You are at:
ADHD and Nutrition
| FREE E-BOOK Feeding the Hungry Brain: The C3 Kids Drug-Free Approach for ADD Success! |
| Get our valuable guide to living a healthy, successful life with ADD. It's easier than you think & this free E-Book will show you how... Bonus: Free 8-day email series to unveil common (yet harmful) myths about ADD. |
| Your email is safe! See Privacy Policy. |
ADHD and NutritionFollowing a Low-Carbohydrate, High-Protein PlanIs there a relationship between ADHD and nutrition? Here's a theory that might answer the question. The latest diet sensation is the Atkins diet which stresses a low carbohydrate, high protein approach to nutrition. The Atkins diet is based on the theory that consuming excess carbohydrates increases insulin production, causing feelings of hunger while also encouraging the body to store additional fat. Under the diet plan, excess carbohydrates are controlled and minimized, leading to a drop-off in insulin production to more natural levels. The result is a moderation in feelings of hunger with a more even burning of nutrients for sustained energy levels.
Guess what? This is exactly parallel to a diet plan that would minimize ADHD symptoms while optimizing energy levels, focus and mood! ADHD children and adults often crave high sugar or simple carbohydrate foods that quickly metabolize into energy. The result is the "sugar high" that many ADHD families are familiar with. If these kinds of foods are consumed with regularity, the result will be a chronic insulin imbalance that is self-perpetuating. Instead, if a child or adult with ADHD implements changes in their diet that encourages the consumption of protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates (brown rice, whole grain breads, beans) while reducing fruits, processed foods and simple sugars/ carbohydrates, they should experience a balancing out of both their insulin levels as well as the metabolizing of energy into their system. This will equate to better focus, calmer behavior and an improvement in their overall mood and well-being. This is a simplified explanation of how the Atkins Diet might be related to ADHD and nutrition, and you should learn much more about it before implementing a detailed nutritional plan for your family. Nature's Plan for ADD Success
Return from: ADHD and Nutrition |