According to official statistics in 2022, an estimated seven million children between 3 and 17 years old have been diagnosed with AD(H)D in the United States. That are 11.5% of all children in that age group. About half of those children and teenagers are prescribed AD(H)D medication. Maybe your child is one of them. Here is the good news. The human brain is known for its plasticity. That means it changes throughout life, and we can influence if it changes in a positive way = nutrient-dense diet, active lifestyle, adequate sleep, and mindfulness, or in a destructive way = lack of sleep, inflammatory diet, sedentary lifestyle, and toxin overload (drugs, nicotine, alcohol, medication, heavy metals, GMO foods, stress).
AD(H)D can affect different areas of the brain, leading to a variety of symptoms with the most common ones being short attention span, restlessness, impulsivity, emotional volatility, and hyperactivity. Anxiety and depression can be diagnosed separately or linked to ADD. Just looking at the graphic below makes clear that AD(H)D is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.
Dr. Daniel Amen, psychiatrist and founder of the Amen Clinics, defined seven distinct types of ADD. Each of these is linked to a different brain type. While some children and teenagers may benefit from prescription medication, which I encourage parents to discuss with their treating doctor, this article is about non-invasive, drug-free ways to support healthy brain development, cognition, and a balanced mood in your child(ren).
But first, let’s take a look at possible causes of AD(H)D. Often, AD(H)D runs in families – parents and children may have a similar brain type. However, some parents may not be aware of this link because adult ADD has different symptoms and challenges than ADD in children or teenagers. Plus, it is not only genes that matter but one big factor is inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by poor diet of processed foods with unhealthy fats and high sugar yet low nutrient density. Since the 1970s, it has been known that artificial food colorings and foods like dairy milk, soy, and wheat (gluten) make ADHD worse, while anti-inflammatory eating patterns have been found to support individuals with ADHD. Systemic inflammation is also linked to autoimmune diseases, allergies and histamine sensitivity, heavy metal toxicity, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, obesity, and maternal immune activation during pregnancy. Besides inflammation and metabolic stress, traumatic brain injury as in car or sport accidents can cause the onset of ADD symptoms. And of course, certain nutrient deficiencies and lack of exercise are important contributing factors.
You can help your child with a few simple steps:
- Reduce screen time to no more than two hours per day.
- Spend 30 minutes per day outside in fresh air and natural sunlight.
- Prioritize sleep.
- Exercise at least twice per week.
- Teach your child how to self-soothe, so that not every time they experience pressure or stress, their nervous system goes into overdrive.
- Avoid processed foods and simple carbs. Cherish family mealtimes.
- Make fresh, organic fruits your go-to snacks, and vegetables your entrees.
- Use high-quality supplements to replenish brain-type specific nutrients.
- Work with a therapist or a coach to teach your child mindfulness, ANT therapy, positive self-talk, and positive body awareness. Learn more about Brain Health Coaching offered at MANYA here.
Here are the most important nutrients for healthy brain development:
Amino acids (proteins) and B vitamins are needed to create essential neurotransmitters like dopamine that are extensively linked to symptoms of ADHD.
Optimal zinc reduces the need for medications by 37%. This can result in better symptom management and fewer side effects and is an excellent example of how nutrition and pharmaceuticals can work together.
Another study showed that 12 weeks of a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc showed a considerable reduction in attention deficit, emotional issues, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- People with ADHD are twice as likely to experience iron-deficiency anemia compared to members of the general population. Add foods high in iron such as black beans, dark leafy greens (spinach, lettuces, spirulina), fortified cereals, pumpkin seeds, Floradix Liquid Iron to your child’s diet.
- Magnesium is not only necessary for over 300 enzyme functions in the body but also for its calming effect on the nervous system. You can get magnesium from foods such as cashews, seeds, almond butter, legumes, whole grains, soy milk and tofu, potatoes, leafy greens, some fruits (bananas, avocados, raisins, etc.), cacao, and dark chocolate. Magnesium is well absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths or Ancient Minerals Magnesium Lotion effective options to include in a calming nighttime routine. If you prefer magnesium supplements, make sure to read the label and select the right one since some have a poor absorption rate and some can have a laxative effect.
One of the best sources for all nine essential amino acids, B vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants is spirulina. Spirulina is a blue-green algae with a nutritional profile so impressive that even NASA is using as a food source for protein for the astronauts that live and work at the International Space Station.
Amino Acids – Crucial Nutrients for the Human Brain
Hormone Imbalances
Estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone imbalances may impact concentration, impulsivity, and inattention in individuals with ADHD. Functional lab tests can help determine any underlying imbalance and their root cause.
Heavy Metals
Excessive blood levels of heavy metals like lead or mercury interfere with neural signaling and amplify ADD symptoms. Especially lead has been extensively researched in ADHD and may impact young children’s neural development even at low levels. At MANYA, we offer the GI-Map, Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis, the DUTCH Complete Test, and Histamine Sensitivity testing. Holistic health coaching can help you remove toxins and heavy metals to promote optimal wellbeing naturally.
Get Tested for Irlen Syndrome
Irlen Syndrome is a visual processing problem, where certain colors of the light spectrum tend to irritate the brain. It is not a problem with the eyes. It is a problem with the way the brain processes visual information. People with Irlen Syndrome commonly experience light sensitivity.
Irlen Syndrome screening and testing are provided for people who have difficulty with reading, learning difficulties, low motivation, ADD, headaches, autism, or traumatic brain injury (TBI). If appropriate, personalized Irlen glasses with spectral-colored lenses can remedy the visual processing issue.
Disclaimer
As a Doctor of Natural Medicine, I do not diagnose or treat disease. All information provided on lab results, in health coaching programs, and in classes and courses is for informational and educational purposes only. All information on diet, supplements, herbs, as well as functional lab tests are offered as complementary tools in addition to any tests your healthcare providers may order and are not to be interpreted as a replacement for any evaluation by your physician. We use these tests to recommend lifestyle changes that help nurture optimal wellbeing.
