ADHD (Attention – Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder):

Affecting up to 15% of school- aged children, it is a disruptive behaviour disorder that causes problems in social relationships and school performance.

ADHD is seen more often in boys at age between 5 and 10 years old. It is characterized by limited attention span, poor concentration, impulsiveness, irritability, emotional liability, clumsiness, propensity for accidents, history of excessive crying, easy distractibility, high sensitivity to stimuli, and irregular sleeping pattern in infancy.

Potential contributing factors are:

1. Genetics.
2. Biochemical factors.
3. Head trauma.
4. Dietary factors:
   1. Food allergies.
   2. Diets high in sugar and artificial sweeteners.
   3. Nutritional deficiencies, such as Omega-3, zinc, iron, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
   4. Poor digestion.
5. Birth weight below 1500 grams.
6. Heavy metal toxicity.
7. Parental factors:
   1. Substance abuse.
   2. Serious marital discord.
   3. Mood disorders.
   4. Child abuse.
8. Prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine.
9. Neurotransmitters abnormalities.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Sugars and sweets.
2. Allergenic foods: wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, corn, peanuts, and soy.
3. Food additives, preservatives, and colorings.
4. Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame.
5. Caffeinated drinks.
6. Carbonated beverages.
7. Processed foods.
8. Fried foods.
9. Coffee and caffeine.

Recommended Foods:

1. Sufficient water: dehydration could lead to building up of toxins and by-products that might aggravate symptoms.
2. Freshly prepared foods.
3. Gluten free diet (see “Celiac Disease”).
4. Whole grains.
5. Unsweetened yogurt.
6. Foods high in Omega-3: fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemps seeds.
7. Lean proteins: fish, chicken, turkey and beef.
8. Foods high in zinc: legumes, and seeds.
9. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
10. Foods high in flavonoids: berries, and red grapes.
11. Ginger.
12. Chamomile tea.
13. Green leafy vegetables, especially parsley.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 1000 – 3000 mg a day. It improves symptoms.
2. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day. It is a potent antioxidant with blood flow-enhancing effect.
3. Grape Eeed Extract: 50 -100 mg a day.
4. Magnesium: 5 mg/kg per day. It improves behaviours of children with ADHD.
5. L – Carnitine: 100 mg/kg per day. It may improve symptoms and learning in children with ADHD.
6. Zinc: 25 – 50 mg a day.
7. Vitamin B6: 25 mg – 50 mg a day.
8. Melatonin: 1 – 3 mg a day.
9. L – Theanine: 200 – 400 mg a day. This amino acid improves concentration and reduces irritability and impulsiveness.
10. Ginkgo Biloba: under 10 years old, 60 mg a day, 10 – 16 years old, 60 – 120 mg a day, and over 16 years old, 120 – 24 mg a day.
11. Alpha – Lipoic Acid (ALA): as instructed on the label or by the practitioner. ALA is a powerful antioxidant that chelates mercury in the body.
12. Digestive Enzymes: A broad spectrum product.
13. Probiotics: a product that provides 4 – 8 billion organisms per serving, or as instructed on the label.
14. Vitamin D: 2000 – 3000 IU a day.
15. Vitamin B- Complex: A high potency product.