Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects up to 15% of children each year.
ADHD is defined by the National Institutes of Mental Health as
“An ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development [characterized by] the following types of symptoms:
Inattention: difficulty staying on task, sustaining focus, and staying organized, and these problems are not due to defiance or lack of comprehension.
Hyperactivity: moving about constantly, including in situations when it is not appropriate, or excessively fidgets, taps, or talks. In adults, hyperactivity may mean extreme restlessness or talking too much.
Impulsivity: acting without thinking or difficulty with self-control. Impulsivity could also include a desire for immediate rewards or the inability to delay gratification. An impulsive person may interrupt others or make important decisions without considering long-term consequences.”
Symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
People who struggle with the inattentive symptoms of ADHD may have trouble with time management, deadlines, deep listening, attention to detail, and the ability to complete projects once they start them.
For others, the hyperactivity symptoms associated with ADHD can make it difficult for them to stay seated, can lead to interruptions in class or work situations, and can cause behavioral difficulties that create conflict with others.
Possible root causes of ADHD include:
Nutrient deficiencies, namely Vitamin D, Iron, Omega 3 & Omega 6, Magnesium, & Zinc
Hormone imbalance
Heavy metals
Food allergies and sensitivities
If behavioral issues or ADHD/ADD are a concern or diagnosis, diet should be the first thing you check!
We all know that the food we eat and the beverages we drink have a direct connection to our overall health and wellbeing. Being an informed consumer is your best tool in navigating the current dietary crisis of our modern day marketplace.
Neurological imbalances in the brain can be caused by many factors, including genetics. However, a growing body of research suggests that diet, both the elimination of certain additives and/or allergens, and the consumption of nutrient-rich foods, plays a role in ADHD.
Many families ask whether simply eating a healthy diet will help ADHD symptoms. For some, that may be true. Certain dietary patterns have been associated with ADHD symptoms. Adolescents who consume a Western diet, characterized by a high intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars and sodium, total and saturated fats, and lower intake of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and folate, showed a higher prevalence of ADHD.
While eating a healthy diet is one consideration, another factor to consider is the nutrient composition of the foods consumed in the 21st century compared with 50 or 100 years ago. The mineral composition of 20 fruits and vegetables in the 1940s compared with the same fruits and vegetables in the 1990s, was significantly lower. High yield crops produced with fertilizers, pesticides, and heavy irrigation may lead to significant soil depletion of these nutrients.
In our functional medicine office we can test for nutrient deficiencies, heavy metals, food sensitivities, and hormone imbalance to determine some possible root causes for ADHD symptoms and depending on the results, we can develop an individualized care plan to reduce symptoms without the use of pharmaceuticals.
Content in this post from: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/do-diet-and-nutrition-affect-adhd-facts-and-clinical-considerations