Can diet really help my ADHD symptoms?

Have you ever heard someone say that diet or taking supplements don’t cure ADHD? Maybe you’ve said it yourself?

Well, they ( or you ) may have been right because ADHD is a neurotype and can’t be cured but it sure can be supported.

ADHD affects everyone in a different way and the symptoms can be incredibly frustrating for the person as well as being really detrimental to the trajectory of our lives. There are however, many symptoms that diet can help. I’m not saying this is the be all treatment because its not. But it can be a very beneficial inclusion in a well rounded and multi -faceted treatment plan which also addresses aspects of your health including nutrient deficiencies, gut health, inflammation as well the more practical aspects of learning supportive strategies.

I remember years ago, as a kid, hearing people talk about ADHD. It was very much a naughty, hyperactive boys thing then. I also remember ( even as kid ) lots of talk about removing sugar, preservatives and foods containng e-numbers. Now, i’m not knocking that, because it sure has it’s place and provides benefit , but I think, many people got limited results ( as there is so much more to it than just preservatives and sugar) and it makes me wonder if it has impacted the current belief that many people have that diet flat out can not help.

However, good nutrition and diet in relation to ADHD is not just about removing colours and numbers. We are all individual and have individual dietary needs. It is also not just about what NOT to eat but which foods to include that will fuel and optimise our brain function. We want foods that will reduce neuroinflammation, stabilise our blood sugar levels, improve our focus and concentration and improve our emotional regulation; protein, good quality fats and oils, complex carbohydrates and plenty of fruit and veg are a step in the right direction.

Supplementation is a bit of a contentious subject with a lot of people. There is definitely the belief out there that supplementation of any kind is a waste of money. Now, I just want to say, if you are taking supplements based on the advice of your friend or the guy down the road , then chances are you probably aren’t going to get the results you are looking for and yes. in that case you probably are wasting your money.

Supplementation needs to be targeted to each individual otherwise you are throwing spaghetti at the wall.

There are a different things that will impact whether taking supplements are going to be of benefit;

• Is it the right nutrient for YOU?

• Is it in a bioavailable form?

• Does it contain the necessary co - factors?

  We are all individuals with individual needs. What is right for one person is not going to be right for another. Taking a supplement based on what Gary next doors aunt takes will probably get you limited results, if any and will definitley be a waste of your hard earned money.

  Nutrients come in a variety of forms and not every nutrient is as bioavailable as another, Bioavailabilty refers to how much of a nutrient is available for absorption by the body.

  Cofactors refer to the nutrients that are required for optimal absorption of another nutrient. For example; Iron needs Vitamin C for optimal absorption.

  The reason I am telling you all of this, ( sorry for getting all technical there!) is I just want you to realise that there are LOTS of things affecting how well a supplement works so working with a qualified professional and spending money on quality products that will achieve the outcome you are looking for is well worth it. Otherwise, your results may well be checkered.

If you are interested in delving deeper into what may be exacerbating your ADHD symptoms, and want to chat, click here. Otherwise, get in touch with a nutritionist or naturopath local to you.

You can also follow me over on Instagram and Facebook. I’d love to see you there!

Jules. x