Submitted by redhead1017 on 06/09/2014.
My husband is VERY resistant to doing anything about his ADHD to the point that I just don't bring it up, but he's into health and vitamins. Is there a vitamin or supplement that can help?
My husband is VERY resistant to doing anything about his ADHD to the point that I just don't bring it up, but he's into health and vitamins. Is there a vitamin or supplement that can help?
He might benefit from fish oil if not already taking it....
Submitted by c ur self on
You can purchase Barlean's Pharmaceutical grade fish Oil in the 1000mg softgels at most heath food stores..The recommended dose is two a day...I've taken it for years for other reasons...But it say's on the label that Mental health, wellness and acuity is one of it's strengths...My sweet wife who has add takes it faithfully also...But, her faithful and my faithful are two different faithfuls :-)....
Alternatives to medication
Submitted by NLKohlenberger on
There are two other supplements that might be helpful if he is willing to take them. They are GABA and L-Phenylalanine. GABA can be taken at a 750 mg dosage and L-Phenylalanine can be taken at a 500 mg. dosage. My ADHD husband takes both and finds them helpful for supporting him with his symptoms. They can both be found in a health food store. But before taking these supplements or any others, check with you physician, as they can impact other medications you are taking, and some supplements are inappropriate for some people. I wish you the best.
Alternative Treatment
Submitted by ADHDMomof2 on
Hi redhead1017,
I have been long-diagnosed, but realized in the past couple of years that my ADHD was a particularly difficult case and was getting worse. I have been seeing a Naturopathic Doctor for a couple of years. She has helped me more with my ADHD for over a year. Before I started seeing her, I was already gluten-free, which has helped. Gluten and casein (found in dairy) are common food sensitivities that provoke neuro symptoms in people with ADHD and/or autism. Not everyone has these allergies, and some (like me) have many additional allergies. If this is an issue, it's critical to know ALL food allergies. Eliminating one food when you have other allergies is not that helpful. I discovered this through both an elimination diet and igG and igA food sensitivity testing. I had no idea I had these issues, but I did have a ton of symptoms that now make sense. These are not the same as life-threatening allergies; that's a different antibody (igE). Radically altering my diet has healed my stomach which allows all medications and supplements to work more effectively and for my body to absorb vitamins and nutrients properly.
Secondly, I completely agree with c ur self regarding taking fish oil. It is critical for people with ADHD. Barlean's is a great brand, and so is the brand I take, Nordic Naturals. It is SO important to take pharmaceutical grade fish oil due to the neurological damage mercury can do.
There are many vitamins that are important for ADHD, B vitamins being high on the list. Many people with ADHD and autism need the activated forms of B vitamins, because our bodies can't do it. D and Zinc are recommended, as well. I personally don't take GABA, which is a calming neurotransmitter, which Nancie recommended, but it is well known for its' benefit to the ADHD brain.
Honestly, you don't just want to throw supplements at him, and hope for the best :). A good ND would have an amazing understanding of all the biochemical differences in the ADHD brain and where to start. Everyone is different, and has different needs. If he's into health and supplements, he will LOVE a proper Naturopathic Doctor. I certainly have a ton of respect for all of the help mine has given me, when nothing else was working as it should have.
One more thing: this route is not a quick fix, like medication. It has been an ongoing process for me to discover which pathways are not working and addressing them. Hopefully, your DH will be up to the challenge. It is worth it.
Good luck!
Oh, I would never just
Submitted by redhead1017 on
Oh, I would never just suggest he start taking anything. He wouldn't take anything if he thought it was a suggestion coming from me; I have to be more subtle than that.
As far as food allergens, he probably most likely does have major issues, as he has some chronic gut problems and diabetes; however, he refuses to manage those and just eats whatever he wants, whenever he wants. I don't get involved in that anymore - it's his life.
I would love for him to take vitamins and supplements, but unless it's his idea he won't do it. Melissa's book has helped me see how I was really losing myself trying to help him, and that's helping immensely.