Tuesday, November 5, 2013

ADHD and Diet

What does ADHD have to do with diet? According to recent studies, the two may be more connected than we previously thought. In fact, there are more and more studies emerging that reveal the connection between the food we eat and symptoms of ADHD. At Whole Child Wellness, we know from experience that food plays a role in the disorder and that we must closely examine a child’s diet for a whole-person approach to reducing symptoms.
After a recent study published by the Lancet headed by Dr. Lidy Pelsser of the ADHD Research Centre of the Netherlands, Dr. Pelsser boldly stated to NPR, “Food is the main cause of ADHD.” The study found that in 64% of participating children, ADHD symptoms could be contributed to a hypersensitivity to food. This assertion underscores the importance of the Whole Child Wellness Program’s diet and nutrition component. We know that food hypersensitivity can be one result of a hemispheric imbalance in brain activity, but we also consider food preservatives, dyes, and artificial ingredients potential contributors.
Another article published in the journal Pediatrics examined the effectiveness of several dietary methods used in place of traditional ADHD treatments that had proved “unsatisfactory or unacceptable”. Study results suggest that a whole foods diet rich in fiber, folate, and omega 3 fatty acids is most effective in decreasing hyperactivity.
Omega 3s are crucial for proper cognitive development, fighting inflammation, protecting the heart, insulating the body from the cold, and maintaining a healthy metabolism and weight. Fiber is crucial for maintaining proper digestive health, and folate has been long touted for its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive development and performance. Find below foods high in these important nutrients, and consider adding them to your family’s diet!

Foods High In Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon
Certain oils like coconut, flaxseed, sesame, and olive
Organic, grass-fed beef
Vegetables like broccoli and spinach
Avocado
Walnuts
Chia, sesame, and flax seeds
Foods High In Fiber
Whole grains
Beans
Fruit
Vegetables
Foods High In Folate
Sprouts
Asparagus
Beans
Soybeans
Dried herbs
Sunflower seeds
Dark green, leafy vegetables like kale, collards, broccoli, and spinach
Yeast extract

To learn more about the connection between diet and ADHD, we invite you to contact us at staff.drflemming@embarqmail.com .