The brain needs a broad range of
specific materials to function properly and without the necessary
materials, the brain cannot function well. People with attentional
problems should look at diet as a means of helping the brain to
better function.
An Attention Deficit Disorder diet can be a highly effective
ADHD cure.
The brain needs aspartic acid (found in eggs, peanuts, potatoes and
grains) to make aspartate and choline (found in liver, eggs and
soybeans) to make acetylcholine.
The brain needs glutamic acid (found in potatoes and flour) to make
glutamte and phenylalanine (found in soybeans, beets, almonds, meat,
eggs and grains) to make dopamine.
The brain needs tryptophan (found in meat, eggs, skim milk, yogurt,
milk, bananas and cheese) to make serotonin and tyrosine (found in
meat, milk, legumes and fish) to make norepinephrine.
These are just a few of the
neurotransmitter precursors needed to keep the brain running
smoothly. I won't bore you with every single neurotransmitter
precursor. Suffice it to say, the best way to ensure optimum brain
function is by feeding the body with a broad range of whole foods.
The brain needs amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals,
glucose, as well as other essential chemicals.
Studies emphatically show that a nutritionally
sound diet aids learning, behavior and brain function. One
ADHD and nutrition
study, conducted on 220 preschool children, demonstrated that
children who lack optimal amounts of essential nutrients experience
reduced attention span and intellectual ability. The same
researchers conducted an Attention Deficit Disorder diet study,
which showed that students' ability to think was reduced when kept
on a nutritionally poor diet.
Fatty acids are critically important to brain function. Fatty acids
are used to make brain and nerve tissue in the body and are crucial
for proper growth, mental function, the immune system and brain
development. The body cannot produce its own fatty acids and
therefore must receive these key ADHD nutrition ingredients through
diet and
brain
food supplements.
There are two families of essential fatty acids: Omega 3 and Omega 6
fatty acids. Although the typical Western diet is high in the Omega
6 family of fatty acids (found in corn, sunflower, canola and
safflower oil, margarine, vegetable oil and shortening), most
Americans young and old are highly deficient in Omega 3.
Learning specialists now believe many childhood behavior and
learning problems are associated with Omega 3 deficiencies. This
deficiency has a greater impact on males because their requirements
for essential fatty acids are generally much higher. It is no
surprise that boys are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder at
a much higher rate than girls.
Excellent Sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acids for the Attention Deficit
Disorder diet:
ADHD adults and parents of ADHD
children should include food high in Omega 3 fatty acids daily. That
said, many children simply will not eat the Omega 3 rich salmon,
mackerel and sardines. Enter flax seed and flax oil - "food of the
gods" when it comes to Omega 3 fatty acids. Flax seed and flax oil
are the richest plant source of Omega 3 fatty acids and offers vital
support for healthy childhood behavioral and IQ development.
In addition to flax oil being one of the
best brain
foods, flax oil also works to
prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer. Flax oil helps
soften skin, balance energy, burn fat, stimulate the metabolism,
strengthen the immune system, manage diabetes, helps prevent
autoimmune disease and inflammatory disorders. Flax oil also helps
alleviate PMS and some menopause symptoms.
One to two tablespoons of flax oil should be part of every Attention
Deficit Disorder diet. Here are some great ways to sneak flax oil
into the daily Attention Deficit Disorder diet;
-
Mix 1 tablespoon of flax oil
in flavored yogurt
-
1 tablespoon of flax oil in
fruit smoothies is virtually undetectable
-
Mix 1 tablespoon of flax oil
with one tablespoon maple syrup or honey as a sweetener instead
of granulated sugar
-
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of
flax oil when making tuna salad or egg salad while
proportionally decreasing the amount of Miracle Whip or
mayonnaise used
-
Flax Butter: Melt one stick
organic butter and mix with 4 ounces flax oil when cooled to
room temperature. Refrigerate until the flax butter solidifies
and use in place of margarine
-
Omega-3 "Ice Cream": Mix 2
cups yogurt with 1 tablespoon flax oil and fresh or frozen
fruit. Serve when frozen.
Most studies conducted on the
affects of essential fatty acids found that at least 10 weeks of
supplementation is needed to adequately raised fatty acid levels in
brain cells. Follow a Attention Deficit Disorder diet high in Omega
3 fatty acids for at least 10 weeks, and preferably 12 weeks, before
judging the effectiveness of nutrition on Attention Deficit Disorder
and ADHD symptoms.
Important Points about Flax Oil:
-
Flax oil is highly perishable
and should be kept refrigerated at all time
-
Heat destroys the
health-giving flax oil properties. Use flax oil only with cold
foods, cold proteins are best
-
When buying flax oil, use
only high quality, cold-pressed flax oil. The date pressed and a
freshness date of four months or less from the pressed date
should be on the label. If not, don’t buy it!
-
Do not use flax seed oil
beyond its expiration date since the oil will turn rancid
The brain also needs amino acids,
the building blocks for brain neurotransmitters. Amino acids quite
literally feed the brain. Amino acids promote the production of
various neurotransmitters and enzymes critically needed in the brain
for communication between brain cells, smooth and balanced cognition
and fluid transition from thought to disciplined action.
Many specialists believe that there is a
connection to
food
allergies and ADHD. When
implementing an Attention Deficit Disorder diet, you will boost the
amino acids, fatty acids and whole foods in the diet while reducing
all processed foods.
Foods high in complete protein are excellent sources of amino acids.
The brain will not function well without the necessary amount of
protein in the daily diet. Simply put; No protein, no intelligence.
Good sources of complete proteins include meat, fish, eggs and dairy
products. For vegetarians, brown rice served with beans, seeds, nuts
or wheat make a complete protein. All soy products also make a
complete protein, though the health benefits of soy are largely in
question.
Recommended Sources of Amino Acids for the Attention Deficit
Disorder diet:
-
Leans meats
-
Eggs
-
Low-fat cheeses
-
Nuts
-
Protein powder.
Omega 3 fatty acids and amino
acids are just two of the food families needed for the brain’s
ability to function well and used in
natural ADHD treatments. In
additional to quality proteins and fats, fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, nuts, seeds, beans and peas should be found in abundance in
the daily diet.
Many parents find great success
by also including
ADHD homeopathy
treatments, alongside herbal and nutritional measures for a
broad-based approach.