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Nutrition and ADD

Nutrition and ADD

Examples of some recent studies:

* A 1994 study at Purdue University found that boys diagnosed with ADHD had lower levels of the omega-3 essential fatty acid DHA (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
* 1997 study found that 95% of ADHD children tested were deficient in magnesium (Magnesium Research, 1997,10)
* A 1996 study found that ADHD children had zinc levels that were only 2/3 the level of those without ADHD (Biological Psychiatry 40, 1996)

Our neurons "talk" to each other through a delicate system that employs a chemically induced electrical impulse to send messages. This system involves neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin and neuroreceptors to receive the signals. The cell membranes and synaptic endings of this system are composed of DHA, an omega-3 essential fatty acid. These membranes go rancid unless protected with antioxidants. Since most people don't get enough DHA, other types of fats are incorporated into the brain, but they do not function as well because they are the wrong shape. And the all-important neurotransmitters are manufactured by the body from dietary precursors. In order for this to occur, the B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin C must all be present in sufficient amounts.

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Carbohydrate intolerance: In one study, average and ADD children were fed a drink containing glucose, a simple sugar that is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream. All carbohydrates, including complex carbohydrates like whole wheat, are broken down into glucose. Both sets of children experienced a sharp increase in blood sugar. Both sets also experienced a sharp increase in blood insulin levels, and then a corresponding drop in blood sugar levels. This decrease in insulin normally triggers an increase in the hormones epinephrine and Norepinephrine, which increase glucose entry into the brain to compensate for the drop in blood sugar. In the ADD children, the expected rise in these two hormones was only 50% that of the average children (Journal of Pediatric Research, Oct. 1995). Norepinephrine is a "fight or flight" neurotransmitter that increases alertness and the flow if information between brain cells. The ADHD kids weren't getting as much of this neurotransmitter in their brain because of their response to blood sugar. Moreover, Norepinephrine is a precursor of dopamine, the primary neurotransmitter implicated in ADD. And one of the most commonly cited proofs used to demonstrate ADD is a brain defect are pictures showing reduced glucose metabolism in the brain. It's possible that such pictures are not showing some kind of permanent neurological defect that requires medication, but rather a simple manifestation of reactive hypoglycemia that can be mitigated with dietary changes. I have an entire page devoted to this subject at borntoexplore.org/lowfat.htm.

Some studies have also shown a strong relationship between fatty acid deficiencies and ADD, learning disorders, and behavior problems. This problems is so severe I've written a special page on it (borntoexplore.org/omega.htm). Interestingly, fatty acid deficiencies have also been linked to reactive hypoglycemia, described in the previous paragraph, as well as allergies and asthma, also associated with ADHD.

Dietary changes frequently recommended include:

* Provide fatty acid supplements (as in fish oil, flax oil, DHA/EPA supplements, primrose oil, Efalex, or Focus). For more info on fatty acids click here.
* Adjust the types of fats your family eats (good fats are olive oil, fish oil, canola oil and flax oil; reduce all others). This is also excellent for your heart and reduces the risk of cancer.
* Ban or sharply limit trans-fats (man-made hydrogenated oils which can be incorporated into your brain structure). These fats are also worse for your heart than saturated fats and are potential carcinogens. Trust me, they will be banned within 10 years because they are so bad, yet processed foods are just FULL of them.
* Check for food allergies
* Avoid food additives and highly processed foods
* Supplement with a high quality multivitamin that contains trace minerals and other supplements, especially calcium, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins (see below),
* In order to stabilize blood sugar, reduce the amount of sugar, grains, pasta, and breads your child eats and increase the amount of fruits and vegetables. Avoid large meals and fasting. Frequent small meals and snacks are much better. Balance your calories with each meal: 40% carbohydrates, 30% lean protein and 30% good fats. For more on this click here.

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