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ADHD and Nutrition
Christine Hardy, M.A., C.N.E.
Do you or your child find it hard to pay
attention? If so, a doctor will
readily misdiagnose your "condition" as Attention Deficit
Disorder when the culprit could be simply the foods in your daily diet. Misdiagnosis is prevalent because there are
no brain scans or blood test that makes the diagnosis definite.
ADHD is diagnosed by health
professionals who form their opinion by observing behavior. Many children are
tagged with this diagnosis who are merely normal active children. They are naturally energetic and curious. However, in this day-care oriented society,
the good child is often considered to be the one who sits quietly and says or
does nothing. ADHD drugs are recommended
when this stereotype is not met.
ADHD Medications
Ritalin, Adderrall, and Straterra are the most commonly used prescription drugs for
children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Ritalin significantly increases the levels of dopamine in
the brain, thereby stimulating attention and motivational circuits that enhance one’s ability to focus and complete tasks,
but at what cost to long-term health for the child? Common side effects-loss of
appetite, blurred vision, stomach upset, constipation, irritability, etc.
Straterra is the latest in the line of ADHD classified as a “non stimulant”
substance drug. As of September of 05 the FDA enforced a black box warning
label to be placed on the Straterra prescription, the strongest warning
required by
Adderall
is a “stimulant” drug that stimulates nerve cells in the brain. It is a mix of
pure amphetamines with a high potential for abuse (inhibits appetite and
growth), though, it may help in Ritalin resistant ADHD.
ADHD and Nutrition
The following information
demonstrates how attention deficit disorder can just simply be the lack of
essential nutrients, not the lack of drugs.
“Diet affects the brain
chemicals that influence mood and behavior, the thought processes and emotional
reactions that ultimately create the story of a person’s life” (2004, The
Franklin Institute, The Human Brain)
Hypoglycemia-An unrecognized cause of ADHD is often hypoglycemia (low
blood sugar). The cause of this condition is the ingestion of too many simple
carbohydrates (sugar). The carbohydrate load causes a rapid rise in blood sugar
and a rapid rise in insulin. The insulin drives the sugar from the blood into
the cells resulting in a dramatic fall in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This
crash happens one to two hours after breakfast, right in the middle of the
child’s first class at school! Hypoglycemia can cause a number of changes:
physical, mental and emotional. These changes may manifest as aimless
hyperactivity or (under activity), loss of attention, inability to concentrate,
and emotional instability (screaming, crying, and meanness) turning a normal
child into a totally different person. Good quality fats and protein will help
to stabilize abnormal blood sugar bouts.
Neurotransmitters-Symptoms of ADHD may also result because the brain
does not produce enough dopamine (a neurotransmitter found in the brain that is
essential for the normal functioning of the central nervous system). The lack of dopamine leads to the impulsive
symptoms and lack of self-control commonly seen in patients with ADHD. Dopamine
is created by fat. In the body, fat is fuel for survival. It is the richest source of energy. Foods
rich in healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and fish, stimulate dopamine and
noradrenaline. It is speculated that if
the brain does not produce enough noradrenaline, hyperactivity can result.
Another neurotransmitter is
serotonin. If the child shows signs of moodiness, anxiety, irritability,
sleeplessness, aggression, serotonin could be lacking. Serotonin is boosted by
being in the sun (because the vitamin D we get from the sun converts into
serotonin), eating healthy foods, and exercising. Kids need to get out and play in the sun more
instead sitting in front of the TV and playing video games.
Four Foods to Avoid
The following foods are to be
avoided in order to promote a healthy brain:
1. Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup zap nutrients and
contribute to weight gain, dental problems, suppression of the immune system,
tissue destruction by making the blood “sticky”. This does not allow nutrients to flow in and
wastes to flow out properly.
2. White flour is stripped of the essential nutrients that and
synthetically injected with vitamins that the body has a hard time
utilizing. Due to the lack of fiber,
constipation results causing toxin overload. White flour kills the necessary
enzymes needed to break down food and ensure that it is carried to the cells
for proper absorption.
3. Artificial Sweeteners-Splenda also known as sucralose is present in “low
sugar” cereal. Splenda and Aspartame are neurotoxins, because they actually can
damage the structural development of the brain. Eliminating these artificial
sweeteners is important at any age.
