Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a childhood developmental disorder in which those affected display excessive activity and impulsivity and have difficulties focusing their attention. In some cases, it can carry into adulthood; an estimated 3 to 4 percent of adults worldwide have been diagnosed. ADHD treatment options range from prescription medications and behavioral therapy to an elimination diet and vitamin supplements. If you believe you suffer from ADHD, discuss testing and possible treatment options with your doctor.
Diet's Role
Certain foods are believed to exacerbate symptoms in those affected with ADHD. The role diet plays has been studied and documented since the mid-70s. In 1975, Dr. Benjamin Feingold, a California-based pediatric allergist, suggested a link between processed foods, aspartame and artificial colorings and flavorings in food and hyperactivity in children. Since then, research has continued to find a better understanding of the role diet plays in those with ADHD. Elimination diets are commonly used and promoted within the ADHD community to help find which foods may trigger hyperactivity or the inability to focus.
Neurotransmitters
To understand why and how the diet could affect ADHD, it's important to know about neurotransmitters and how they differ in those with ADHD. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals within the nervous system. People with ADHD are believed to be deficient in norepinephrine; a neurotransmitter that promotes alertness and supports long-term memory and learning. The lack of norepinephrine in someone with ADHD is usually due to inadequate amounts of dopamine since dopamine is needed to produce norepinephrine.
Amino Acids
Certain amino acids act as the building blocks of dopamine and norepinephrine. Tyrosine and phenylalanine are directly responsible for dopamine's production of norepinephrine. Phenylalanine converts to tyrosine, which then converts into l-dopa, which then converts into dopamine, which creates norepinephrine. Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid, meaning your body already produces it naturally. Phenylalanine, however, is an essential amino acid that you would need to get through certain food sources within your diet.
Protein and Phenylalanine
Most people are able to get all the essential amino acids needed through proper diet. Lean meats, poultry, fish, dairy, blue-green algae, nuts, and green vegetables all provide the building blocks needed to promote production of norepinephrine. (see ref 6) Complete proteins like meat, poultry, hemp, and soy provide all the essential amino acids the body needs daily. Since those with ADHD have an increased need for norepinephrine, high-protein diets can be useful in providing extra amino acid support needed to help improve focus and alertness.
References
- US News and World Report; Adults With ADHD Lose 3 Weeks Worth of Work Annually; Alan Mozes; May 2008
- Feingold.org; Who was Dr. Ben F. Feingold ?
- OneADDPlace.com; ADHD Diet
- Additude Magazine; What Is ADHD? Attention Deficit Diagnosis and Treatment Information; Larry Silver, M.D.
- Neurogenesis.com; Norepinephrine
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Phenylalanine
