ADHD and a WHOLE FOOD PLANT-BASED DIET

What role does nutrition play for children with ADHD? This is a controversial subject and, because we often have an emotional attachment to food, we are reluctant to look at this as an adjunct treatment. The studies that have been done do not provide consistent results. It is suggested, however, that the "Western" way of eating (the Standard American Diet) plays a role and this is especially true for boys.

BY TERI YUNUS

When my son's preschool teacher called me and said that my three-year-old was so fidgety he kept falling off his chair, I felt like this was another level of challenge for this little one. He had been in the program for deaf children just a few weeks when I got the call. In the 1980s, attention disorders were becoming more prominent and teachers were often at their wit's end with how to manage these kids.

At that time, I was a single mom with three little boys and two jobs and convenience was top priority for me. My boys ate Fruit Loops and Cap'n Crunch, Spaghetti O's, boxed macaroni and cheese, along with lunchmeat and canned tuna. My youngest son was born deaf (to the best of our knowledge) and was a very picky eater. He was offered fruits and vegetables and was so tactically defensive that he gagged on anything with texture. He would only tolerate soft foods. Bologna and pancakes became his favorites.

By age four, my son was being prescribed stimulants to control his hyperactive tendencies. This was over 30 years ago, and I remember it as being stressful for my son, who was the most loving little boy, and our entire family. His symptoms became center stage and that environment was hard on all of us. The double disability demanded a lot of attention and the entire family felt it.

The medications required multiple doctor visits for adjustments and we tried them all. None of these drugs gave him significant relief and the investment in managing this disorder was an added stressor.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects approximately 11% of US children aged 4-17. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 2.7 million children in the U.S. are currently taking medication for ADHD. The disorder can disrupt cognitive, academic, behavioral, emotional and social functioning. It may be associated with other conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety, depression and conduct disorders. The cause is unknown and thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is characterized by inattention and impulsivity and may present as disorganization, forgetfulness, poor concentration, academic underachievement, inability to follow instructions or finish tasks, risky activities without consideration of consequences, disruptive behavior, interrupting others, impatience. Hyperactivity can be seen as fidgeting, difficulty remaining seated, inability to remain quiet, or restlessness.

The disorder is seen more frequently in boys and there seems to be a genetic propensity among siblings with the disorder. Early lead exposure is one of the environmental risk factors known.