4. Hydrogenated Oils/Trans
Fats are vegetable oils (such as
soy, corn, sunflower, safflower, canola, peanut or cottonseed oil) that have
been processed to extend their shelf life. These oils are found in crackers,
margarine, shortening, breads, French fries, donuts, and even Oreos. These oils
block the vital absorption of omega-3 fatty acids (healthy fats) which are
essential to brain health.
Healthy Brain Foods
Healthy food is the brain’s
medicine! What are some foods to help the brain to function properly? Eggs,
walnuts, dark leafy greens, coconut oil, olive oil, and sesame oil are
good. Seafood like cod, salmon,
mackerel, sardines, and anchovies are great, and remember the smaller the fish
the higher concentration of omega-3 and the least toxic. Tuna is good, if you
buy canned chunk light or fresh pacific albacore. These are the lowest in mercury. (Steer clear
of canned white albacore and fresh bluefin ahi tuna.) Sprouted whole grains like
Ezekiel Bread give you three times the nutrient value than just regular wheat.
Supplements
Essential Fatty Acids
You need fatty acids to build
brain cells. They are considered “essential” which means that you must get
these fats from the foods you eat-your body cannot make them. DHA is the most abundant fat in the brain.
Loss in DHA concentrations in brain cell membranes correlates to a decline in
structural and functional integrity of this tissue. Studies show that
trans-fatty acids replace the natural DHA in the membrane disrupting
communication between neurons. This results in cellular degeneration and poor
mental performance. DHA is abundant in fish and cod liver oil. Cod liver oil
also contains vitamins A and D essential for bone growth the nervous system,
eyes, skin, and immune support. The company Nordic Naturals makes a great
tasting cod liver oil for kids. It is
found at your local health food store.
Magnesium
A deficiency of magnesium can
be responsible for psychiatric symptoms; depression, anxiety, irritability,
restlessness. Why does the standard
American diet cause magnesium deficiency? Consumption of soft drinks decreases
the body’s absorption of magnesium. Did
you know that 99% of the magnesium in sugar cane is lost when it is refined to
white sugar? It is also interesting to
note 80-96% of the magnesium content in wheat is removed when refined to white
flour. Concentrate on incorporating the
following magnesium rich foods into your child’s diet: nuts, brown rice,
bananas, avocados, apricots, grapefruit, kelp, and tahini (ground sesame seeds)
which is great on sandwiches.
Vitamin B6
Since the 1960’s vitamin B6
has proven to be of extreme benefit in reducing hyperactivity and aggressive
behavior for developmental disorders.
B-6 is vital to the body as it is what ensures that manufacturing of red
and white blood cells, hormones, insulin, adrenaline, and neurotransmitters
(such as serotonin) is carried out. Vitamin B-6 is found in foods such as eggs,
brewers yeast, carrots, chicken, fish, brown rice, and whole grains. EFA-Cod
liver oil-Essential to proper brain and visual development as mentioned
previously.
Chlorella
A supplement that has shown to
be beneficial is chlorella. It improves
focus, helps detoxification of heavy metals, and strengthens the immune system.
Chlorella promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut thus ensuring
nutrient absorption, proper ph balance, immune health, and removal of
toxins. Begin with chlorella gradually
and build up as there can be discomfort (fatigue, irritability, upset stomach)
if the detoxification happens too quickly.
Children can take chlorella mixed in a protein shake. If they are over
the age of 5, they can swallow a few tablets daily. Take 3 grams per day with
meals.
A Final Word
There are many different view
points on the best ways to “cure” a child of attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder. What has been both a consistent and fundamental factor in the
thousands of studies is the effectiveness a proper diet has in providing
healthy brain chemistry.
Christine Hardy, M.A., C.N.E., has a master's degree in Holistic
Nutrition and is a certified nutritionist. She specializes in child nutrition
and works for Metabolic Nutrition (www.bloodph.com)
in San Rafael, California. For more information, you can email her at christine@bloodph.com
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© Humber Parkerson Clinic 2006
October 2006 issue of The Highest Level
