BEGINNING OF TEXT: ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or hyperkinetic disorder, also known as attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, is a condition that includes:

• inattention,
• hyperactivity,
• impulsive behavior.

The issues are chronic and are not caused by neurological, sensory, or motor disorders or mental retardation. These disorders occur 3-9 times more frequently in boys compared to girls, with the prevalence in the population of children under 18 estimated between 3 and 18%. This syndrome persists into adulthood in 40-50% of cases.

The causes of its development are:

1. Genetic.
Studies have highlighted the fact that ADHD has a genetic basis - men with ADHD are 5 times more likely to have children who will suffer from this disorder.

2. Epigenetic.
Compared to genetics, they play a considerably smaller role. The most commonly cited influences include:

• brain injuries in accidents,
• hypoxic brain damage during childbirth,
• low birth weight,
• poor maternal health,
• advanced maternal age,
• length of labor,
• prenatal bleeding,
• preterm and complicated deliveries associated with oxygen deficiency,
• alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use during pregnancy.

Treatment of ADHD requires a comprehensive approach at the level of cooperation between parents, teachers, psychologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists. The family environment in which the child grows up is crucial - negative influences include disharmonious, unstable, and unreliable relationships within the family, neglect, inappropriate punishment, and disorganized daily routine. All these can cause children to react with worsened behavior.

Influence of Diet on ADHD

In studying the influence of diet on ADHD, it has been shown that it can affect the behavior and mood of children with ADHD but is not the cause of its development.

Research indicates that changes in dietary habits can alleviate manifestations of this condition. It has been found that children with ADHD often have unhealthy eating habits or a lack of proper nutrients. An interesting perspective that directs further research involves dividing the diet concept into two main patterns:

1. Western.
This dietary pattern is characterized by a high intake of:

• red meat,
• fried foods,
• high-fat dairy products,
• butter,
• beverages containing artificial sweeteners.

At the same time, it is typical for minimal intake of fruit, vegetables, and fish.

2. Healthy.
This is a dietary model with a high content of:

• fresh fruit and vegetables,
• whole grain foods,
• fish.

This provides a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, and fiber, which are the most commonly cited factors having a significant effect on behavioral manifestations.

It has been found that adherence to the Western dietary pattern is associated with more than a double risk of being diagnosed with ADHD. Based on this, dietary modifications for children affected by ADHD are defined:

1. Regularity and appropriate portion sizes.
The nervous system does not respond well to prolonged fasting or excessively small or large food portions. The greatest impact is the fluctuation in blood sugar levels, which manifests as fatigue and loss of concentration.

2. Diet with lower glycemic values.
Children with a high sugar intake habit always appear restless, aggressive, and unable to concentrate for extended periods. It is beneficial to adjust the diet to show lower values of the glycemic index and glycemic load.

3. Adequate quality protein.
This rule becomes significant, especially in situations where there is a long-term reduced intake of proteins during the child's developmental phases. This negatively affects not only physical but also psychological development.

4. Adequate fiber.
Fiber plays a role primarily in relation to the intestinal microbiota, which is responsible for the majority of serotonin production in the body.

5. Adequate sources of omega-3 acids.
Omega-3 fats have a direct impact on brain function, and supplementing them positively affects children with ADHD.

6. Adequate vitamins and minerals.
Repeatedly lower levels of minerals have been found in children with ADHD - especially zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. At the same time, we know that vitamins B-complex help create neurotransmitters. A deficiency of these substances can lead to the development of cognitive disorders (fear, aggression, sleep disorders).

7. Adequate antioxidants.
Antioxidants improve brain functions - concentration, memory, learning, and motor skills.

8. Hydration.
A lack of fluids causes dehydration of the organism, which brain cells are highly sensitive to. This leads to headaches, irritability, and even psychological disorders.

9. Use of spices.
Various herbs and spices support brain function and protect it from various disorders. The most frequently cited are:

• turmeric,
• mint,
• chamomile,
• rosemary,
• lavender,
• saffron.

10. Avoidance of undesirable substances and foods.
Studies continuously suggest that some additives (coloring agents, sweeteners, preservatives, flavor enhancers) have a tendency to support typical manifestations of ADHD.

At the same time, experiments with elimination diets are ongoing, in which foods that are potential allergens and may affect mood and behavior of children are removed from the diet:

• gluten sources,
• sugar,
• artificial colorings,
• dairy products,
• eggs,
• red meat.

Studies have noted that the exclusion of these foods led to improvement in symptoms in 70% of children with ADHD.