Perhaps a little more complex but also more rewarding than you might think!

ADHD is the most prevalent mental health disorder of childhood and adolescence in Australia and increasingly being recognised in adults as well. Mild in some people, it can be debilitating for others – impacting not only schooling and work but also personal relationships and friendships.

A diagnosis of ADHD can present VERY differently in different people. Dr Daniel Amen identified what he classifies as 7 different subtypes of ADD which are broadly characterised by similar symptoms of inattention, and/or motor hyperactivity and impulsivity. The biochemistry underlying the basis of these subtypes can often provide valuable clues as to how we can best support and address symptoms by looking at key environmental and genetic drivers. It is rarely, if ever, a single factor influencing the condition but rather an interplay of a number of different factors.

And the good news is…. by addressing as many of the different factors as we can for each individual case, we can make a positive impact in reducing ADHD symptoms

Genetics

ADHD tends to run in families with a high heritability of between 60 and 90 percent.

While our genes aren’t technically modifiable, thankfully, even with genetics at play there is so much we can do to support clients with ADHD symptoms.

The role of genetics is multifactorial - we have genes that influence detoxification processes, food reactions, how quickly we burn through neurotransmitters and the nutrients required to make them. So even where there is strong family prevalence of ADHD, understanding which genes may be at play can help us further identify which pathways can benefit from nutritional support due to genetic ‘weaknesses’ in this area.

Environmental factors

5 Key environmental factors include

Nutrient deficiencies
Food sensitivities/diet
Gut microbiome
Heavy metal toxicity
Lifestyle factors

Nutritional deficiencies

While many deficiencies can contribute to the development of ADHD or exacerbate symptoms. There are some key nutrients that most commonly present in clinic and are often easy to rectify with dietary changes and/ or short-term nutrient supplementation: -

Magnesium, zinc, essential fatty acids, iron, vitamin D, B vitamins and lithium.

Clinical research trials on zinc deficiency and ADHD found that ADHD medications could be reduced or stopped altogether in some cases once adequate zinc levels were achieved through supplementation. Incredible!

Iron deficiency in children can also be misdiagnosed as ADHD.

Diet

As one may expect, a diet high in sugar and processed foods can cause inflammation and negatively impact neurological function. The role of diet in ADHD symptoms can be far more complex. Reactions to plant compounds, phenols and salicylates including those occurring naturally in “healthy” food can contribute to ADHD development in susceptible people. Bright red cheeks and burning hot red ears can be signs, along with hyperactivity or poor focus and attention after eating berries and grapes. Indeed, kids who may be reacting to these foods often crave them and eat them in high amounts. So food cravings but be a great clue! As these foods often have a lot of other health benefits we can work to build up tolerance by providing additional support for the pathways that process these compounds, such as the phenol sulfurtransferase (PST) pathway. Epsom salt baths and foods high in sulphur may help, along with other specific nutrients that support enzymes in this process.

Other food intolerances such as gluten and dairy are also common in people presenting with ADHD, either contributing to the development or worsening the severity.

Did you know that where the breakdown of gluten or dairy is incomplete, they are turned into morphine-like compounds that bind to opoid receptors leading to behavioural and mood disorders including symptoms of ADHD? Yep. Crazy but true. Casomorphin and gliadorphin are the primary culprits.

Depending on individual case presentation, dietary considerations can include adding in specific therefore include nutrients such protein, essential fats or other nutrients lacking in the diet. And restricting processed food containing artificial colours, flavours, additives, sugar or other specific foods identified through food sensitivity testing, food diary or elimination. Along with adding in specific dietary.

Gut

The gut-brain axis is now well recognized to be bi-directional; the brain impacts the gut and the gut impacts the brain and neurological function. Some common gut conditions that have been associated with ADHD, anxiety and depression include an imbalance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria (dysbiosis), bacterial infections, parasites, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). An overgrowth of Clostridium difficile is specifically associated with ADHD. These bacteria produce neurotoxins which have been found to inhibit the enzymes required for dopamine synthesis, resulting in less dopamine in the brain.

Extensive use of antibiotics, steroid medications and even the oral birth control pill can contribute to the development of gut problems and trigger or worsen ADHD and many other conditions.

Lifestyle

While lifestyle is rarely the sole trigger for ADHD, it can definitely worsen symptoms –

Stress, poor sleep, inadequate physical activity and excessive screen time have all been found to play a role in exacerbation of ADHD.

Addressing these lifestyle factors can be fundamental to supporting ADHD.

Heavy metal toxicity

When heavy metals accumulate in the body, they can displace minerals required for enzymatic functions and biochemical pathways and result in damaged neurological function. Accumulation of heavy metals may be occurring due to mineral deficiencies (so the heavy metals opportunistically bind in the place of minerals), poor detoxification processes (which can also be related to nutrient deficiencies) and/or excessive exposure to heavy metals.

Testing that may be beneficial:

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (Toxic metals)
Comprehensive Stool testing
Food sensitivity testing
Blood tests for key nutrients such as iron studies, B12, vitamin D
Thyroid studies
Organic acids (urine test) – gut microbiome, neurotransmitters, detoxification key nutrients and more.

Naturopathic and nutritional therapy management of ADHD

• Investigate and address nutritional deficiencies

• Investigate and address food sensitivities

• Support gut microbiome to promote a healthy gut-brain axis

• Encourage healthy exercise and sleep patterns.

• Support healthy detoxification and reduce any identified toxic load

• Support balanced immune function and reduce neuroinflammation.

• Support brain health and neurotransmitter function via diet and specific evidence-based supplementation with nutrients such as N-acetyl-cysteine, l-theanine and maritime pine bark

The key takeaway of course is that, to be successful, treatment needs to be individualised. For further support reach out to info@thekanclinic.com.au or book a discovery call or naturopathy consultation (face-to-face in Graceville, Brisbane or Online via zoom)

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