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If your child has been recently diagnosed with ADHD, you are probably researching the various treatment options available, which may include a variety of medications or herbal remedies.
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- PCOS Weight Loss Medication By Christine Traxler, MD Medically Reviewed by Kim Langdon, MD on 07.16.23 Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic disorder seen in up to 12% of women of reproductive age. While the name suggests it results in cysts on your ovaries, you don’t have to actually have cysts to have this disorder. Some of the more common symptoms of PCOS include menstrual irregularities, insulin resistance, weight gain, excess facial and body hair, mood dysfunction, acne, and infertility. When you combine excess weight with high blood sugar, you risk complications like diabetes, heart disease, and certain hormone-sensitive cancers. Among women trying to manage the disorder, the biggest challenge is fighting weight gain with PCOS. Weight gain around the midsection—sometimes referred to as PCOS belly—is often due to the combination of male hormone dominance and insulin resistance. Weight loss is important to managing PCOS because even a small amount of weight loss (around 5% to 10% of your total weight) can have a significant impact on symptoms and outcome. You may be wondering if medications like those we have been hearing so much about lately could help someone with PCOS lose weight. The answer is yes. Medications used for weight loss in other situations may also benefit those with PCOS and obesity. Some options include Orlistat, metformin, and semaglutide (brands Ozempic and Wegovy). They act in different ways to improve weight loss. Many are specifically recommended for those who have type 2 diabetes. This guide goes over the medications you can consider if you want to lose weight with PCOS. Learn how the medications work and the side effects you may experience if your doctor prescribes them for you. Medications that can help with PCOS weight loss Some women with PCOS can lose weight using only diet and exercise. In many cases, weight loss can be achieved by eating food with fewer calories and burning them through increased activity. Others have metabolic issues like low thyroid function and insulin resistance that negatively impact their ability to lose weight. If you’re having difficulty losing weight with PCOS, you may want to talk to your doctor about taking medications to help you lose weight. Your doctor is the best resource for deciding which, if any, of these medications are appropriate for your unique condition. This list will hopefully help you collaborate with your doctor by explaining how they work. It is not intended to provide you with medical advice but, instead, to educate you regarding what’s out there and why they help some individuals with PCOS and obesity. Metformin Metformin is a commonly used drug for diabetes and prediabetes. When it was studied in the prevention of diabetes, researchers noted that those who took the drug steadily prevented diabetes by 31%. In addition, users of metformin lost about 3.5% of their body weight and kept it off. The fat loss was more often located around the midsection. Metformin acts to reduce the risk of diabetes by blocking the production of excess glucose in the liver. When it does this, less insulin is released by the pancreas. In addition, it reduces appetite and changes the gut microbiome to promote enhanced weight loss. The major side effects of metformin are nausea, diarrhea, and bloating, which may also transiently affect appetite. It may cause some foods to taste different, too. Researchers have noted that you would need to remain on the drug long-term to reap the maximum benefits. Weight gain after stopping metformin is entirely possible. Take Control of PCOS by Partnering With a Dietitian 90% of Zaya Care patients pay $0 for one-on-one counseling with a Registered Dietitan >> Find Your Match Acarbose (Precose) Acarbose is an antidiabetic drug that prevents glucose absorption by blocking the enzymes responsible for bringing glucose into the bloodstream from the gut. The drug itself doesn’t get absorbed into your system to a great degree. By blocking sugar uptake, acarbose lowers blood sugar and insulin levels. Acarbose has been found to reduce triglycerides and lower the risk of diabetic complications. Those who take it have reduced weight compared to those taking a placebo. In one study, the BMI was reduced from 30 (obesity) to an average of around 23 (normal). The main side effects of acarbose are flatulence and diarrhea. This occurs because there is excess food that doesn’t get absorbed by the gut, particularly carbohydrates. Like most of these medications, stopping the medicine may mean that you’ll gain the weight back. Orlistat (Alli or Xenical) Orlistat has been used for several years to reduce weight in individuals with or without diabetes. It is not an antidiabetic agent but instead inhibits a pancreatic enzyme called lipase. It prevents the absorption of dietary fat. Other nutrients are easily absorbed without change. Years of use of the drug from the time it was placed on the market in 1999 indicate that it does promote a modest weight loss among those who use it regularly. Only about four to six pounds of excess weight are lost in most individuals but, for some, it can improve the risk of obesity complications. The main side effects are greasy stools and diarrhea, but they tend to pass within a few weeks in most users. Rarely, the drug can cause kidney stones or an inflamed pancreas. Tizepatide (Mounjaro) Tizepatide (Mounjaro) is a drug acting in two ways to combat diabetes. It mimics the GIP hormone (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide) and also acts on the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. The result is a reduced amount of glucose sugar entering the body from the GI tract. By lowering blood sugar, insulin levels are reduced. For those with obesity, Tizepatide lowers body