The quality of foods in the diet
will have a weight affect on learning, behavior and other ADHD
symptoms. So profound an effect, in fact, that ADHD and nutrition
therapy can effectively ease symptoms. Diet should be a primary ADHD
treatment to consider - whether you chose diet therapy alone as
natural ADHD treatments
or in conjunction with prescription drug
treatment.
The brain cannot function well without the proper fuel so for a
brain to function well, a diet rich in fatty acids and also amino
acids will give the brain a boost. Not so surprisingly, many parents
with hyperactive children or children with learning or behavioral
problems report that their child is a picky eater. This is no
coincidence. Studies continue to show that a large percentage of
ADHD children lack key nutrients needed to feed the brain.
When treating ADHD using an
Attention Deficit Disorder Diet,
there are specific nutrients used to feed the brain. The two most
critical groups of nutrients are amino acids and fatty acids. Many
experts believe that childhood learning problems and behavioral
difficulties can be associated with deficiencies in Omega-3 fatty
acids. Low essential fatty acids levels can cause learning and
behavior problems, as well as problems with sleep, temper and immune
function.
Fatty acid deficiencies have a more significant affect on males
because the requirements for fatty acids are generally much higher.
With that in mind, it is not a surprise that more boys are diagnosed
with ADHD. There are a number of essentional fatty acid
brain
food supplements
on the market to you can supplement with if the daily diet does not
provide adequate levels of fatty acids.
Fatty acids are just part of the equation when looking at ADHD and
nutrition aspects. Amino acids are an important element since both
are needed for adequate brain functioning. Adding quality proteins
high in amino acids is a key ADHD and nutrition consideration.
Amino acids are building blocks for protein that feeds the brain.
Amino acids encourage neurotransmitter and enzyme productions for
effective brain cell communication and for smooth cognition and
balanced transition of thought to action.
B vitamins also help to form neurotransmitters and are also
critically important to brain function. Studies also show an
association between ADHD and zinc deficiency. Studies of cognitive
performance, learning ability and mood show that Phosphatidyl Serine
(PS) can also optimize mood, learning and behavior.
Food
Allergies and ADHD: Food
sensitivities and allergies can also mimic ADHD symptoms. Eggs,
wheat, corn, sugar, milk, food colors, flavorings and additives are
top culprits for producing ADHD symptoms.
The best way you will know if your child is sensitive to certain
foods is by doing an Elimination Diet. With an Elimination Diet, you
eliminate suspected food allergens from the diet. Then, slowly
introduce these foods back to determine whether or not food
allergies are causing symptoms.
Providing your child with the
best brain
foods to boost brain power is
the kindest and most healthy way to treat ADHD. By changing the diet
– by either eliminating offending foods or adding brain-boosting
foods – you provide the foundation for solid nutrition and can avoid
using prescription medications.
As parents, we want to give our children the best edge for success
and the best defense against failure. We want to do right by our
children when seeking out an
ADHD cure.
If your gut instinct tells you there are more healthful ways to
addressing ADHD, your gut instincts are absolutely correct. You
already know this. We wish you happiness, peace and a calm parenting
experience. We wish your child success in school and in life. This
is absolutely possible. Above all, we wish you health and wellness
as you take your first steps toward a better life.