ADD/ADHD and Nutrition

Almost all of the nutrition-related information provided on this blog is beneficial for anyone with any type of developmental delay from Sensory Disorders, Apraxia, ADD/ADHD, Autism and usually even Down’s Syndrome. However, I wanted to highlight a couple of key factors in ADHD and diet that I think are important to keep in mind.

I am generating most of my practical applications from the scientific basis given by a Psychiatrist who believes that nutrition is one of the most important factors in treating neurological issues. Did you catch that? A psychiatrist advocating for food first for mental health. Yes! Her name is Georgia Ede, MD and you can bask in her passion and intelligence at www.diagnosisdiet.com. I must give the disclaimer here that although I have read and learned from many of her posts here I have not ready everything she has written, but so far, everything she writes, I agree with and she does an amazing job at giving the science/biochemistry behind what she discusses.

The main point I want to make in this post is the importance of animal foods for the brain. One of the primary factors in ADD/ADHD is the poor production and assimilation of DHA which requires EPA (both of which are fatty acids) and minerals (primarily Zinc). Animal foods, when chosen wisely, can provide both EPA/DHA and Zinc in forms very bioavailable to the body.

Many will tout the need for whole grains because of their mineral content. But, also present in whole grains are phytates which are the plant’s natural mechanism for survival as a plant species. This means that when we eat grains, we also eat phytates. Phytates decrease mineral absorption of that food in the body. So, whole grains may start with a good mineral count, but they are highly depleted in the processing to get it to the form we eat, and our body does not absorb minerals well from grains. So, at the end of the day, grains are a very poor source of minerals.

Animal sources, however are a great mineral source and very bioavailable in the body. Furthermore, grass-fed beef, pastured chicken, and wild fish offer forms of minerals, EPA/DHA (Omega 3 Fatty Acids) in forms the body can utilize very well.

This means animal fats and proteins are powerful foods to be eating for ADD/ADHD and whole grains in large amounts (particularly gluten-containing grains) can be problematic for ADD/ADHD.

To read a great series on ADD/ADHD check out Part 1 by Dr. Ede

If you need more support with how nutrition can aid in ADD/ADHD, Autism, Apraxia or Down’s Syndrome, individual nutrition consults are available. Email bpage@marianhope.org if you have questions or email Sue to schedule at sstickney@marianhope.org.