ADHD and Whole Food Nutrition

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a complex psychological disorder observed in both children and grown ups. It is characterized by symptoms of constant motion and restless activity, difficulty in concentrating or paying attention (and hence the name Attention Deficit), excessive talking and noise making, leaving tasks unfinished and interrupting others.

Impulsivity of ADHD patients often causes them to behave aggressively and have relationship problems. Recent researches in nutritional biology and medicine seem to arrive at a new means of control on ADHD behavior i.e. food nutrition control via whole foods.

Whole Food Nutrition

Whole foods are those that are either totally unrefined and unprocessed or possessed and refined to a minimal degree. Unpolished grains, non-homogenized milk, and organically gardened vegetables and fruits are all included in whole foods. However, whole foods should not be confused with organic foods (those produced according to legally regulated standards). Whole foods need not be necessarily organic just like organic foods are not all whole foods by necessity.

EFA and ADHD

EFA is short for Essential Fatty Acid, a type of fat that is an essential constituent of every membrane of our body. It is an important part of the cell membranes of nerve cells. EFAs play a key role in the synthesis of eicosanoids, chemical compunds that act like mediators and modulators of the nervous system.

EFAs are also important for synthesis of steroids and metabolism of hormones. Thus EFAs influcne the function of every body cell. From these findings it is easy to see that any deficiency or faulty metabolism of EFAs can cause problems in cellular function. It can be the cause of hyperactivity in children and adults. Whole food nutrition is rich in EFAs and serves as a natural means of preventing and treating ADHD.

Symptoms of EFA Deficiency

Main symptoms of EFA Deficiency include unusually intense thirst, allergic responses to general food items, and certain skin conditions (eczema for example). These symptoms are commonly found in ADHD patients.

Effect of Whole Food Nutrition Supply

Clinical studies show that if whole food nutrition supply is provided to ADHD patients, their ADHD symptoms are relieved to a significant degree. It is interesting to note that males require more than twice the amount of EFAs as do females of the same age group and other similar socioeconomic and genetic factors. Hence males suffer more readily from ADHd on account nutrition poor in EFAs.