ADHD and other psychological disorders may be caused by dietary/digestive reasons and may be treated with food as medicine. Ali Miller, integrative dietitian and natural foods consultant with Naturally Nourished, explains about the brain food connection and techniques to feed your children for optimal brain function.

Six possible causations of ADHD with nutrient interaction

1. Food allergies
2. Heavy metal toxicity, common in 1:7 ADHD
3. pH levels lower than 7.4, noting calcium deficiency, which plays a role in calming nerves
4. Candida/yeast, dysbiosis releases of 70 toxins interfering with brain and neurotransmitters
5. Blood sugar spikes and crashes can lead to irritability, irregular energy levels, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and hyperactivity
6. Nutrient deficiencies of: B6, Mg, Ca, Zinc, folic acid, and DHA (omega-3)

Food-as-medicine for ADHD

• Frequent eating! Every 3-4h for regulated glucose (brain’s fuel)
• Balanced blood sugars with carbohydrate limitation of 60g/meal
• Glycemic index control with combining carbohydrate choices with a protein or healthy fat
• Have at least 15g protein in breakfast foods (eggs, greek yogurt, smoothies, etc)
• Eliminate high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), MSG, and artificial colorants from dietary options
• Re-establish healthy gut flora (probiotic foods/supplement)
• DHA supplementation to enhance cognitive function
• Test for food sensitivities
• Assess blood work for nutritional deficiencies to assess need for additional supplementation
  

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Naturally Nourished Choconana Smoothie

• 1/2 cup almond butter (Ali recommends roasted organic, grind-your own)
• 1 banana, frozen
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 2-3 ice cubes
• 1-2 dates
• 1-2 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 6-8 fl oz almond milk unsweetened
• 2 Tbsp protein powder (rice, chlorella, pea-based)

Blend these ingredients in blender, serve cold as snack or meal.