Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects children, but the disorder may well continue into adult life. Symptoms may change over a period, but they still affect the normal functioning of adults. Although medical science has progressed and several medications improve concentration in ADHD patients, these may have some side effects.

Here are five natural remedies that may help alleviate ADHD symptoms:

Food intake
Minerals and vitamins are important components of home treatments for ADHD. One can reduce ADHD symptoms by including the following nutrients in their diet:

• Vitamins B6 and C
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Omega-3.

Foods containing excess sodium should be avoided. Along with this, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) comprised in the below listed foods should also be avoided:

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) found in baby foods, salad dressing, and bouillon cubes
• Caffeine
• Sugar and artificial sweeteners
• Yeast extract
• Foods with preservatives and coloring.

Exercise
All forms of exercises are beneficial in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. A few exercises that may help include:

• Spinning classes
• Tai chi or yoga
• Organized sports
• Martial arts
• Running
• Spending time outdoors in the park or yard with friends
• Riding a bike
• Jumping on a trampoline.

Studies show that spending 20 minutes with nature and greenery is beneficial in improving concentration.

Avoiding potential allergens
Restricting the diet to avoid certain allergens is beneficial in alleviating ADHD symptoms. Avoiding the following foods for possible allergens is recommended:

• Chocolate
• Eggs and milk
• Chemical additives like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) found in processed foods like dry cake mixes, potato chips, butter, chewing gum, and cereal
• Foods containing Salicylates, such as grapes, chili powder, tomatoes, cider and apples, prunes, plums, peaches, and oranges.

Parental or behavioral therapy
This is often recommended as the first step to treat ADHD in young children. Also known as behavioral modification, it focuses on resolving particularly problematic behaviors. The therapy also offers different solutions to prevent these behavioral issues.

One technique involves setting up rules and goals for children; best results are often seen when therapy is combined with medications. Parental therapy equips mothers and fathers with strategies and techniques to deal with behavioral issues, which are beneficial for both the children and parents over the long-term.

Electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback
EEG biofeedback is a form of Neurotherapy used to measure brain waves. Children may play a video game and thus concentrate on a specific task. It helps in improving focus over a period to reduce ADHD symptoms.

Adequate sleep
Getting adequate hours of sleep every night is one of the most important home treatments for ADHD. Here are some techniques that help induce sleep:

• Warm shower or bath before bedtime
• Aromatherapy
• Consuming a light snack
• Drinking a warm cup of tea
• Dedicated quiet time helps the brain in winding down to prepare the body for sleep
• Having positive thoughts.

Adhering to a regular sleeping and waking up schedule promotes adequate and improved sleep quality.