Supporting ADHD holistically

The causes of ADHD are multifactorial, involving complex genetic and environmental inputs. It is now understood that there are many variants of ADHD and its expression in children and adults varies considerably.

ADHD Facts:

• Global impact: ADHD affects approximately 5% – 7.2% of children worldwide.
• Heritability: Mean heritability of 76% seen in twin studies.
• Increase in diagnoses: 20-fold increase seen over 18 years. 
• Gender disparity: Boys three times more likely to receive ADHD diagnosis than girls.
• Treatment challenges: Long waiting lists for assessments, limited specialist services.

Many find the link between diet and behavioural problems in children controversial, however there is growing evidence showing associations between poor eating habits, nutritional deficiencies, gut health and the development and severity of ADHD expression.

Environmental factors than have been associated with the development and severity of ADHD include:

• Nutrient deficiencies 
• Heavy metal exposure
• Poor gut health
• Food allergies/sensitivities

There are several approaches to help manage symptoms including personalised nutrition plans, lifestyle changes, stress management tools, exercise regimes and more. These can be either standalone or alongside medication.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Insufficient iron, vitamin D, omega-3, omega-6, magnesium and zinc have been implicated in ADHD.

• 78.4% of children with ADHD found to be deficient in vitamin D.
• Twice as likely to suffer iron-deficiency anaemia. 
• Supplementation of omega-3, omega-6, magnesium and zinc for 12-weeks showed reduced symptoms of attention deficit, emotional problems, hyperactivity and impulsivity. 

Testing for vitamin D/iron levels can be obtained via GP services or privately through FigTree Nutrition & Health. We can also provide at-home blood spot tests for omega-3 & omega-6 balance to fully understand your child’s EPA and DHA levels. Bringing this ratio into balance is crucial for cognitive health and behavioural improvements. 

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are known to be harmful for neurodevelopment, they have neurotoxic effects, and ingestion accumulates in the body leading to harmful effects over time. Higher blood levels of aluminium, lead and mercury may lead to disruption in neural signalling and poor attention. Studies show that recurrent exposure to multiple heavy metals can increase risk of hyperactivity/inattention in children. Chromium, lead, cadmium and antimony being major contributors to susceptibility to ADHD and symptom severity in children.

Where are heavy metals found in our diet and environment?

• Water, leaching of heavy metals into ground water, lead pipes.
• Food via soil contamination, agricultural processes, pesticides, leaching of heavy metals from industrial processes. Higher levels of mercury found in large predator fish.
• Air Pollution e.g. car exhausts, industrial waste products, metal processing, coal burning, cigarette smoke.
• Cooking with aluminium pans, foil. 
• Medical e.g. some medications, vaccines, dental amalgam fillings.

Testing for heavy metals either via blood, urine or hair can provide insight into heavy metal toxicity potentially driving ADHD behaviours. Working with a nutritionist 1:1 for targeted chelation therapies to remove heavy metals safely is crucial. 

Gut Health

Emerging evidence has suggested a role between microbiome composition and short-chain-fatty acid (SCFAs) profiles in children with ADHD compared to healthy controls. ADHD groups have shown significantly reduced gut microbiome diversity and lower levels of key SCFAs, known for their associations with behavioural and neurologic pathways and role in neural signalling. Individuals with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and low-grade inflammation.

Whilst further study is needed in this area regarding its link to ADHD, we do know that there is a symbiotic relationship between the gut microbiome and brain development (called the gut-brain axis) which has an influence on brain development and function. 

FigTree Nutrition & Health can offer comprehensive stool analysis providing insights into gut health and how it can be optimised. Prioritising gut health to promote brain health is vital.

Food allergies/sensitivities

Artificial food colourings, preservatives and sweeteners can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms after consumption. There have been many studies showing affiliations between consumption of allergenic foods such as milk, soy, and wheat and worsening ADHD symptoms. 

• Behavioural sensitivity to artificial food colours and benzoate is seen in children both with and without ADHD.

Working with a nutritionist to help identify allergies and sensitivities is crucial in finding the most beneficial diet for your child for long-term health and well-being.

There so many factors that contribute to the manifestation of ADHD and the severity of symptoms experienced. Working 1:1 with a naturopathic nutritionist can help identify underlying root causes and help manage symptoms. FigTree Nutrition & Health can arrange testing for nutritional deficiencies, check for heavy metals and allergies, and work alongside you to help put in place realistic nutritional plans to help make meaningful changes for the long-term.