ADD/ADHD, Is There Anything We Can Do?

When you learn that 1 in 20 people are diagnosed with ADHD, while simultaneously learn that a study showed that 85% of children diagnosed with ADHD that followed an elimination diet resulted in an improvement in symptoms by 50% or more and no longer met the criteria for ADHD.

Put simply, what does this tell us? That what we eat drastically influences our mental health, cognition, and for the purpose of this topic - all the symptoms that come under ADD/ADHD. Without being naive - we know that there are many pieces to a complete puzzle, however we know that it is a very critical one at that!

There’s an influx of the population being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, and look, if you know me, you’ll know that whilst there’s no part of me that feels the need to require a diagnosis or to seek help, I’m not one to speak on being completely free from ADD/ADHD symptoms 😂.. Queue jumping from one thing to the next, can be easily distracted on some things but also hyper focussed on others, requires regular movement, etc. Within all diagnoses, there are varying degrees, varying types (up to 7 forms have been noted), and when things get real - symptoms are certainly not all in your head (pardon the pun) as even brain scans prove the differences from one person with or without ADHD to the next. However, have enough of us considered why the stark increase in diagnosis’s, enhanced symptoms, and if there is an alternative to just the diagnosis itself and/or medication?

Let’s acknowledge potential underlying CAUSES of the symptoms that are being presented, and understand that from what we have done and/or eaten today, in the last week or month - can lead to alterations in the brain and therefore symptoms that are somewhat a NORMAL response from the human body lacking in particular nutrients, being faced with too much overstimulation (impacting our dopamine levels - hi scrolling), not enough cerebellum support (the key region of the brain that impacts ADHD symptoms), having too many tabs open and high demands in life (overwhelm), food sensitivities causing inflammation and therefore neuroinflammation, gut infections and more. Yes, some people just need MORE or less conscious support and treatment, but the proof is in the research - so it may be worth investigating?

Possible contributing factors: nutrient and mineral deficiencies (such as b vitamins, zinc, magnesium and more), gut dysbiosis, blood sugar dysregulation, heavy metals, excessive screen time, trauma, and lack of cerebellum support. 

Ways in which to support yourself or a loved one:

• Reduce brain inflammation (neuroinflammation), and overall inflammation by avoiding inflammatory foods but also focus on anti-inflammatory foods - omega 3s from fish, antioxidant-rich colourful fruit and veg, green tea, ginger, turmeric, olive oil and more. A form of an elimination diet is sometimes recommended if needed, whereby typical inflammatory foods are avoided for a period of time depending on what your (or us!) practitioner suggests. Typical foods include foreign additives, gluten, soy, dairy, corn and sugars that drastically spike our blood sugar levels. As mentioned, this has been shown to dramatically reduce brain inflammation and therefore reduce/eliminate ADHD/ADD symptoms. 

• Investigate and replete nutrient deficiencies and what's driving them. Note, please do not seek poor supplement choices when it comes to individual nutrients utilised. I strongly suggest seeking food sources of nutrients required, and/or seek professional guidance on what may support you or your child.

  • It has been shown that magnesium is often highly depleted in those with ADHD symptoms, and can be one piece to a puzzle to  assist in alleviating symptoms.
  • Zinc has also been noted as a causal link for those suffering ADHD symptoms.
  • Improvement of B vitamins has also been a potential way to alleviate ADHD symptoms, particularly B12 and B9. Liver (or our Foraged For You blends that contain liver) are a beautiful source of B vitamins. 
• Delay screen time/phone checking, as this can negatively impact dopamine levels even more and disrupt your cerebellum. Try setting boundaries around scrolling social media. Some people require a 'dopamine detox' whereby quick dopamine hits are reduced heavily to bring dopamine levels back into balance naturally and without stimulation. 

• Move to rebalance your cerebellum: walking, riding, doing weights on both sides of the body, reading a physical book, the 'crazy clap' for children, and more.

• If required, Improve your gut health by treating proven infections via testing. Our gut microbiome and what is living within impacts our 'neurotransmitter production, dopamine metabolism, modulation of inflammation and neurodevelopment through the release of cytokines.'

• Protein and healthy fats with every meal to keep blood sugar regulated and support neurotransmitter production, but particularly in the morning! 

• Find awareness of and limit destructive/addictive behaviours, and swap with something better for you, that will reduce overall inflammation including brain inflammation rather than increase inflammation.

• Find ways to regulate your nervous system that YOU enjoy, such as breath work, meditation, writing, reading, walking, somatic experiencing, vagal nerve stimulation, massage, seeing your friends, surfing, games and more.

• Seek help from those that are willing to understand why and how to truly support the alleviation of symptoms.

Additional support:

Our Foraged For You Clinic is certainly here to help. We are a team of nutritionists and naturopaths that utilise food, nutrients and herbs to alleviate symptoms and begin to heal. We specialise in reduction of inflammation, treatment of gut infections, supporting the improvement of overall gut health, and have a passion for supporting mental health, too. We have plenty of testing recommendations if required or interested.

The Amen Clinic is renown for alternative ways to support yourself if you have suspicions that ADHD/ADD is a potential problem for you. They specialise in brain scans and have resources that help encourage the mindset that nutrition, what we eat and do plays a massive role in the outcome of our mental health and behaviour.

Here are some great exercises for children (adults could do them too!) to support your cerebellum. 

With so much love, and genuine care for you and your loved ones,

Sheridan x