Wheat, barley, rye, oats and all foods or ingredients made with these grains contain gluten. Gluten-containing foods include bread, breakfast cereals, muffins, granola bars, pasta, cookies, cakes, pizza dough and sandwiches, as well as soy sauce, marinades, stuffings and other processed foods. Gluten usually does not constitute a problem, but in people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it can be the cause of a variety of health problems. ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, can be associated with a sensitivity to gluten in some individuals.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition affecting 4 to 6 percent of the population. ADHD is not limited to children, and it constitutes a lifelong condition characterized by distractability, impulsivity and hyperactivity. It can lead to problems at school, home, work or in social settings. The current treatment options for ADHD include medications, therapy and counseling to teach people with ADHD coping skills and adaptive behaviors that will help them live a normal life.
Gluten Intolerance and ADHD
Celiac disease, or allergy to gluten, is present in about 1 percent of the population, while gluten intolerance may touch over 6 percent of the population. Both gluten allergy and intolerance appear to be more prevalent in people diagnosed with ADHD. The usual symptoms indicating problems tolerating gluten are usually gastrointestinal, such as diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain, but other symptoms such as headaches, chronic fatigue and ADHD may indicate the need to test for gluten sensitivity.
Eliminating Gluten
In a study published in "Journal of Attention Disorders" in November 2006, 132 celiac participants were assessed for ADHD symptoms and put on a gluten-free diet for six months. At the end of the study, the same assessments were completed. The results showed that not only are ADHD symptoms more frequent in people with celiac diesease, but that a gluten-free diet results in considerable improvements in behaviors and symptoms associated with ADHD.
Other Dietary Changes
Apart from eliminating gluten, other dietary changes may be beneficial for people affected by ADHD. Choose organic foods to avoid harmful chemicals and avoid fish containing higher levels of mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. Eliminate food additives and colors, especially sodium benzoate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Red No.40 to help improve ADHD-associated symptoms. Supplementing with the long-chain omega-3 fatty acid DHA from an algae source can also help improve brain function and further reduce ADHD symptoms.
References
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD) Fact Sheet
- Health Castle: The Best Diet for Kids with ADHD
- IBS Treatment Center: Celiac Disease Q&A
- Pubmed.gov: A Preliminary Investigation of ADHD Symptoms in Persons with Celiac Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Study from University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research Places Gluten Sensitivity on Center Stage of Spectrum of Gluten-Related Disorders
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
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