A Nutritional Imbalance

The basic concept of how nutrition is important to the body is clearly understood by most. However, how nutrition can have an effect on ADHD is less understood. The human body is a homeostatic system, meaning an adverse effect in one area of the body can create a seemingly unconnected response in another area of the body. This effect can be readily seen in cases of exposure where circulation is reduced to the extremities in order to supply more warmth to the essential organs. While not as easily detectable, the same concept applies when nutrients are not reaching the appropriate areas in the correct amounts. In addition, the uptake of elements that are not necessary for proper nutrition can interfere with the bodies nutrient delivery system thus creating a negative effect, even if the right amount of nutrients are taken in. Therefore, a properly regulated diet that not only provides the right nutrients in the right amounts should be utilized, one that is also free of elements such as artificial food colorings that can interfere with the bodies delivery system should be avoided.

Sensitivity Avoidance

In addition to regulating the correct amount of nutrients in a person’s diet, who suffers’s from ADHD, avoidance of any foods that create or enhance sensitivity should also be contained or reduced. Food sensitivity is not an allergic reaction, it is an immune response (with antibody’s immunoglobulin A [IgA] or immunoglobulin G [IgG]) to a specific food or ingredient. With a food intolerance, symptoms are milder, are not immediate, and are not life-threatening as compared to a food allergy with reaction by immunoglobulin E [IgE]. Food sensitivities tend to be mainly digestive in nature (bloating, diarrhea or constipation, stomach cramps, and gas), and may not surface for up to several days after you consume the offending food. Since the digestive tract is one system among many, any disruption in this system can cause rippled effects across the other systems in the body including the brain. In can also have an effect on the endocrine system which can create a direct effect in the brain as well, thus enhancing or increasing the original effect. All of which has a direct correlation to either enhancing or promoting the ADHD symptoms. Further illustrating the role of ADHD and nutrition.

Addressing The Diet

While understanding the role of ADHD and nutrition, it should be further understood that in order to address this role and the achieve the appropriate diet, it should be done under the consideration of a treatment provider. Since not every individual responds in a similar fashion to alterations in diet, some trial and error is inevitable and thus should not be taken lightly. In addition, to achieve any lasting effects towards the mitigation of ADHD symptoms, other treatment options should be employed as well as dietary restrictions. Thus, having a treatment provider closely monitor the dietary restrictions coupled with the additional treatments offer a better overall option than to attempt dietary regulation only.

Dietary sensitivity is something that occurs with millions of individuals and those who suffer from ADHD are likely to have a higher potential for a negative response due to this sensitivity. Therefore, to help you reduce the impact that ADHD symptoms have on your quality of life, contact a treatment provider now so you can start taking steps to get your life back on the track you desire.