According to the Centers for Disease Control, diagnoses in children of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder increased an astonishing 42 percent between 2003-2011. This was a boom for pharmaceutical companies, and they have seen production and sales of ADHD medications skyrocket.

If you’re a parent of a child with ADHD, you may feel uncomfortable with medication, and opt for more holistic treatments such as counseling services. Counseling is highly beneficial, but here are 5 other natural remedies for improving symptoms.

• Foods without preservatives and food coloring-According to the Mayo Clinic, some food coloring agents, and preservatives can boost hyperactivity. Try to avoid sodium benzoate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Red No. 40.
• Avoid allergens-Some diets that restrict allergens can improve behavior with children that have ADHD. Check with an allergist, but you can experiment by avoiding eggs, chocolate, and foods containing salicylates, such as berries, apples, and peaches.
• EEG biofeedback-This is a kind of neurotherapy that measures brainwaves, and a 2011 study offered promising results. In the guise of a videogame, the treatment teaches the child focusing techniques.
• Massage-The journal Adolescence published a 2003 study examining the effects of massage on mood and behavior. Over the course of 1 month, children who received bi-weekly massage therapy sessions experienced improved mood in the short term and improved school behavior in the long term.
• Yoga/Tai Chi-Smaller studies showed that focused exercise programs such as yoga and tai chi caused reduced anxiety and hyperactivity in boys.