ADHD, Gluten, Gut Health and Our Children

I wrote an article titled The Key to Health Starts With Your Gut back in June of 2011.  In it, I discussed the role the gut flora (good bacteria), gut permeability, gluten and the relationship between our gut and our brain.  In that article, there is also a link to a Podcast with Kris Kressor that I would recommend all parents listen to.  Additionally, in that article I gave a few basic guidelines regarding maintaining a healthy gut:

• eliminate gluten (found primarily in wheat, barley and rye)
• keep healthy fats in the diet (saturated and Omega-3's)
• avoid processed foods, artificial flavoring and coloring
• reduce sugar intake, especially high fructose corn syrup
• eat a lot of vegetables
• exercise
• eat foods with healthy bacteria in them such as fermented foods and yogurt (kefir style is preferable)
• reduce stress
• reduce acidic foods and increase alkaline foods (vegetables are a great source)
• reduce Omega-6's

It's important to understand this information in order to better understand the relationship of ADHD, ADD, gluten and how this effects our children.  If you can take the time to read the other article first and/or listen to the Podcast, it will help.  If not, you will still learn a few things.

First a little history.  Within the last hundred years or so, it is estimated that our consumption of sugar has increased about 10 times and we have introduced not only processed foods, trans fats but also genetically modified foods and commercially raised meats, that have very poor health profiles compared to grass fed meats.  All of this in the last 100 years, which is not enough time for us to make the genetic adaptations needed to tolerate these changes.  As a result, cardio vascular disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes, obesity, depression and other behavioral disorders and Multiple Sclerosis have increased as a result.  Another health issue that has grown exponentially since the early 80's is ADHD or ADD in children.  Also the drugs used to treat them, is the largest growing market for pharmaceutical drugs for kids.  And doctor's are writing more and more prescriptions.

When we introduce high levels of sugar and carbs into a child's diet we are causing a rapid fluctuation in blood sugar levels.  The body subsequently releases adrenaline and cortisol in response which activates our Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) also known as the fight or flight response.  Now this may not be a problem for all children but those who have food sensitivities (a sign of poor gut health) or who have been eating this way for a long time, this SNS response becomes a problem.  It suddenly becomes more difficult to sit, listen, focus and behave when these hormones are released.  So what are we told to do? Instead of looking at the underlying cause, just give them prescription drugs which eventually makes things worse.  An obvious fix for this should be avoiding excess carbs and maintaining regular consumption of healthy protein and fats. 

Since the 70's, when most meat began to be raised commercially, the health profile suffered dramatically.  A source of Omega-3's (EPA/DHA), which are essential for brain development, were suddenly taken out of our diet.  Unless your kid is taking a fish oil supplement or eating grass fed meats, wild caught fish or raw dairy it is highly likely that they are already deficient in Omega-3's.  Add to that the rise in sugar consumption and its no wonder why ADHD/ADD and other behavioral disorders and obesity are on the rise in children.  Its pretty scary. 

There is more.  Gluten, which is found in many grains primarily wheat, barley and rye, is another problem.  If you read the previous article, you will have a better understanding.  Basically, gluten is bad, really bad.  It damages our small intestine causing nutritional malabsorption, inflammation as well as causing many auto immune responses.  What is the cure?  Avoid gluten.  Research indicates that 70-80 percent of all people with ADHD are gluten sensitive.  The same study indicated that over half of those with ADHD have Celiac Disease, which is basically a severe systematic allergic reaction to gluten. The cure? Yes, again, avoid gluten.  Additionally, children with ADHD have almost 300% greater risk of developing long term disorders like Bi-Polar disorder, Depression, Schizophrenia and Alzheimer's.  So its extremely important to take this seriously.

Those with gluten intolerance or Celiac's experience several physiological reactions in the body in response to gluten.  One of those reactions is an inflammation in the frontal lobes of the brain.  That is the part that controls short term memory, planning, higher functioning and concentration.  Pretty interesting, huh?  In a 2005 study by Verkasalo, it was determined that cognitive function decline and underachievement in post-secondary education is 400% more likely with gluten sensitivity.  So this affect adults as well.

The message is if someone has ADHD it is highly likely that they have gluten sensitivity or Celiac's, and likewise, it is highly likely that someone with Celiac's or gluten sensitivity has ADHD or other behavioral disorders.  The message is also this:

• Identify sources of gluten.  They are not only in foods but are in skin care products.
• Eliminate those sources of gluten.
• For those with ADHD or behavioral disorders, in addition to eliminating gluten, reduce overall carb load and add healthy fats, including Omega-3's,  and proteins. 

I know first hand about the challenges a child with ADHD may have.  One of my kids was diagnosed with ADHD.   I did some tinkering with his diet and found that when the gluten, processed foods and artificial flavor and coloring is gone, his grades go up, he can focus better, he remembers things better and overall, feels better.  When those foods are introduced, all of those symptoms come back including feelings of being tired and having headaches.  Its amazing what a little change in diet can do.  I can't stress enough the importance of this to parents to really take a look at what their kids are eating and consider what long term effects that may have.

If you or someone you know has ADHD, take a close look at their diet.  By a making a few changes in the foods we put in our body, not only do improve our gut health but we ensure that our brain, mood, memory and overall quality of life can improve.  It can only help.