Food to avoid and food to increase in ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) is one the most common and impairing health conditions affecting school-aged children.  The research on it is quite recent. Worldwide, 5.29% of persons of age 18 and under are diagnosed with ADHD (based on a 2007 review from all world regions). Boys get affected three times more frequently than girls (2.2% vs 0.7%), according to data from 2010. Children with ADHD are at a higher risk of drug abuse and delinquencies in their teens and between 30 and 70% of children affected will carry the condition into adulthood. It is estimated that about 8 million adults may be affected but 80% of them do not know. In adults this condition manifests mainly with problems of lack of self-regulation and can conduct to marital conflicts, substance abuse, financial problems. 

It is medically described as a mental disorder, usually diagnosed by a series of neurological tests and by the presence of a specific number of clearly described symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity that have persisted for at least six months and that result in clinically significant impairment in social, academic, occupational functioning.
The causes of this condition are not completely identified yet but genetics seems to be the most important fact, followed by diet. Nutritional deficiencies and excesses, as well as food sensitivities can either cause or have a huge impact on ADHD symptoms.
 
The correlated nutritional deficiencies include: mineral deficiencies, such as zinc, magnesium (one of the most widespread deficiency in the world), iron, low levels of proteins, glutathione (one of the strongest antioxidants in the body), omega 3. 

Among nutritional excesses are high consumption of refined sugars, pro-inflammatory diets, food with colorants, preservatives and other food additives. A recent research published on The Lancet found that drink mixtures containing common food dyes and the preservative sodium benzoate increase hyperactivity scores in 3 year olds, eight- and nine-year-olds. 

Digestive problems can also dramatically affect brain development and result in attention and hyperactivity disorders. A common factor among ADHD patients is a weak intestinal system (leaky gut) and relative food allergies. The most common food allergens to avoid: pasteurized dairy products and gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, rye, kamut, spelt and to a less degree oats. Soy products, some nuts, eggs are sometimes not well tolerated. Other possible allergens include those of the nightshade family such as eggplant, tomatoes and potatoes.

Other conditions correlated to ADHD, thus not surely a cause but appearing at the same time, include 1- circumstances prior and during birth: infections during pregnancy (measles, varicella, rubella, streptococcal infection), smoking when pregnant, premature birth; 2 -chemical sensitivities to synthetic products like polychlorinated biphenyls, organophosphates, organochlorine, heavy metals (mercury - including mercury used as adjuvants in vaccines, lead), polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (found in products such as food packaging, nonstick pan coatings, paper and textile coatings, and personal care products); 3 -hypoglycemia; 4 -electromagnetic wave exposure (use of mobile devices when pregnant, exposure to cell phones prenatally—and, to a lesser degree, postnatally); 5- early television watching (before age 3); 6- fluorescent light and low natural light exposure. All these factors showed to have an impact on brain development and to be related to ADHD symptoms.
 
The management of ADHD typically involves counseling or medications (nervous system stimulants and sometimes antidepressants) either alone or in combination. Use of such medication does not eliminate negative outcomes entirely and can have serious side effects. For these reasons many parents are now asking support to the complementary medicine approach. 

Dietary modifications have shown to give some benefits and sometimes herbal prescriptions are more effective that synthetic drugs. 

Critical nutrients that are key for brain function can be in deficiency due to a poor or process food-based diet include. Vitamin D, Folic acid, Pyridoxine (B6), Vitamin B12, Zinc, CoQ10, and trace minerals are important for the brain. Supplementing amino acids that are precursors of neurotransmitters such as tryptophan, tyrosine and glutamine insure the needed building materials to make serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine and GABA that have been found to be in low amounts in ADHD patients, due to insufficient protein assumption or bad absorption. 

Herbal remedies that have shown promise without side effects are Ginkgo biloba, Siberian ginseng, Gotu kola, and green oats.  

Please take this reading as educational and do not interrupt medications without advice from your doctor. 

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