Managing ADHD

Managing ADHD through natural treatments involves a holistic approach that includes dietary modifications, gut health optimization, and targeted supplementation. Personalized strategies, guided by medical testing and professional advice, offer promising avenues for symptom management and overall well-being*

🥦 Dietary Modifications: Foundation for Managing ADHD

Diet plays a crucial role in managing ADHD symptoms. Eliminating certain foods and additives can lead to significant improvements.​

🚫 Foods to Avoid

• Common Triggers: Wheat, dairy, corn, chocolate, peanuts, soy, and prepackaged foods often contain additives that may exacerbate ADHD symptoms.​

• Artificial Additives: Artificial colors, preservatives, and sodium benzoate have been linked to increased hyperactivity and should be strictly avoided.​

• Refined Sugars: High intake of refined sugars can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, affecting mood and concentration.​

✅ Recommended Dietary Practices

• Whole Foods: Focus on a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.​

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Incorporate sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, to support brain health.​

🧬 Gut Health and ADHD

Emerging research highlights the connection between gut microbiota and ADHD. Conducting a gut microbiome test can provide insights into individual gut health, guiding personalized interventions.​

🧪 Pre-, Pro-, and Postbiotics

• Prebiotics: Found in foods like garlic, onions, and bananas, prebiotics feed beneficial gut bacteria.​

• Probiotics: Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut.​

• Postbiotics: Byproducts of probiotic activity, postbiotics can be obtained from fermented foods and supplements.​

Tailoring the intake of these substances based on gut microbiome test results can enhance ADHD management.​

💊 Targeted Supplements for ADHD

Phosphatidylserine (200–300 mg/day)

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicates that phosphatidylserine supplementation significantly improves ADHD symptoms, particularly inattention and hyperactivity, in children and adolescents PubMed Central.​

L-Carnitine (100 mg per 2.2 lbs of body weight)

A study found that L-carnitine supplementation led to significant improvements in behavior and attention in boys with ADHD PubMed.​

Fish Oil (Up to 2000 mg/day)

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil support brain function and have been shown to alleviate ADHD symptoms Verywell Mind.​

Pycnogenol (1 mg/kg/day)

A study demonstrated that Pycnogenol supplementation improved attention and reduced hyperactivity in children with ADHD PubMed.​

Ginkgo Biloba (80–120 mg/day)

Research indicates that Ginkgo biloba supplementation enhances attention and cognitive function in individuals with ADHD PubMed.​

Zinc and B Vitamins

Blood tests can assess levels of zinc and B vitamins, which are often found to be deficient in individuals with ADHD. Supplementation can support neurotransmitter function and reduce symptoms .​

🩺 Medical Testing and Monitoring

• Blood Tests: Regular monitoring of zinc and B vitamin levels can inform supplementation strategies.​

• Gut Microbiome Testing: Assessing gut health through microbiome testing can guide dietary and probiotic interventions.​ Contact Rebecca for more information on Gut testing.

⚠️ Important Considerations

• Consult Healthcare Providers: Before starting any supplement regimen, especially in children, consult with a healthcare professional.​verywellhealth.com

• Quality Supplements: Choose supplements that are third-party tested for purity and potency.​verywellhealth.com

• Individual Responses: Responses to dietary changes and supplements can vary; personalized approaches are most effective.​

📚 Conclusion

Managing ADHD through natural treatments involves a holistic approach that includes dietary modifications, gut health optimization, and targeted supplementation. Personalized strategies, guided by medical testing and professional advice, offer promising avenues for symptom management and overall well-being.​

*Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content should not be relied upon to make healthcare or medical decisions. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The use of any information provided in this post is solely at your own risk. Supplements and dietary changes should be discussed with and monitored by a licensed healthcare provider, especially in children or individuals with pre-existing health conditions.