ADHD causes hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention, often affecting the daily lives of those who suffer from it. While it is unknown what exactly causes ADHD, there are many options for controlling the symptoms associated with it. Aside from medications and counseling, patients can take an active role in treating their ADHD by being mindful of their nutrition and recognizing the effect that foods and drinks have on their mental health as well as physical health.
Research
According to Mental Health Matters, researchers first tied ADHD with lower levels of essential fatty acids in the body in 1981. Studies in 1983 confirmed this connection with studies examining the level of fatty acids in children with a history of behavior problems. Further studies in 1995 comparing the levels of essentially fatty acids against a control group of boys without ADHD showed significantly lower levels in the boys with ADHD. Additionally, According to ADDitude online magazine, studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by Dr. Richard Wurtman, Ph.D., have showed protein to trigger alertness-inducing neurotransmitters in the brain while carbohydrates triggered drowsiness.
Significance
While research has shown links between nutrition and ADHD, this is not thought to be the cause in all cases of ADHD. Other factors may contribute to someone having ADHD such as inherited or environmental factors. While it is unknown exactly how many people with ADHD suffer from nutritional deficits, research indicates it to be a large portion according to Mental Health Matters. The most effective treatment plans are comprehensive including medication, counseling and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
Effects
The typical breakfast for many school-aged children is a bowl of cereal or other type of carbohydrate rich breakfast, containing little protein. For many people, this causes blood sugar to spike up and then drop back down rapidly, resulting in a burst of energy followed by drowsiness. In children with behavioral problems and adults with concentration and focus issues, balancing protein and carbohydrates at breakfast and lunch may reduce these blood sugar spikes and subsequent effects. Additionally, drinking about 6 ounces of coffee for some may mimic the effects of about 5mg of methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, by increasingly alertness and improving focus and concentration. For those who don't like the taste of coffee, mixing a flavored type of coffee with protein powder is an alternative.
Benefits
Many psychiatrists treating ADHD recommend treatment with medication to control the symptoms of the disorder. While medications may help the symptoms, they don't reach the cause of the problem. Exploring other avenues when treating ADHD like nutrition may help reduce or eliminate the problem itself, either with the aid of medication or without. However, always talk with a physician prior to any major changes in diet as well as before stopping any medications.
Tips
Food effects everyone slightly differently, so food journaling may be a helpful tool for people with ADHD. Writing down what is eaten and any feelings before and after as well as any changes in ADHD symptoms surrounding meals can help determine how different foods have an effect on an individual's ADHD symptoms. In addition to gaining an awareness of the ADHD symptoms, food journaling also forces people to stop and think about what they are eating, possibly delaying gratification and increasing discipline, both of which are often lacking in people with ADHD.
