Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a behavior disorder characterized by persistent inability to focus on an idea or situation, control impulses and control physical activity. It is common for a person with ADHD to be always in motion and rarely able to settle down long enough to concentrate and complete a task. It is currently thought to be caused by abnormal functioning and chemical levels in the brain. The stimulant drug, Ritalin, is often used to treat the disorder, but dietary and mineral supplements have been shown to have a positive impatct on ADHD symptoms.
The Brain and ADHD
According to Dr. Julius Goepp, the brain releases neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which facilitate certain responses and activities. Dopamine is important to movement, memory and problem solving; its release brings about feelings of enjoyment. Norepinephrine, a stress hormone and neurotransmitter released by the brain, affects attention and response actions. A high level produces anxiety and the fight-or-flight response, which increases the body's heart rate, blood pressure and glucose, or sugar, levels. A low level causes a loss of alertness, memory problems and depression. These imbalances are found in the brain affected with ADHD; drugs like Ritalin bring balance.
ADHD Study: Ritalin Versus Nutritional Supplements
Doctors Karen Harding, Richard Judah and Charles Gant conducted a study at a Boston hospital in 2003 to compare the affects of Ritalin and dietary supplements on ADHD. Twenty children diagnosed with ADHD participated. Ten were given 5 to 15 mg of Ritalin, two to three times a day; the other 10 were given vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and a probiotic, or digestive aid. Based on consideration of the cause of ADHD and the outcomes of two tests used to measure attention and response control, Harding, Judah and Gant concluded that diets including foods with artificial additives and high levels of sugar; diets deficient in protein, vitamin B, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids; and aluminum and lead toxicity could contribute to ADHD.
How Supplements Affect ADHD Symptoms
Harding, Judah and Gant found that vitamin B6 and the building blocks of protein, called amino acids, are necessary in manufacturing neurotransmitters, which may decrease hyperactivity and disruptive behavior when supplemented. Evidence suggests that minerals may also decrease ADHD symptoms, they report. Essential fatty acids are used to produce cell membranes that help nerves communicate with other cells. This "brain food" could give ADHD sufferers more control of their attention and movements. Probiotics, believed to improve digestion and decrease food allergy symptoms, seem to help as well.
Holistic ADHD Treatment Plan
Doctors James Balch and Mark Stengler, have developed a course of treatment utilizing these same supplements. They prescribe 500 to 1,000 mg of the essential fatty acid, DHA, with 100 mg of GLA daily; 500 mg of calcium with 250 mg of magnesium twice a day; and 10 to 15 mg of zinc with 2 mg of copper daily. The treatment plan also advises taking 100 mg of B6 along with a vitamin B complex and a probiotic as directed; children may take one-half of an adult's recommended dosage. Balch and Stengler's plan includes dietary advice: patients should eat whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat, spelt and quinoa, as well as nutritional yeast, leafy green vegetables, unsweetened yogurt, organic chicken and turkey, salmon, trout, halibut, almonds, walnuts and ground flaxseeds. This plan is not to be considered as treatment for ADHD and should not replace advice from conventional doctors or visits to their facilities.
Refined Sugar and Other Additives
Keeping in mind that glucose levels, food allergies and artificial additives were found to be some of the factors that contribute to ADHD, Balch and Stengler recommend that foods containing these substances should be avoided. This includes everything made with refined sugar, processed and prepackaged foods, fast foods and most restaurant food. Even labels stating "all natural" need to be read carefully to be sure these ingredients are not present.
References
- "Life Extension"; Important Nutritional Supplements for Managing ADHD; Julius Goepp, M.D.; November 2006
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Outcome-Based Comparison of Riltalin Versus Food Supplements Treated Children With ADHD"; K.L. Harding, PhD, R.D. Judah, PhD, C. Gant, M.D, PhD; Alternative Medicine Review; 2003
- "Prescriptions for Natural Cures"; James Balch, M.D., Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2004
