Natural Remedies for ADHD

Reader Favorite Non-Medical Therapies

ADDitude asked: Which non-medical therapy works best to control ADHD symptoms? Here, find 5 great alternatives from our readers to supplement medication.

By ADDitude Editors Verified Updated on June 7, 2021
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A mother and daughter playing soccer together, demonstrating how physical activity and one-on-one attention can serve as natural remedies for ADHD
A mother and daughter playing soccer together, demonstrating how physical activity and one-on-one attention can serve as natural remedies for ADHD

1. Build good routines.

“I recommend my son’s regimen: sleep, the right foods (no sugar in the a.m.), exercise!”
— Diana, Connecticut

2. Discover what not to eat!

“Avoiding foods that contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Also, eliminating shampoos and soaps that contain harmful chemicals.”
— Elizabeth, Massachusetts

3. Get or give quality attention.

“Finding a psychologist who listens to me. I am a single, intelligent, attractive ADHD woman, with a master’s degree, who has always found relationships challenging. Susan, my therapist, understands my relationship hurdles and gives me practical strategies to use when I meet someone new.”
— Saralyn, Hawaii

[Free Download: The ADDitude Guide to Alternative ADHD Treatment]

“Spending one-on-one time with my son.” He likes the attention and is more compliant. We will play basketball or a game of catch, then go for a walk together with the dog.
— Maria, New Jersey

4. Consider supplements.

“Ritalin taken with an amino acid supplement. Each morning, before breakfast, our son takes an amino acid supplement called ExcitaPlus. Immediately after breakfast, he takes Ritalin and fish oil. Each evening, before bed, he takes an amino acid supplement and fish oil.”
— Eugene and Janet, New Mexico

5. Try sports and exercise.

“Karate class has done wonders for my son. His sensei is very demanding, and brings out the best in him. If he misses a few classes, he becomes moody.”
— Lynn, Georgia

[“I Keep My ADHD Symptoms Under Control By…”]

“Exercise does the trick. I am a 23-year-old female with ADHD, and I find that moderate-intensity exercise is as effective as a short-acting dose of medication.”
— Dana, Michigan

“A trampoline helps a lot. When my 12-year-old daughter feels overly energetic, she jumps on it for a while. The rhythmic motion is great for helping her memorize facts.”
— Karen, North Carolina