21 Sep Nutritional support For ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood disorder that can continue into adulthood.
Symptoms of ADHD can be disruptive in certain environments or even during a child’s day-to-day life. They may have difficulty controlling their behavior and emotions at school or in social settings. This can affect their development or how they perform academically.

Behavioural Symptoms of ADHD include:

• ✅ Becoming easily distracted 
• ✅ Not following directions
• ✅ Feeling impatient often
• ✅ Fidgety

ADHD Nutritional Suggestions

Some studies suggest that certain nutritional supplements can ease symptoms of ADHD. 

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in brain health. A zinc deficiency may have an effect on other nutrients that help the brain function. The Mayo Clinic reports that zinc supplements may benefit symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and social problems. Zinc-rich foods include:

• ✅ Oysters
• ✅ Poultry
• ✅ Red meat
• ✅ Dairy products
• ✅ Beans
• ✅ Whole grains
• ✅ Fortified cereals

Omega-3 fatty acids

If your child isn’t getting enough omega-3 fatty acids from diet alone, they might benefit from a supplement. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that’s essential to good brain health. Children with ADHD typically have lower levels of DHA than those without the condition. 

Dietary sources of DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids include fatty fish, such as:

• ✅ Salmon
• ✅ Tuna
• ✅ Halibut
• ✅ Herring
• ✅ Mackerel
• ✅ Anchovies 

Iron

Some believe there’s a link between ADHD and low iron levels. A 2012 shows that iron deficiency may increase risk of mental health disorders in children and young adults. Iron is important for dopamine and norepinephrine production. These neurotransmitters help regulate the brain’s reward system, emotions, and stress. 

If your child has low iron levels, supplements might help. Iron supplements can sometimes relieve symptoms of ADHD in people who are iron deficient. But consuming too much iron can be toxic. Talk to your child’s health care practitioner before introducing iron supplements to their regimen. 

• ✅ Red Meat
• ✅ Chicken / Turkey
• ✅ Beans and Lentils
• ✅ Tofu
• ✅ Green leafy vegetables
• ✅ Cashews
• ✅ Baked potatoes

Magnesium

Magnesium is another important mineral for brain health. A deficiency in magnesium can cause irritability, mental confusion, and shortened attention span. But magnesium supplements may not help if your child doesn’t have a magnesium deficiency. There’s also a lack of studies about how magnesium supplements affect symptoms of ADHD.

Talk to your child’s health care practitioner before adding magnesium supplements to any treatment plan. At high doses, magnesium can be toxic and cause nausea, diarrhea, and cramps. It’s possible to get enough magnesium through your diet. Magnesium-rich foods include:

• ✅ Dairy products
• ✅ Whole grains
• ✅ Beans
• ✅ Leafy greens

FIONA STOCK | THE CHILDREN’S NATUROPATH | MELBOURNE NATUROPATH

MAKE A NATURAL THERAPIES APPOINTMENT TODAY TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILDREN’S HOLISTIC HEALTH

To make an appointment with Fiona Stock, naturopath in Melbourne, Contact hello@thechildrensnaturopath.com. I’m here to assist you and your child on your journey to better children’s health.

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Would you like a consultation with me at a fraction of the cost? My online learning classes are jam packed with more advice than I provide in a face-to-face appointment. It’s evidence-based naturopathic wisdom coupled with the latest scientific research on kids health I’ve successfully shared with clients over my 20+ year career.

I’ve also included cheatsheets, checklists, nourishing recipes and 25 page book of class notes.

You will learn:

• ✅ Understand the cause if common childhood conditions (eczema, poor immunity, food allergies, food intolerances, poor focus & concentration, ADHD, behavioural problems).
• ✅. Supporting immune function to help support allergic conditions.
• ✅. Support optimal brain function.
• ✅. Healthy Eating Plan – including portion size for each age-group.
• ✅. Natural medicine recommendations,
• ✅. Plus much more…

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