Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), one of the most common neurological behavioral disorders, affects millions of children worldwide. It affects 3 - 5% of all school aged children. The symptoms of ADHD fall into three groups; inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD is closely related to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), it impairs a person’s attention and impulse control, but not hyperactivity.
ADHD and ADD have been diagnosed much more often in males than females. Both may also run in a person’s family. While ADHD can affect concentration and attention, it isn’t a specific learning disorder. What ADHD does is make it more difficult for a child to interact in social situations and to do well in school.
While many eventually do outgrow the disorder, at least a one-third of these children will remain affected throughout their adulthood. While the exact cause of ADHD remains unclear, it seems that it is set into motion at an early age while the brain is developing. Imaging studies of preschool children with symptoms of ADHD conducted by researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute found that the region of the brain that controls the cognitive and motor control was smaller in those children than in typically developing children. Studies such as these have researchers exploring the association of ADHD and certain factors such as environmental toxins, food allergies, fatty acid deficiency, mineral deficiencies, and many more.
About two-thirds of the human brain is composed of fats and roughly one-fourth of the fats consist of phospholipids. Phospholipids are a class of lipids that are a major component in the formation of cell membranes. These omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in making substances which brain cells use in communicating.
A study by researchers from Purdue University revealed that children with omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies are more likely to be hyperactive and inattentive than those who are at normal levels. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for the cerebral cortex to function correctly. The cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that plays a key in attention, consciousness, memory, perceptual awareness, speech, and thought. Experts are led to believe that omega-3 fatty acids may explain certain health and behavioral problems associated with ADHD, such as, food allergies, fatigue, skin disorders, and irritability.
Over the years there have been many studies on whether there is a link between ADHD and food additives. In 1973 Dr. Benjamin Feingold pioneered research that linked ADHD to chemicals put into the body such as additives and dyes. In his study, he found that removing preservatives and additives from a child suffering from ADHD decreased their symptoms.
Additional studies have shown a link with a link between the consumption of large quantities of sugar with ADHD. Sugar essentially robs the body of important vitamins, minerals, and enzymes and increase ones hyperactivity by preventing the body’s blood sugar levels from remaining at a normal level. Many experts agree that eliminating food allergens from an individual’s diet is the key when dealing with ADD or ADHD. In addition, it is recommended to avoid products that contain additives and preservatives.
Studies have also shown a link with nutrient deficiencies in certain minerals and children with ADHD. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to behavioral abnormalities and affect a child’s school performance if left unchecked. Calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, and zinc are the most common mineral deficiencies found in children and more often than not they are deficient in more than one mineral.
For this very reason, The Wholefood Farmacy recommends a well balanced diet rich in whole fruits, whole grains, and vegetables.
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