Definition

If psychological help is often needed, some natural remedies can be effective in helping children who are too restless, too aggressive or even hyperactive. These remedies can often be used from the age of 2-3 years.

Some remedies are described as 'grounding' remedies because they can strengthen the nervous system and general physiological functions.

Other remedies act more as natural tranquillisers and regulators of the child's psyche, such as Bach flower remedies.

Naturopathic Protocol

🍽️ Nutrition

Foods to avoid if you have hyperactivity

• A diet rich in quick sugars (cakes, biscuits, chocolate bars, sugary drinks), but also in refined carbohydrates, has been linked to poor cognitive performance in children: some people have a real hypersensitivity to sugary products. If you can't do without sugar, choose fruit: it provides you with fructose as well as the vitamins and enzymes you need for digestion.
• When you're thirsty, water is still the best drink, but there's nothing to stop you enjoying a glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice.
• Trans fats, produced by cooking and hydrogenating oils (adding hydrogen to make the oil solid at room temperature), are found in many foods: mayonnaise, margarine, sweets, crisps and other fried foods, industrial sauces. However, they are toxic to our nervous system and cause a deficiency in fatty acids, which are essential for the functioning of our body.

What are your dopamine levels?

• Dopamine, like norepinephrine and serotonin, is an essential neurotransmitter for brain function. However, these substances are made from amino acids left over from the complete digestion of protein. It is still necessary to have an adequate daily intake of a number of these amino acids, particularly phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, histidine and isoleucine, which are often deficient in people with short attention spans.

Foods to eat for hyperactivity

Deficiencies in certain trace elements and vitamins can worsen attention deficit disorder.

• Magnesium is an essential mineral because, among other things, it regulates the functioning of all muscles. Magnesium deficiency can lead to neurological disorders such as hyperexcitability and even seizures. Taking magnesium helps to significantly reduce hyperactivity.
• Iron deficiency can lead to learning disabilities, behavioural problems, nervous tension, anxiety and cognitive deficits. Consider eating chicken or beef liver, blood sausage, legumes (lentils, chickpeas) at the same time as vitamin C, which helps to fix iron.
• Zinc is important for the metabolism of neurotransmitters and contributes to the proper functioning of the brain. Zinc deficiency can cause problems with concentration, anxiety and delayed cognitive development.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals:

• It is mainly vitamin B1, which is essential for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy and, above all, for the proper functioning of the nervous system and muscles. Brewer's yeast is the richest source of this vitamin (30mg/100g), but sunflower seeds and wheat germ are also important.
• Vitamin B6 acts as a cofactor in many processes related to amino acid and protein metabolism. It plays a crucial role in the synthesis of certain antibodies, haemoglobin and certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): its role is important in maintaining mental balance. It is also necessary for the production of vitamin B3 from tryptophan. Organ meats, meat, fish, brewer's yeast and cereals are good sources, as are wheat germ and pulses. Take care not to refine cereals, as they lose most of their micronutrients, especially the B vitamins.

Omega-3s are essential for good brain function

• These essential fatty acids are fats that cannot be produced by the body and must therefore be obtained from food. At least 3 to 4 times a week, eat small wild fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, purslane, cold pressed vegetable oils such as linseed, camelina, rapeseed or walnuts.

A hypoallergenic diet would have beneficial effects

• Food allergies and intolerances also have an indirect effect on the brain by affecting gastrointestinal function. Allergenic substances have the unfortunate tendency to cause oedema and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, resulting in nutritional deficiencies. The main allergenic foods are milk, wheat, eggs and maize. Also consider additives such as food colourings, preservatives and chemical additives, which can have the same effects. A diet that eliminates allergens can significantly improve hyperactive behaviour in children with ADHD. Try to keep meals simple, freshly prepared and organic whenever possible.

Gut flora plays an essential role

• It allows the intestinal mucosal barrier to be maintained, providing the first line of immune defence. One study also showed that 74% of hyperactive children studied suffered from increased intestinal permeability. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the two main 'good' bacteria in our gut flora. You can get probiotics from food if you regularly eat lacto-fermented products: sauerkraut, capers, cucumbers, carrots, onions, beets, turnips, daikon, radishes, green beans, cauliflower, white cabbage, gari, sour milk, milk kefir, koumys, tonyu milk products.

🌿 Phytotherapy

• There are flower elixirs without alcohol, such as Rescue in drops or granules. You can give a pre-dosed complex or combine 2 to 5 elixirs chosen according to the child's feelings and character. It is not necessary to give more than 5 elixirs, which would be useless, even if there is no danger to the child's health.
• If necessary, combine syrups with calming plants, such as Passionflower, Lime blossom or Lemon balm extracts, to facilitate sleep. These syrups can be given during the day, they are not like sleeping pills. They calm the mind, nothing more.

🌺 Aromatherapy

With use precautions, you can use some soothing essential oils:

• True lavander
• Green mandarin
• Sweet orange

💊 Micronutrition

• As a dietary supplement or in the form of food, do not hesitate to give a 2 to 3 month course of omega-3 essential fatty acids from fish, including DHA, well assimilated magnesium combined with B vitamins. A background treatment supports the nervous system and also allows better concentration and memory.

🧘‍♂️ Manual Techniques

• To calm your child and support its functions, practice cardiac coherence with your child every day: before meals and at bedtime.

🌼 Homeopathy

• A dose of Coffea Cruda 9 CH at bedtime will soothe children who are excited by happy events.
• A worm treatment based on Cina 9 CH would also be suitable for those suffering from worm infestation.
• A bead of Zincum metalicum 9 CH to suck at bedtime helps to alleviate behavioural disturbances caused by allopathic medication.