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A healthy diet as an add-on to ADHD therapy
Table of Contents
1. Causes, symptoms and treatment of ADHD
The causes of ADHD are not clear and fully understood, but there are various factors that can increase the risk of developing this disorder. These include: genes, abnormalities in the functioning of the nervous system and brain, exposure to toxins during prenatal or childhood, low birth weight, premature birth, smoking and alcohol consumption by the mother during pregnancy, low social status, difficult family situation or improper eating (A. Thapar et al. 2013).2. He's not paying attention
People with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining attention, often being easily distracted and forgetting details, having trouble organizing tasks and responsibilities, and having difficulty accurately executing instructions.3. It's the impulsivity
.. people with ADHD can make impulsive, unconscious decisions, which can lead to misjudgements and difficulty controlling their emotions.4. It's hyperactivity
. Some people with ADHD have increased physical activity, which means excessive digging, getting up in situations where it's inappropriate or excessive talking. Treatment of hypersensitivity disorder is based on pharmacotherapy, which consists of alternating stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Unfortunately, these are associated with side effects such as headache, loss of appetite, insomnia, eating disorders or anxiety.5. Western diet and increased symptoms of ADHD
The most commonly cited dietary aspect that contributes to the exacerbation of symptoms of hyperactivity disorder is high-processed foods. Changing your diet to a more westernized one is cited as one of the main causes of exacerbating symptoms and thus diagnosing an increasing number of cases of ADHD (A. L. Howars et al. 2011). A processed diet often contains high amounts of simple sugars, which can lead to a sudden increase in blood glucose levels and then a sharp decrease in it. It can affect mood instability and energy levels.6. Dietary ingredients to support the treatment of ADHD
Very important in the context of nutritional support for treating ADHD are omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for proper brain functioning, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acids (EPA). They are the building blocks of the brain DHA is an important part of the cell membrane of neurons and helps to maintain their flexibility, and together with EPA play a key role in neurotransmission, which is important for normal brain function, including the control of attention and impulsivity. Omega-3s also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, and their intake in higher amounts can help in inflammatory states.7. The iron
The link between iron deficiency and ADHD is a topic of interest to scientists and mental health professionals. Although these mechanisms are not yet fully understood, there are several aspects that should be noted. Iron plays an important role in brain functioning, especially in the areas responsible for executive functions such as planning, organization, concentration and impulse control. However, iron deficiencies can lead to disorders in these areas, which may also be reminiscent of symptoms of ADHD. People with low iron levels may experience fatigue and decline in energy, which can adversely affect their mental health and emotional well-being.8. Cinnamon
Zinc is also involved in the production and regulation of certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which plays an important role in the proper functioning of many enzymes, including those involved in neurological processes. Zinc deficiency can interfere with the executive functions of the brain, such as concentration, impulse control, and planning.9. Magnesium
Magnesium is another important nutrient that plays an important role in many biological processes in the body, including brain and nervous system functioning. Although there is a lot of research on the relationship between magnesium deficiency and ADHD, these mechanisms are not entirely clear. It is suggested that magnesium deficiencies may affect the executive functions of the brain and thus contribute to impulsivity and difficulty in maintaining attention.10. Vitamins of group B
Vitamin B6 is essential for the proper metabolism of amino acids, including tyrosine, which is a precursor to neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline. Neurotransmitter signaling disorders caused by their deficiencies are associated with symptoms. However, adequate vitamin B6 may help keep them at their proper levels. Folic acid in turn is involved in DNA and RNA production and metabolic processes throughout the body.11. Olygoantigenic diet
The oligoantgenic diet, also known as the elimination food diet, is one of the therapeutic approaches used in treating ADHD. It is based on the assumption that certain food ingredients may have a negative effect on brain function and symptoms of ADHD in some people. Its main goal is to eliminate potential food allergens and ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or food sensitivity. In practice, this means excluding from the diet certain groups of foods that are often considered to be potentially significant problems, such as artificial dyes, preservatives, aromatic diuretics, or dietary ingredients.12. Summary
Proper nutrition can have a significant effect on alleviating the symptoms of ADHD. It is important that the diet is rich in substances that support brain function but also restrict the ingredients that exhibit stimulating effects (e.g. artificial preservatives, simple sugars or saturated fatty acids). In some cases, a good elimination diet can also have an effect. To properly control your diet, you should consult a dietitian who can help you choose the right diet to manage your disease as effectively as possible.
