ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder) is the single most common learning and behavioral problem in children. But the issue doesn’t end there: It is also one of the most common problems in adults, leading to job failures, relationship breakups, loneliness, drug abuse, and a tremendous sense of underachievement.
ADD impacts all aspects of life. It affects many areas of the brain, primarily the prefrontal cortex (the brain’s controller of concentration, attention span, judgment, organization, planning, and impulse control), the anterior cingulated gyrus (the brain’s gear shifter), the temporal lobes (where the brain houses memory and experience), the basal ganglia (which produce the neurotransmitter dopamine that drives the prefrontal cortex) and the deep limbic system (the brain’s mood control center).
Types of ADD
Did you know there are six types of ADD? That’s right; six types-not the two currently believed. Understanding the nuanced complexities of ADD allows us to treat everyone more effectively while helping people who would otherwise be ignored. With effective treatment, brain function can dramatically improve and give sufferers more access to their own abilities.
Type 1: Classic ADD-sufferers are inattentive, distractible, disorganized hyperactive, restless, and impulsive.
Type 2: Inattentive ADD-sufferers are inattentive, sluggish, slow-moving, have low motivation, and are often described as space cadets, daydreamers, or couch potatoes.
Type 3: Over focused ADD-sufferers have trouble shifting attention; frequently get stuck in loops of negative thoughts or behaviors; are obsessive; worry excessively; are inflexible; frequently behave oppositional and argumentative.
Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADD-sufferers are inattentive, irritable, and aggressive; have dark thoughts, mood instability, and are severely impulsive.
Type 5: Limbic ADD-sufferers are inattentive, experience chronic low-grade depression, are negative (e.g., “glass half empty syndrome”), have low energy, and have frequent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
Type 6: “Ring of Fire” ADD-sufferers are inattentive, extremely distractible, angry, irritable, overly sensitive to the environment, hyper verbal, extremely oppositional, and experience cyclic moodiness.
Knowing which ADD type you or your child has is critical to establishing an effective treatment program which includes an individualized combination of strategies geared toward enhancing the brain function of each ADD type and overcoming the ADD traits that sabotage chances for success in all aspects of living-in relationships, at work or school, and internally.
Food for symptom relief
Studies show that a high-protein, low sugar, no-additive diet, combined with ADD-friendly supplements, can improve ADD symptoms. Dietary changes can result in significant improvements in symptoms of hyperactivity, concentration, impulsivity, and even oppositional behavior. Many people are eager to try foods and supplements to manage ADD symptoms, but often don’t know where to start.
Here are dietary changes that deliver the most symptom relief:
Go with protein
Foods rich in protein-lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy products-may have beneficial effects on ADD symptoms. Protein-rich foods are used by the brain to make neurotransmitters-chemicals that help brain cells talk with each other. Eating protein for breakfast will help a child build brain-awakening neurotransmitters. Protein also prevents surges in blood sugar, which increase hyperactivity.
Cut back on sugar
The single most important thing is to decrease the amount of sugar, in the ADD diet. Eating simple processed carbohydrates, like white bread, waffles, or white rice, are almost the same as feeding you or your child sugar. They can make you irritable, stressed, and unfocused. Serve breakfasts and lunches high in protein, complex carbs, and fiber instead to increase concentration and better behavior.
Get plenty of OMEGA-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, can improve hyperactivity, impulsivity, and concentration. Research suggests that kids with ADD have lower blood levels of omega-3 than kids without the condition.
Watch for food sensitivities
Many children with ADD are sensitive to certain foods in the diet, making their symptoms worse. The most common culprits are dairy, wheat, and soy. If there are two foods that you suspect are exacerbating your child’s ADD symptoms, eliminate one for two or three weeks. Observe your child’s symptoms during that time to see if they improve.
Check for problems with gluten
An allergy to gluten-a protein found in wheat, barley and rye-can worsen ADD symptoms, in addition to causing a whole other set of problems. Many of the ADD patients improve on gluten-free diets.
By: Monica M. Facusse, Psychologist/Psychotherapist & Health Coach, for Little Lunches
4 years ago