It is estimated that about 5-6% of children throughout the country exhibit common behaviors associated with ADHD. The three most prominent are impulsivity, hyperactivity and distraction or lack of attention. Boys seem to have higher rates than girls typically and several recent studies reveal that 30-70% of children with ADHD will continue exhibiting symptoms into their adult years.
After working with many children who suffer from ADHD. It becomes apparent that the brain areas most affected are in the prefrontal cortex region and the neural pathways that involve impulsiveness, awareness, time management, attention and concentration. Communication within these areas are slower than normal and require a resetting of these cortical structures that LENS neurofeedback has been shown to provide.
LENS neurofeedback works really well with this group. But, I generally recommend a change in ones diet once I look into what their daily eating habits are. Once the dietary changes are made then, we typically notice even greater improvements that will hold for longer periods of time.
Here’s what we know works.
Balance Blood Sugar
A diet that contains too much sugar throughout the day can mimic the very same symptoms as ADHD. Many dietary studies show that hyperactive children eat more sugar that other children. Most of it is in the form of soft drinks, snacks on sweets and refined carbs, chocolate, juices and other poor food choices that contain no fiber that helps slow down the digestion of sugar. Having a steady consistent glucose intake without all of the large fluctuations of blood sugar have negative affects on concentration, focus and behavior.
A study done of 265 hyperactive children showed that more than 75% of them had abnormal glucose tolerance.
The goal with these children is a major reduction of all refined sugar intake and an increase of fiber through more veggies, fruits with some lean proteins added in to slow down the sugar absorption.
A rapid reduction from sugar after a history of high consumption can give a child withdrawal symptoms of headaches and irritability. So take it slow and steady.
Omega 3 Fats
Omega 3 fatty acids for years have been shown to have a calming affect on the brain of hyperactive children. Many of these ADHD children also display deficiency of essential fatty acids which show up as dry skin, excessive thirst, asthma and eczema.
It was found that many more boys than girls needed more of the fatty acids because they couldn’t absorb them properly. Boys were more deficient in converting omega 3 fats into EPA and DHA which is essential for brain function.
Interesting is the fact that the foods that are eaten the most by hyperactive children and help provoke the ADHD symptoms like wheat , dairy and foods containing (salicylates) are the same foods that serve to inhibit the absorption of essential fats. The problem of conversion also contributes to the deficiency of key vitamins and minerals that help make the conversion happen, like vitamins B3, B6, C , biotin and zinc.
Eating fish twice a week like salmon, mackerel, trout, tuna and consuming nuts and seeds (flax and pumpkin seeds) daily will help support neural activity in reducing the ADHD symptoms.
Vitamins and Minerals
Zinc and magnesium are two of the most common deficient nutrients in people with ADHD. The lower levels of these nutrients can again mimic the same symptoms as ADHD. Low levels of magnesium for example can cause excessive restlessness, insomnia, lack of coordination and even learning difficulties for normal IQ people.
A study of 116 ADHD children in Poland found that 95% had low levels of magnesium of that of healthy children. When 200mg of magnesium was taken for six months symptoms significantly improved and hyperactivity reduced. But those who didn’t have the added magnesium, their condition actually worsened.
Another study at The University of Surrey found the reason to explain why there was a link in children with ADHD and a significant lower levels of zinc, calcium, chromium and selenium. They found that the children who had had several courses of antibiotics by the age of three tested for the lowest levels of the minerals. The reason is because antibiotics have a detrimental effect on beneficial gut bacteria and negatively impact overall digestive health.
Implementing a diet rich in whole foods, fresh fruits and veggies, nuts and seeds are very beneficial to supplying these particular vitamins and minerals that are lacking in a typical person with ADHD.
Food Sensitivity
There is an unmistakable connection between food sensitivity and hyperactivity. Avoiding allergy foods for a person who suffers from ADHD is critical. I have witnessed that once the offensive foods have been eliminated things got much better for them.
Food allergies are in two categories. One is the more classical type that has rapid and immediate reactions. They are commonly associated with shellfish and peanuts. The second type doesn’t have such fast observable symptoms. These allergic reactions are slow moving and are quite hard to figure out and can often go undetected for some time. Both types need to be avoided for an ADHD person.
Further research found that 56% of hyperactive children ages 7-10 tested positive for food allergies, compared to 8% of normal children. Also, worthy of note is that 89% of ADHD children had poor reactions to food colorings, 60% to MSG, 72% to food flavorings , 50% to cow’s milk , 60% to chocolate and 40% to oranges.
The other common foods that were found to negatively impact behavior in ADHD children were corn, soy, eggs, peanuts and wheat. Symptoms usually include ear infections, excess mucus in nasal membranes, digestive issues, headaches and bedwetting.
Furthermore, ADHD children showed adverse reactions to foods containing salicylates which inhibit essential fatty acid conversion and utilization. These foods include, raspberries, plums, prunes, raisins, oranges, strawberries, grapes, apricots, almonds, cucumbers Granny smith apples and tomato sauce.
Getting a food allergy test for your ADHD child and trying to avoid these food groups and all preservatives and additives are a great place to start.
Adopting a multi-modality approach for the treatment of ADHD which includes a combination of neurofeedback therapy, behavioral therapy along with proper nutritional support. Can bring about the promise of the best drug free lasting changes to an ADHD child’s life. But in many ways it all begins with good proper nutrition.
-A balanced brain is a nutrient filled brain-