7 Strategies to Address ADHD
Mark Hyman, MD
Board President of Clinical Affairs, Institute for Functional Medicine
- Eat a real, whole foods diet
It should be free of additives, sugar, trans fats, and processed foods. There is a close connection between the obesity epidemic we are seeing and the epidemic of ADHD and behavior problems in children.
2. Remove food sensitivities
While testing can reveal specific sensitivities, two big offenders are gluten and dairy. Partially digested dairy and wheat particles (called caseomorphins and gliadomorphins) are found in the urine of severely depressed patients (as well as children with autism and ADHD). I recommend a complete 100% elimination of all gluten and dairy foods for a full six weeks.
3. Address nutrient deficiencies
A host of nutrient deficiencies, including magnesium, zinc, selenium, tyrosine, and fatty acids, play significant roles in the development of ADHD. Many of these nutrients work synergistically.
4. Fix your gut
Over my years in practice, I have found the gut to be the source of inestimable suffering. The best way to cultivate a healthy inner garden involves weeding out the bad bugs and feeding your gut probiotics, probiotics, fiber, and polyphenols. And avoiding foods that are sugary, high in starch, and ultra-processed.
5. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
Inflammation has been linked to almost all brain problems such as ADHD, Alzheimer’s, and depression. Inflammation causes problems in every organ, in every part of the body. Besides supplementing with fatty acids, you will want to eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in wild-caught fish and plant foods like flaxseed and chia seeds.
6. Consume plenty of antioxidants
Oxidative stress and glutathione deficiency have been connected to dementia, depression, Parkinson’s, and ADHD. An antioxidant-rich diet includes plenty of colorful plant foods.
7. Detoxify
An overload of heavy metals in children who are genetically susceptible to their effects is one of the root causes of ADHD. Each person responds differently to toxins. Some are great detoxifiers; others, like those with ADHD, are often not.
Remember, anyone with behavior problems— whether it is ADHD, or something else— is unique. Each has to find his or her own path with a trained doctor. But the gates are open and the wide road of vibrant health is in front of you. You simply have to take the first step.
The key is to address the underlying causes, so you can rebalance your health and empower your brain.
Digging The Deeper Layers
5moI love this post! Parents of children with deficit or spectrum disorders can be so helpless and often left to their own device. Better nutrition, as well as the support that these families can get from caring and knowledgeable professionals is crucial. To prevent ADD, ADHD, ASD, and similar problems in children, maternal nutrition has to significantly improve. People like yourself and other advocates for natural and functional nutrition and medicine can be the pioneers for a new world where preventative healthcare becomes part of mainstream medicine.
Marketing, Sales, Communication, Voice over, Lessons, Translations.
6moThe biggest problem is to find a good doctor that is not simply going to prescribe meds for your child and will address these problems more in depth.
Proudly serving Vancouver, BC for 35+ years
7moThanks for sharing these strategies, so helpful. 🧠
Founder, High Performance Consultant Academy | Transforming Business Consultants to Holistic Entrepreneurs. Simplify to Amplify. Streamline Processes. Scale Sustainably. Eliminate Stress.
2yMark, thanks for sharing!