Physicians recommend incorporating supplements into your diet to provide nutrients optimal for health function that some may not be getting from their food or naturally lacking.
This is particularly important for ADHD individuals who are on medication that cause loss of appetite and other symptoms that impact overall health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids otherwise known as fish oil has been scientifically proven to improve and promote healthy brain function.
Fish oil has been proven to improve cognitive development in children, aid with the brains function in communication and social skills, decrease the risk of developmental delay, as well as target ADHD specific symptoms. Physicians may recommend this supplement for ADHD because omega-3 fatty acids decrease hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, aggression and have even been found to improve inattention and task completion.
Aside from the numerous benefits fish oil has to offer for those with ADHD, there are numerous other health benefits to taking omega-3 fatty acids.
Check out this article that lists 17 scientific-based benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
2. Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium glycinate is a great supplement to include into your diet if you have ADHD and the benefits appear to be endless. Magnesium glycinate has been shown to relieve anxiety and depression, promote bone health, improve sleep quality, treat headaches, regulate blood pressure, reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases, reduce inflammation, promote muscle relaxation, and prevent hypertension.
This supplement is an excellent option to improve health and quality of life for patients on ADHD medications. It relieves the physical and mental anxiety caused by the stimulants, relieves chest pain, regulates blood pressure and heart rate, helps to fall asleep at night for those who find it difficult after taking the medication, and even helps with muscle cramps that can be experienced throughout the day or at night.
3. Iron Supplements
Several studies have found that the average level of ferritin, the blood protein that stores iron, is lower in children with ADHD compared to those without. Studies even suggest that low levels of iron and vitamin D deficiency may be associated with ADHD.
Iron is a mineral crucial for normal brain function including preserving the body’s energy and focus. While Iron deficiency symptoms are less related to ADHD symptoms, the lower the level of iron in an ADHD patient, the more severe their symptoms can appear to be.
Iron deficiency causes symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, light-headedness, poor appetite and more . The issue is that the stimulants taken by ADHD patients may either cause these symptoms or counteract them, making it difficult for individuals with ADHD to know whether they are iron deficient or simply experiencing the side effects of their medication.
Therefore, it is suggested for those with ADHD to get a blood test and check their iron levels before implementing this supplement into their diet.
These three along with an everyday multivitamin are great supplements to include into your diet to ensure you are getting those essential nutrients that are optimal for overall health. Specifically for those with ADHD, consider implementing this supplements into your diet to assist with brain function and combat the negative symptoms of ADHD and side effects that are caused by taking ADHD medications.
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