Tag Archives: ADD

Is ADD Or ADHD Affected By Diet?

Healthy Me, , , ,

ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders) are two disorders that are significantly affected by diet. Having treatment lots of cases with ADD and ADHD, I would safely say that these disorders are a product of our eating habits and what is added into our diets knowingly or unknowingly.  Majority of the times, I have found that kids who are ingesting large amounts of refined or processed foods are more likely to have either ADD or ADHD. Why? Majority of the refined and processed foods have various types of colors and additives / preservatives added to them which make them tastier and more colorful but do little in terms of nutrient availability to the consumer’s body.

Most refined and processed foods that are high in sugar such as cookies, cakes, candies, pastries, etc. tend to excite the neurons, and cause an increase in the firing of the electrical impulses sent by these neurons, causing a sudden rush in body, which will usually translate in hyperactivity in the child’s behavior, and quite often aggression in the behavior. However, it would be unfair to put entire blame on refined and processed foods. Quite often, the child may be undiagnosed mild food allergies, that can be determined by blood testing for allergies. These allergies can quite often cause irrational behaviors as well, and symptoms of both hyperactivity and attention deficiency.

A diet low/ lacking in essential fatty acids will also effect the concentration and attention of the child. Essential fatty acids are crucial for the brain development, hence very important to supplement if they are lacking. Testing is available to see if there is a lack of essential fatty acids in the body. Various minerals, vitamins and nutrients that are found abundantly in fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables are very important for the body’s various processes and actions, especially minerals like calcium and magnesium and certain B vitamins, a lack of which can cause symptoms such as tics and hyperactivity, along with restless behaviors.

It is important to talk to your naturopathic doctor to get a proper diagnosis of what may be lacking in your child’s diet before supplementing with any supplements or vitamins.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

Diagnosing Hyperactivity And Attention Deficit In Children And Adults

Healthy Me, , , ,

Quite often we get calls at our naturopathic clinic in Toronto from concerned parents who are interested in getting their kids or themselves diagnosed for hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder. Majority of the times, your child’s teacher may suggest psychological assessments to diagnose either. Here are some of the symptoms that you would look out for in order to confirm diagnosis of attention deficit or hyperactivity.

Some of the symptoms of attention deficit disorder include and are not limited to:

  • Lack of attention to details or makes careless mistakes
  • Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities for more that 15 – 20 minutes at a time
  • Seems to avoid contact when spoken to
  • Unable to follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace and mind often wanders due to lack of attention.
  • Difficulty with organizing tasks and activities
  • Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in any tasks that require sustained mental effort
  • Misplaces necessary for tasks or activities often
  • Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
  • Is very forgetful in daily activities

Some of the symptoms of hyperactivity include:

  • Constantly fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat with restless energy
  • Unable to sit in one spot when required to.
  • Runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness) very often embarrassing parents.
  • Extremely needy and has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
  • Endless energy, that often gets worse after eating certain foods, especially those with coloring, additives and dyes
  • Talks excessively
  • Blurts out answers before questions are completed
  • Has difficulty awaiting turn
  • Interrupts or intrudes on others
  • Quite often very smart but very impatient.

Quite often there are combined types as well where the child or adult exhibits symptoms of both attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity. At our naturopathic clinic, we initially take a look at the symptoms of the client, along with that, we test for food allergies / sensitivities, as these affect mood and behaviour, as well as heavy metal tests. We also offer extensive nutritional testing for mineral and nutrient deficiencies that could affect behavior.

Treatment options for hyperactivity and attention deficit would include dietary modifications and natural supplements. Psychological counseling is recommended if required.

If you need more information or would like to schedule an appointment to see our naturopathic doctor, please call us at 416 913 4325.

By: Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

Can Food Dyes Cause Hyperactivity In Kids?

Healthy Me, , , , ,

This is a debate that has been ongoing for a while with parents. As a naturopathic doctor, having treated many kids with ADD and ADHD, I would have to say ABSOLUTELY YES … 1 to 6 % of the children suffer from hyperactivity and or attention deficit disorder, and it can quite often continue to manifest into adult life, making life and life experiences for the parents, siblings and the child very difficult. Once you eliminate food coloring and dyes (red dyes to be more specific) that are found in food products, candy, cake mixes, and all sorts of junk food from the child’s diet, you can see an improvement in the child’s behavior and symptoms within days!

Of course, naturopathic medicine also addresses other deficiencies the child may have – such as essential fatty acids and vitamins, is needed. Counselling for the family is quite often suggested as well, to cope with the attention deficit and hyperactive behavior of the child and come up with strategies that may help the family.

With constant ingestion of food dyes and coloring from food products and candies, generally what I  see at our naturopathic clinic  in children in terms of symptoms ranges from aggressive behavior, rebellious behavior, to excitability, hyperactivity and restlessness. Food additives can also quite often cause or contribute to ADD and ADHD (HYPERACTIVITY) symptoms in children. It is thought that food dyes and coloring excite the neurons, creating them to fire uncontrollably just like sugar does, hereby causing the irrational behavior and impulsive behavior seen as mischief or misbehaving, often landing to the child into trouble!

If you know or are a parent of a child who suffers from ADD (ATTENTION DEFICIT) or ADHD (HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER), you can try to simply eliminate food dyes and colorings or products that contain these completely from the diet  for a period of time and see the difference for yourself.

By: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopathic Doctor, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.