ADD // ADHD

According to the CDC, in 2016 over 6.1 million kids from ages 2-17 were diagnosed at some point with ADHD.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, do you know what could be at play? Read below to learn about the side effects of the medications and a few recommendations to find a more optimal solution.

Side Effects:  

  • Medications for ADD/ADHD do not show long-lasting efficacy (two years at most): The brain will adjust to accommodate the medications (here, here, and here).

  • Anxiety

  • Sleep disorders

  • Loss of appetite

  • Rapid heart beat

  • Nausea

  • Irritability

  • The list goes on…

Genetic issues could also be at play. In particular, dopamine transporter and receptor issues, not necessarily dopamine synthesis. The neurotransmitter norepinephrine also plays a key role.

Recommendations:

  1. No artificial colors, chemical preservatives, or fluoride: As if you needed more reasons to minimize processed foods and maximize veggies intake! For the picky eaters out there, click here. Specifically you want to avoid all artificial colors and preservatives, especially potassium or sodium benzoate. Both have been shown to be an exacerbating factor for ADD/ADHD.  Keep in mind that even many "natural" and organic products include these ingredients, so carefully looking at ingredient lists in foods, beverages, supplements, and personal hygiene products is essential.

    • I recommend you make sure your water is free of chemicals, especially fluoride (which many municipalities use in their city water), with use of a water filtration system. I recommend getting a Berkey, I love mine!

  2. Focus on activities to train the mind to a new normal: “These are key as you are shifting your biochemistry to help the body make the transition.  Having a lack of focus can indeed become a habit; we feel more comfortable bouncing around mentally from topic to topic.  Teaching the brain to act otherwise does require focus and ‘workouts’, even when it's uncomfortable.  Good examples are reading a book (especially a physical one vs. online books), tai chi, mindful yoga, and meditation (yes, even though it can be very challenging).” - Tracy Harrison

  3. Nutrient deficiencies:

    • Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, eggs, shellfish

    • Iron: Grass-fed bison, pâté, black beans, spinach

    • Magnesium: Almonds, dark leafy greens, dark chocolate

    • Omega-3 essential fats, especially DHA, which is critical for brain function: Salmon, sardines, flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds

  4. Limit your "screen time”: This includes cellphones, laptops, tv, video games, etc… People with ADD/ADHD can become addicted to screens because they allow us to get the rapid stimulation shift that calms the brain but this exacerbates the situation. “Research estimates that for every hour of screen time a child is allowed to have in early childhood, their risk of attention issues by age 7 increases by 10%.”

    • Get outside, garden, play cards, paint, draw, build a fort!

  5. Food sensitivities: These can have dramatic effects on neurological function. Beyond the chemicals above, gluten and dairy proteins (casein) should be 100% cold turkey eliminated, as well as sugar and other sweeteners. Food sensitivities spike blood sugar, which can cause significant attention issues.

    • For more on food sensitivities, contact me for a free video!

  6. Daily moderate to aggressive exercise: This increases uptake of amino acids into the muscles, which might improve tyrosine uptake in the brain to support neurotransmitters synthesis.

If you would like to learn more, please feel free to reach out!

Alexandrea CasiniComment