While Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with children, it has been estimated that over 4% of adults (and possibly many more!) may also have ADHD.
People with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention, be more impulsive, or find it difficult to sit still without fidgeting. This hyperactivity can make it more difficult to function at work and reduce productivity. While many practitioners take common approaches such as medication and behavioral therapy to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, GLIM recognizes how diet also plays an important role in managing ADHD.
While it is more widely known that certain foods, such as those containing excessive amounts of sugar, may amplify symptoms of ADHD it has more recently been found that food intolerances can cause more severe ADHD symptoms. Food intolerances cause the body to produce antibodies to fight off the food which also causes inflammation due to chemicals called cytokines. As the gut becomes more inflamed, it eventually develops “leaks” where these cytokines and other particles, such as bacteria or undigested food, can escape into other parts of the body. The gut and brain are closely linked through a gut-brain axis which makes the substances that leak through the gut more likely to flow to the brain and cause irritation. This irritation is what is associated with the behavioral symptoms of ADHD.
Unlike food allergies that tend to show symptoms quickly, the food intolerances that trigger ADHD may take up to 96 hours to first cause inflammation and then behavioral symptoms. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for people to be confident in which foods are related to their symptoms. GLIM is here to help you figure out what foods to avoid if you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD. By using an elimination diet and performing food sensitivity labs GLIM gives you answers to help you feel focused and refreshed!
While parts of your diet may be contributing to symptoms of ADHD, there are also foods that have been shown to help reduce symptoms of ADHD. Specifically, foods containing high levels of folate such as fruits, leafy greens, and whole grains are strongly recommended for people with ADHD. Other supplements such as zinc, omega 3’s, and vitamin B have also been found to help with symptoms of ADHD. In addition to being found naturally in many foods, these supplements can be bought for a discounted price at GLIM’s online apothecary.
ADHD is being diagnosed more and more frequently in adults. Additionally, GLIM’s approach of focusing on the diet may help reduce hyperactivity and enhance focus even in those without a diagnosis of ADHD. Schedule a free intro call to learn more!