weight by up to 20% of your original weight. Lipid metabolism is also improved. Appetite can be suppressed and, for those with diabetes, blood sugar is reduced. Mounjaro must be injected into the soft tissue of your body (often under the skin of the abdomen or thigh) every week. Side effects can include nausea or abdominal pain. Diarrhea or constipation may occur as well. It is also extremely expensive if your insurance won’t cover it. >> Read more: Mounjaro diet plan: Best foods to eat & which to avoid Liraglutide (Victoza or Saxenda) Liraglutide is an injectable drug that acts as a GLP-1 agonist. When you take it, it can promote insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and suppress your appetite. It is believed that this is how weight loss is achieved. It also improves diabetic control in those who have diabetes or prediabetes. Liraglutide must be injected regularly to be effective. Most doctors begin prescribing a low dose injected daily to see how well you tolerate it. Side effects are mostly gastrointestinal in nature (nausea, stomach pains, constipation, or diarrhea). Individuals using this drug lose about 10 to 11 pounds on average, mostly because they aren’t hungry. Low blood sugar does not happen as long as other diabetic drugs aren’t taken at the same time; however, those with high blood sugar have improved blood sugar numbers. >> Read more: Saxenda diet plan: Best foods to eat & which to avoid Semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) There are two drugs marketed under the generic name of semaglutide. They are the same drug; however, Ozempic is prescribed for diabetes, while Wegovy has been approved for weight loss. Other than the semantics, these GLP-1 receptor agonists are the same drug. Both are injected; however, some take the drug daily and others take it once per week. Like all of these GLP-1 receptor agonists, the side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. They act to reduce your appetite and slow the emptying of your GI tract. On average, it takes around 6 months to lose 11% of your weight on Ozempic, but it varies from person to person. Note that Ozempic typically isn’t covered by insurance unless it’s prescribed for diabetes. Wegovy, on the other hand, can be prescribed for weight loss and is covered by many insurance plans. You can learn more about what the research says about using Ozempic for PCOS here. >> Read more: Ozempic diet plan: Best foods to eat & which to avoidWhy am I not losing weight on Ozempic?Cost of Wegovy with & without insurance Phentermine-Topiramate Phentermine-topiramate is a combination drug used for short-term weight loss. It is an oral pill that combines phentermine (a stimulant) and topiramate (often used as an anticonvulsant). The drug has the potential for abuse because the phentermine is similar to amphetamine, so few doctors prescribe it. It is an oral pill that suppresses your appetite. This results in weight loss that varies by person. It is only recommended for 12 weeks or less and may increase heart rate or cause nervousness in some individuals. In women of reproductive age, it can cause birth defects if a pregnancy occurs. >> Find a PCOS nutritionist who accepts your insurance How insulin resistance from PCOS causes weight gain Why would drugs used for diabetes help weight loss? Much of this question is answered by understanding the impact of insulin resistance on weight. Insulin resistance is the underlying problem among most with type 2 diabetes. When sugar enters the body, insulin is produced to put it into the cells. If you are resistant to the effects of insulin, the sugar remains in the bloodstream, unable to enter and nourish the cells of your body. This excess, unused energy is put into the fat cells as fatty acids. PCOS and insulin resistance go hand-in-hand. If you have PCOS, you almost certainly have insulin resistance. The drugs most often effective in weight loss are those that also lower blood sugar and improve your sensitivity to insulin. Once you lose some weight, you will naturally improve insulin resistance because less fat means your insulin will work better—even if you stop taking weight loss medication. >> Read more: Supplements that may help with PCOS weight loss How a nutritionist can help with PCOS weight gain Losing weight is never a matter of just taking a pill or injecting yourself with a drug. It often takes increased physical activity and better eating habits to lose weight and keep it off. Unless you need the drugs for type 2 diabetes, you may decide to stop taking them after losing enough weight. A PCOS nutritionist can help in so many ways. PCOS nutritionists are trained in nutrition and the intricacies of managing PCOS through nutrition. Your PCOS nutritionist can evaluate your goals and current situation. They can make food recommendations and help you create a PCOS diet plan that will work at any stage in the weight loss process. While they cannot prescribe medications, a PCOS nutritionist can help you determine how diet and exercise can work with weight loss medication to influence your weight. They can also help you cope with the side effects of medications like nausea and constipation through changes to your meal plan. A nutritionist specializing in women’s health issues like PCOS can follow your progress, helping you succeed through individual attention and personalized recommendations so you can achieve your health-related goals. Take Control of PCOS by Partnering With a Dietitian 90% of Zaya Care patients pay $0 for one-on-one counseling with a Registered Dietitan >> Find Your Match By Christine Traxler, MD Christine Traxler MD is a family physician, lifelong writer, and author with a special interest in mental health, women’s healthcare, and the physical after-effects of psychological trauma. As a contributing writer and editor for numerous organizations, she brings a holistic focus to her work that emphasizes healing and wellness through daily self-care, connecting with others, and setting stepwise goals toward achieving more balanced and authentic lives.
