only 56 percent among children, according to data compiled by Medco Health Solutions, one of the country’s largest prescription benefit managers. Experts say reasons for the surge range from better drugs and advertising, to parents of children newly diagnosed with ADHD realizing they have the same symptoms. The makers of Adderall XR and Concerta have advertised their drugs in magazines geared to parents of kids with ADHD. And Eli Lilly & Co., which makes Strattera, has been running television ads aimed at adults who may not realize they have the disorder.

Cause, smoking, enlarged tonsils, lead exposure during pregnancy
Brain scans of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder show abnormalities in the fiber pathways along which brain signals pass. The finding indicates the disorder may be more than just a chemical imbalance. Researchers found subtle anatomical differences in children diagnosed with ADHD that may affect communication between key areas of the brain - the frontal cortex, basal ganglia, brain stem and cerebellum. These areas are involved in the process that regulate attention, impulsive behavior, motor activity, and inhibition.

The risk that children will develop this condition rises with every week they are born short of full term

Allergic rhinitis
Most children with ADHD displayed symptoms and skin prick test results consistent with allergic rhinitis. Nasal obstruction and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis could explain some of the cognitive patterns observed, which might result from sleep disturbance known to occur with allergic rhinitis. Department of Allergy & Immunology, Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2004 June.

Artificial colorings and preservatives
Artificial food colorings and benzoate preservatives increase hyperactive behavior in preschool children. Despite claims about the detrimental behavioral effects of artificial food colorings and preservatives, the authors explain in the June Archives of Disease in Childhood, there have been no broad studies of the prevalence of ADHD related to intolerance to food additives. Dr. John O. Warner from Southampton General Hospital, UK, and colleagues studied the impact of artificial food colorings and benzoate preservative on the behavior of 277 preschool children. At the start, 36 children had ADHD and allergies, 75 were only hyperactive, 79 had only allergies, and 87 did not have either condition. Parents' ratings of their children's hyperactivity fell after withdrawal of food additives from the children's diets.

Due to enlarged tonsils?
Children's behavioral problems, including symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sometimes improve after they have their tonsils removed. The findings, published in the journal Pediatrics, support the theory that nighttime breathing problems -- and consequently poor sleep -- contribute to some children's behavioral difficulties during the day. When the tonsils at the back of the throat become enlarged, they can obstruct the breathing passages. Chronic breathing problems are a chief reason tonsillectomy is performed in children. It's it not clear what percentage of children with ADHD improve after tonsillectomy. It may be a small percentage.

Pesticides
Children exposed to pesticides known as organophosphates have a higher risk. A good washing of fruits and vegetables before consumption would help reduce exposure.

Children whose mothers were exposed to organophosphate pesticides while pregnant are more likely to have attention problems as they grow up. Such pesticides can affect the human brain.

Smoking
Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy and who are exposed to lead have more than twice the usual risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics, December 2009. Genetics plays a role.

Seizures
Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder seems to be a risk factor for unprovoked seizures in children.

Tourette's condition
ADHD is sometimes associated with Tourette's syndrome.

Prognosis
Adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder have a higher risk of developing a common form of degenerative dementia called dementia with lewy bodies (DLB). Lewy bodies are abnormal clumps of protein deposits that develop inside nerve cells and disrupt brain functioning. They are found in people with Parkinson's disease and some other neurological disorders.

Testimonials
I have a 14 year old daughter that has most of the symptoms of adhd. I have tried a product called the Smart Pill by Only Natural which has a good combination. It has helped in the behavior department tremendously and some in focusing. She is calmer and less angry and less liable to trigger at things. This combo enables me to relate to a calmer and happier child. Even I, as a possible adder, i have felt much better, less anxious and less obsessing on anything and everything. I have had my daughter diagnosed with learning disabilities but not yet add. I have researched this and all the problems areas for the last year and never seem to get enough information. Thanks for your site, it is easy to look for information and is easy to understand.