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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions affecting both children and adults. Symptoms can range from difficulty focusing and hyperactivity to impulsiveness, creating challenges in daily life. While conventional treatments often rely on medications, a holistic approach can help you understand the underlying causes of ADHD. Focusing on lifestyle, diet, environment, toxic exposures, digestive health, nutrient deficiencies, and more, we aim to help patients improve focus, behavior, and well-being.

Why should you choose a Holistic Approach to support ADHD?

Many different causes can impact ADHD. Outside of relying on medications, conventional treatments often focus on symptom management, but this can sometimes overlook the root causes that exacerbate the condition. A holistic approach looks at ADHD as a symptom of broader imbalances in the body. By identifying and addressing the root cause, we can create an individualized and effective treatment plan that is geared toward promoting optimal health while reducing ADHD symptoms.

Common Areas of Focus in a Holistic Approach to ADHD

Lifestyle Factors

Our modern, fast-paced lifestyle can be a significant contributor to the rise in ADHD cases. Many families are stretched thin, and children may experience overstimulation from excessive screen time, lack of physical activity, and disrupted sleep patterns. These lifestyle habits can influence Poor Sleep: Poor quality or lack of sleep can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. A healthy sleep routine can have a positive impact on ADHD, which can include:

  • A consistent sleep schedule.
  • Reducing screen time before bed.
  • Calming techniques to promote restful sleep.
  1. Too Much Screen Time: Excessive exposure to blue screens, especially in children, can interfere with attention span and exacerbate hyperactivity. Encouraging outdoor activity, physical play, and creativity away from screens can provide a natural outlet for energy and improve focus. Consider blue light-reducing glasses.
  2. Lack of Physical Activity: Regular exercise is critical to ADHD management. It helps improve mood, increase focus, and reduce hyperactivity by releasing endorphins and promoting healthy brain function.

Diet & Nutrition Choices Geared Toward ADHD

Diet plays a critical role in brain function, especially when it comes to conditions like ADHD. Poor dietary habits, food sensitivities, and nutrient imbalances can all contribute to ADHD symptoms. Healthier nutritional choices can support better focus, energy levels, and behavior.

  1. Eating Processed Foods and Sugars: Diets high in processed foods, artificial additives, and sugars can exacerbate hyperactivity and poor concentration. Eliminating processed foods and sugar can be challenging for some, but focusing on healthy options to trade off can make the transition easier.
  2. Food Sensitivities: Many individuals with ADHD may have underlying food sensitivities or intolerances, such as gluten or dairy, that contribute to inflammation and brain fog. Functional tests are available to identify these sensitivities and create customized elimination diets to reduce these triggers.
  3. Blood Sugar Imbalance: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can cause irritability, lack of focus, and energy crashes. Balanced meals focusing on protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates help stabilize blood sugar and support consistent energy levels throughout the day.

Environmental Influences

The environment in which we live and work can have a profound impact on ADHD symptoms. Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins, as well as the stress levels in the home or school environment, can contribute to ADHD-related behaviors.

  1. Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Our environment is filled with potential sources of toxins, from household cleaning products to pesticides in food. Several studies have shown that even the allowable amounts of pesticides can cause brain excitability, and children exposed to these toxins were twice as likely to develop ADHD. We recommend switching to natural, non-toxic household products, choosing organic foods, and avoiding processed foods that may contain harmful chemicals.
  2.  Chaotic Environment: ADHD symptoms often worsen in chaotic or overstimulating    environments. Creating a calm, organized space at home or school, with clear routines and expectations, can help individuals with ADHD feel more grounded and focused.

Digestive Health

The gut-brain connection is a large piece of the puzzle regarding understanding ADHD. The gut microbiome directly impacts brain health and behavior. Many individuals with ADHD have underlying digestive issues, including gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, or food intolerances.

  1. Gut Dysbiosis: Imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to inflammation, which affects neurotransmitter production and brain function.
  2. Leaky Gut: Leaky gut syndrome, where the intestinal lining becomes permeable, allows toxins and partially digested food particles to enter the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation and neurological symptoms. We like to use the term leaky gut equals a leaky brain.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies are a common but often overlooked factor in ADHD. The brain requires a variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to function optimally. Deficiencies in essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids can impair cognitive function and exacerbate ADHD symptoms. We identify any deficiencies with the help of functional testing and create individualized supplementation plans.

 

Mind-Body Approaches

  1.  Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Many individuals with ADHD benefit from mindfulness techniques that help improve focus and reduce impulsive behavior. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), yoga, and meditation can all help calm the mind and improve concentration.
  2. Acupuncture:  Incorporating acupuncture into treatment plans for ADHD can enhance or speed up results. Acupuncture helps balance the body’s energy flow, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation, all of which can help alleviate ADHD symptoms.
  3. Chiropractic: Chiropractic care can help improve the function of the nervous system, which may lead to better focus, reduced hyperactivity, and improved behavior. It also helps reduce tension in the body, promoting relaxation and stress relief—both of which can benefit individuals struggling with ADHD. Studies suggest that chiropractic adjustments may improve blood flow to the brain and increase brain function by stimulating areas of the brain responsible for attention and behavior.

Ready to Start Your ADHD Healing Journey?

We understand how challenging ADHD can be, not only for those affected but also for their families. We are here to help. Together, we can work towards better health, focus, and quality of life. Let’s uncover the root causes and start healing from within.

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