Perhaps you have already tried ADHD medications and haven’t noticed any benefit in your child’s ADHD symptoms, so you are beginning to research a more natural and treatment route. If so, keep reading because this article is for you!
Bạn đang xem: Ashwagandha for ADHD Child: Does It Work?
This article will explore Ashwagandha, its impact on brain function, how Ashwagandha can help children with ADHD, as well as some important information regarding this herbal supplement. Keep reading to find out more!
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic medicine or herb sometimes known as “winter cherry” and it has been used in the herbal medicine realm for centuries to improve overall health and treat countless conditions.
Ashwagandha is purported to help with mental conditions, as well as increasing mental focus, reducing anxiety and depression, reducing stress, improving mental clarity, lowering blood pressure, treating inflammatory conditions, and supporting the immune system.
The Ashwagandha plant, originally cultivated and found naturally in the Middle East and India, is used in traditional medicine by taking the leaves and the root to form powders, capsules, and extracts. However, the entire Ashwagandha plant can be used in some medicinal capacity.
Ashwagandha and Its Impact on Brain Function and the Nervous System
According to research, Ashwagandha is known to enhance the functioning of the brain and nervous system. It is also thought to enhance the body’s ability to fight stress.
Ashwagandha works by enhancing the body’s defense against diseases by ultimately, improving the cell-mediated immunity. It also has properties that are antioxidants, which protects the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Evidence suggests that Ashwagandha helps improve total sleep time and sleep quality in children and adults. While Ashwagandha appears to have many added benefits, it still requires more long-term research to evaluate its safety, effectiveness, and adverse effects.
Does Ashwagandha Work for ADHD Symptoms?
While Ashwagandha is a natural dietary supplement, it has also been proven to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms in both children and adults. This herb works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain and central nervous system.
Its Impact on Dopamine and Norepinephrine
These neurotransmitters are vital, and that is because dopamine and norepinephrine levels are thought to be reduced in children with ADHD.
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By increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as and reducing inflammation in the brain, Ashwagandha is effective in reducing symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, as well as managing impulse control.
In addition, Ashwagandha is believed to have a calming effect, which in turn improves cognitive function, improves memory, enhances mood, and sharpens mental focus. It is a natural way of helping individual’s bodies tolerate stress, considering it is an adaptogen.
Before beginning an herbal supplement or other herbs, be sure to consult with your child’s doctor or a healthcare professional to discuss the pros and cons, as well as any drug interactions that this herb might have with another medication.
Side Effects
Ashwagandha is considered a safe option for children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, depression, or anxiety-related issues, however it is not FDA approved for the diagnosis or for use in children. The side effects associated with taking Ashwagandha are typically mild, however they are important to consider.
The most common side effects reported when taking Ashwagandha include:
- headache
- upset stomach (and other gastrointestinal issues)
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- vomiting
- the potential for liver problems.
If you begin to notice any serious side effects in your child after taking Ashwagandha, consult with a healthcare professional immediately.
Experts advise against individuals with the following medical conditions to use Ashwagandha with caution or simply, avoid its use entirely. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism, and cancer.
