Paying attention to our nutrition and consuming a balanced diet are fundamental aspects of managing our overall health. They assist in our physical and psychological development, and can also provide protection against the onset of disease and conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Sufferers and parents are also increasingly turning to natural therapies in an attempt to avoid prescription medicines and their associated side effects.
What is ADD?
ADD, a subtype of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a condition that primarily affects children in the early stages of development – though some do grow up with the disorder. It is now classed as a behavioural disorder and is diagnosed after a thorough assessment by a paediatrician, child psychologist or child psychiatrist.
Unlike those with ADHD, children with ADD do not display signs of hyperactivity. Instead, they find it difficult to concentrate, retain information in their memory banks, organise their thoughts and belongings, and stop their minds from wandering into imaginary worlds. This typically impairs their ability to learn and master critical skills such as comprehension – leaving them needing individual educational assistance.
Ritalin is the prescription drug most associated with the treatment of ADD, and is a central nervous system stimulant designed to regulate the activity of the chemicals in the brain's prefrontal cortex to improve the child's concentration levels. Critics of such prescription drugs contend that they mask the problem, though today they are often used in tandem with a range of treatments, including dietary and nutritional advice.
What is Nutrition?
Nutrition describes our entire dietary intake, and has been shown to be a critical factor in determining our overall health and wellbeing. It provides our body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals that are needed for its sustained growth and development. At its most basic level, nutrition involves including a variety of foods in our daily diet, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to whole grain products and lean meats to fish and pulses, amongst others.
Poor nutrition has been shown to be correlated with heart disease, high blood pressure, and a decline in cognitive function in numerous studies. It goes without saying that a healthy diet is the ultimate medicine the body needs to maintain or restore its normal function.
How Can Nutrition Help ADD?
There are several dietary changes that can be made in order to improve the symptoms of ADD. Taking B vitamins assists the brain enzymes that process carbohydrates for energy and regulate neurotransmitters. DHA, an important fatty acid, is often present in lower levels in sufferers of ADD. Improving the levels of this fatty acid in the body is crucial to improve behaviour. While it can be obtained from nutritional supplements, it is best to increase the consumption of fatty cold-water fish, such as salmon, herring and tuna, which are all rich sources of DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin C and proanthocyanidins (found in grape seed extract) are necessary for several functions in the brain. Vitamin C is used to manufacture neurotransmitters, while proanthocyanidins are used to modify enzymatic activities. The proanthocyanidins are also used to stop the vitamin C from being oxidised or interacting with copper and iron to produce free radicals. Zinc and magnesium supplementation is another important thing to consider as deficiencies in both of these have been associated with ADD.
If a salicylate and additive free diet is followed, the symptoms of ADD will often improve dramatically, but if additives are reintroduced, the symptoms will return straight away. Food allergens are also thought to be a cause of ADD. Following an elimination diet can help to improve behaviour in sufferers of ADD. Common dietary allergens are implicated – such as dairy, nuts, fish, wheat and soy – as well as additives.
What Types of Food are Suitable for ADD Patients?
A diet that works for one body might not work for another, which makes it imperative that you consult a health professional who specializes in diet and nutrition to identify the best diet for you or someone you care about with ADD. Nevertheless, brain health experts agree that you can never go wrong with brain-friendly foods such as the following:
High-quality Proteins
To improve concentration, feed your child plenty of eggs, nuts, cheese, tofu, fish and lean meat every day. They are excellent sources of protein. Cleveland Clinic recommends that children aged 4 to 9 consume at least 19 grams of protein per day, while teenage boys and girls require 52 grams and 46 grams, respectively.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates promote an active mind and body without spiking blood sugar levels in your child. These carbs will also keep them fuller longer, which means that they won't snack on sugary foods. Complex carbohydrates can be found in fresh fruit, green beans, kidney beans, sweet potatoes, asparagus, whole-grain bread and brown rice, amongst others.
What Foods Should a Child With ADD Avoid?
While there are healthy foods that can help patients with ADD overcome their perplexing symptoms, it is unfortunate that there are also foods that can make them worse. Below is a list of foods that are harmful to people with ADD:
- Soft drink, artificial fruit juices and other sugar-sweetened beverages
- Anything made from white flour
- White rice
- Food additives
You can get in touch with a nutritionist or dietitian in your local area or explore other effective natural ADD treatments.
Originally published on Jul 02, 2010
