How ADHD and Nutrition are Connected and 3 Action Steps You Can Take
The relationship between ADHD and nutrition has been extensively studied for several decades with most results indicating an association between the role of diet and the symptoms of ADHD but offer no clear link concerning causality towards ADHD. In other words, while nutrition can have an effect on the symptoms of ADHD, nutrition is not a direct cause, nor does it offer a cure for ADHD. Therefore, understanding the role of ADHD and nutrition can potentially help an individual reduce the impacts of ADHD symptoms but any alterations to the normal diet should be associated with additional treatment options.
A Nutritional Imbalance
The basic concept of how nutrition is important to the body is clearly understood by most. However, how nutrition can have an effect on ADHD is less understood. The human body is a homeostatic system, meaning an adverse effect in one area of the body can create a seemingly unconnected response in another area of the body. This effect can be readily seen in cases of exposure where circulation is reduced to the extremities in order to supply more warmth to the essential organs. While not as easily detectable, the same concept applies when nutrients are not reaching the appropriate areas in the correct amounts. In addition, the uptake of elements that are not necessary for proper nutrition can interfere with the body’s nutrient delivery system thus creating a negative effect, even if the right amount of nutrients are taken in. Therefore, a properly regulated diet that not only provides the right nutrients in the right amounts should be utilized, one that is also free of elements such as artificial food colorings that can interfere with the body’s delivery system should be avoided.
Food Sensitivity Avoidance
In addition to regulating the correct amount of nutrients in a person’s diet, who suffers from ADHD, avoidance of any foods that create or enhance sensitivity should also be contained or reduced. Food sensitivity is not an allergic reaction, it is an immune response (with antibody’s immunoglobulin A [IgA] or immunoglobulin G [IgG]) to a specific food or ingredient. With food intolerance, symptoms are milder, are not immediate, and are not life-threatening as compared to a food allergy with a reaction by immunoglobulin E [IgE]. Food sensitivities tend to be mainly digestive in nature (bloating, diarrhea or constipation, stomach cramps, and gas), and may not surface for up to several days after you consume the offending food. Since the digestive tract is one system among many, any disruption in this system can cause rippled effects across the other systems in the body including the brain. It can also have an effect on the endocrine system which can create a direct effect in the brain as well, thus enhancing or increasing the original effect. All of which has a direct correlation to either enhancing or promoting the ADHD symptoms. Further illustrating the role of ADHD and nutrition.
Addressing The Diet
While understanding the role of ADHD and nutrition, it should be further understood that in order to address this role and achieve the appropriate diet, it should be done under the consideration of an experienced treatment provider. Since not every individual responds in a similar fashion to alterations in diet, some trial and error is inevitable and thus should not be taken lightly. In addition, to achieve any lasting effects towards the mitigation of ADHD symptoms, other treatment options should be employed as well as dietary restrictions, such as Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET). Thus, having a treatment provider closely monitor the dietary restrictions coupled with the additional treatments offer a better overall option than attempting dietary regulation only.
Dietary sensitivity is something that occurs with millions of individuals and those who suffer from ADHD are likely to have a higher potential for a negative response due to this sensitivity. Therefore, to help you reduce the impact that ADHD symptoms have on your quality of life, contact Michigan Brain Health now so you can start taking steps to get your life back on the track you desire.
If you or your child need help with ADHD, other signs of brain and body imbalance, or nutritional help, schedule a Free Evaluation or call (586) 488-4818. See for yourself how beneficial the Michigan Brain Health neurofeedback program can be for your health challenges.
Always remember one of my mantras., “The more you know about how your body works, the better you can take care of yourself.”
For more details about the natural approach I take with my patients, take a look at the book I wrote entitled: Reclaim Your Life; Your Guide To Revealing Your Body’s Life-Changing Secrets For Renewed Health. It is available in my office or at Amazon and many other book outlets. If you found value in this article, please use the social sharing icons at the bottom of this post, and please share with those you know who are still suffering from chronic health challenges, despite receiving medical management. Help me reach more people so they may regain their zest for living! Thank you!