Dosages
According to the research, the recommended daily dose of Ashwagandha is 300-500mg per day for adults and 100mg-200mg per day for children. When beginning Ashwagandha, it is best to start with the lowest dose and slowly increase it over time, as needed.
When it comes to the right dose of Ashwagandha, this will typically vary from person to person. In addition, it is important to talk with your child’s doctor about dosage. It is also imperative to discuss the side effects your child is experiencing or any irregular behavior you notice with your child before starting any new medications or herbs. A healthcare professional can provide you with the most accurate information.
Ashwagandha Forms
Ashwagandha is available in the form of capsules, tablets, powders, and tinctures. You can take it in 1-6 grams of divided doses, each day.
Ashwagandha can also be taken in tea form by boiling one teaspoon of Ashwagandha powder in water for about ten minutes before consuming.
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Ashwagandha is a supplement that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate. Therefore, it is possible for the herb to contain contaminants like heavy metals and other unwanted ingredients.
Is Ashwagandha Good for ADHD Kids?
While Ashwagandha can be effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD, you might be wondering if it is a safe and effective herbal natural remedy for children with ADHD. Ashwagandha could potentially not only manage symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but it also has an added benefit of reducing anxiety and stress. However, caution is advised when using herbal supplements for children as they are not FDA regulated and have not been well studied in pediatric populations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against the use of herbals and supplements without consulting your child’s pediatrician first. There are not currently any systematic reviews (the gold standard in research) supporting the use and safety of Ashwagandha in children. This isn’t to say there won’t someday be, but you should always talk to your child’s healthcare provider before purchasing these types of products.
Alternatives to Ashwagandha for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
There are a variety of alternatives to Ashwagandha for the management of ADHD symptoms, such as vitamins, herbs, and lifestyle changes.
Read this article to learn more about vitamins for children with ADHD.
Additionally, different supplements will work differently for each individual, so it is imperative to consult your child’s pediatrician to find what works best for you or your child.
Other Supplements
The following supplements could also be considered for some relief of ADHD symptoms. As always, consult your child’s pediatrician as herbs and supplements are not well studied in children and their use is not FDA regulated.
- L Theanine. This powerful amino acid can be found in green tea, and is known to make green tea have a calming effect. It has been used to help anxiety and improve mood in individuals, but has been backed by research in improving attention span in individuals with ADHD.
- Rhodiola Rosea. This is an adaptogen, which is known to help the body adapt to stress. It is known to help the body return to its natural state. Additionally, it has been used to increase focus and concentration, so it is a great herbal supplement for individuals with ADHD.
- 5-HTP & L-Tryptophan. These amino acids are known for increasing serotonin and can be a natural alternative to help combat depression.
- Lemon balm or Melissa Officinalis. This herb has been associated with alleviating symptoms of insomnia and hyperactivity.
Talking to Your Child’s Doctor
There are a variety of different medications and supplements available that can help with a multitude of ailments or mental health problems. It is important to discuss the benefits and side effects of taking a herbal supplement with your child’s health care provider, as they will be able to provide you with the most updated and helpful information to ensure proper use and safety.
If you are considering implementing a herbal supplement, such as Ashwagandha into your child’s daily regimen, it is important to ask your child’s doctor the following questions before making any changes:
- What are the pros and cons of herbal medications?
- Are there any side effects associated with herbs, such as Ashwadandha?
- What are the appropriate dosages for my child?
- Are there any drug interactions?
- What other ADHD medications are available to manage symptoms of ADHD?
- What vitamins would be helpful for my child to supplement?
- What should my child with ADHD avoid?
Takeaway
As a parent, you may be searching for alternatives to medications to help with ADHD symptoms. Perhaps your child isn’t adapting well to taking stimulant medication and you are curious about the other options available. While Ashwagandha might be able to help individuals with ADHD manage symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, it should not be used as the sole treatment for ADHD. In addition, Ashwagandha has the added benefit of reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Be sure to discuss with your child’s doctor before you make any changes to their treatment plan.
Overall, considering all the treatment options that are available and taking a trial and error approach has been considered the most effective in treating ADHD. With that said, what works for one child may not necessarily work for another. Experts recommend incorporating a combination of medication, cognitive therapy, herbal supplements, and lifestyle changes to not only manage symptoms of ADHD, but to also improve your child’s overall health and help them lead a successful more fulfilling life.
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This post was last modified on Tháng mười một 23, 2024 6:48 chiều