Demystifying ADHD: where does naturopathy fit in?

When we think of ADHD, most of us would probably jump straight to traits like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. And that’s not entirely incorrect - ADHD is a neurodevelopment disorder characterised by a difficulty with self-regulation of thoughts, actions and behaviours, attention, and emotions. What most of us don’t know is that ADHD is a brain type. And there are various neurobiological pathways that influence the ‘ADHD brain’ such as physiological differences in the default mode network of the brain - which is responsible for self-awareness, self-perception, memory, language and speech, and changes within the executive functioning system of the brain - which is responsible for planning, organising, delegating, goal setting, and holding onto information. We also know that various neurotransmitters play a role in ADHD including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

So if ADHD is a type of brain, how can naturopathy actually help?

Firstly, it’s important to remember that when we work with neurodivergent patients, we’re aiming to support them and enable them to interact with their environment, not to ‘cure’ them. Assessing individual drivers that worsen symptoms of ADHD is key, and while the list could go on and on, here are three areas that I find myself focusing on frequently in clinic.

1. The gut (no surprises here!)
   Gut health has been shown to influence various drivers of ADHD symptoms. For example, the gut microbiome impacts neurotransmitter levels within the brain, intestinal permeability (or ‘leaky gut’) drives inflammation within the brain, and gut dysfunction impairs the absorption of essential nutrients - all of which exacerbate symptoms of ADHD including brain fog, fatigue, low motivation, anxiety, lack of focus, and mood regulation. Addressing gut health may look different for everyone, but basic pillars to consider are ensuring you consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limiting your intake of highly-processed foods and refined sugars, including fermented foods in your diet like sauerkraut and kimchi, drinking plenty of water, and working with a qualified naturopath to address any issues.

2. Hormones
   This one is especially relevant for women and those assigned female at birth, and may be partly why we’re seeing an increase in diagnoses amongst adult women. Hormones play a role in modulating or exacerbating ADHD symptoms. For example, oestrogen impacts cognitive function, neuroplasticity, mood, memory, and also impacts the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine. Progesterone is similarly protective for the brain and exerts calming effects, and works in tandem with oestrogen. When these hormones naturally fluctuate or when they are out of balance, we often see impacts on ADHD symptoms. It’s also important to consider cortisol, thyroid hormones, and testosterone, all of which impact mood, behaviour, and symptoms associated with ADHD in all genders. Holistic approaches to supporting hormones include ensuring your diet consists of healthy fats, complex carbs, and high-quality proteins, avoiding certain chemicals including BPAs and parabens, maintaining regular exercise, prioritising sleep, addressing gut health, and managing stress.

3. Diet and nutrition
   It seems that diet and nutritional factors impact ADHD symptoms from almost all angles. For starters, nutrients like iron, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, protein and certain amino acids play a huge role in brain health and function. Unaddressed food sensitivities and allergies can drive ADHD symptoms by impacting gut health, immune health, and inflammation. Some food additives including certain preservatives, colourings, and sweeteners have been shown to exacerbate symptoms of ADHD such as hyperactivity, restlessness, and irritability. And finally, blood sugar levels impact focus, energy levels, and mood. ADHD in and of itself can make it tricky to optimise the diet for various reasons - sensory sensitivities and medication use suppressing the appetite, for example - which is why working with a qualified practitioner can be so beneficial here.
   

There is so much that naturopathy can offer to improve the quality of life of ADHDers, and we always aim to dig deep and identify factors specific to the patient in front of us. If you’re someone who needs a dedicated practitioner on your side to empower and enable you, you can book an initial appointment with one of our practitioners here.