This is a great article written by Dr. Terry Rondberg. I thought I would pass it along to you all to read. Great information on this condition.
A new study from Australia’s Telethon Institute for Child Health Research shows an association between ADHD and a “Western-style” diet in adolescents. The research findings were published online in the international Journal of Attention Disorders (abstract available online). Researchers examined the dietary patterns of 1,800 adolescents from the long-term Raine Study and classified diets into “healthy’ or “Western” patterns. A healthy diet was one high in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish, higher in omega-3 fatty acids, folate and fiber. A diet was considered in the Western pattern if there was a trend towards fast foods, sweets, processed, fried and refined foods. These diets tend to be higher in total fat, saturated fat, refined sugar and sodium. Lead researcher Wendy Oddy, head of nutrition studies at the Institute, noted: “We found a diet high in the Western pattern of foods was associated with more than double the risk of having an ADHD diagnosis compared with a diet low in the Western pattern, after adjusting for numerous other social and family influences.” In the study, 115 adolescents — 91 boys and 24 girls — out of the 1,800 total had been diagnosed with ADHD. “When we looked at specific foods, having an ADHD diagnosis was associated with a diet high in takeaway foods, processed meats, red meat, high fat dairy products and confectionary,” Dr. Oddy said. “We suggest that a Western dietary pattern may indicate the adolescent has a less optimal fatty acid profile, whereas a diet higher in omega-3 fatty acids is thought to hold benefits for mental health and optimal brain function. “It also may be that the Western dietary pattern doesn’t provide enough essential micronutrients that are needed for brain function, particularly attention and concentration, or that a Western diet might contain more colours, flavours and additives that have been linked to an increase in ADHD symptoms. It may also be that impulsivity, which is a characteristic of ADHD, leads to poor dietary choices such as quick snacks when hungry.” Dr. Oddy cautioned against making a direct causal link. “This is a cross-sectional study so we cannot be sure whether a poor diet leads to ADHD or whether ADHD leads to poor dietary choices and cravings,” she explained.
What do you think about this? This is very interesting. We KNOW that “vaccination” will contribute to this condition and many others, but what you eat so important with overall health.
