ADD (Attention deficit disorder) is quite common nowadays, especially in children. In the paragraph below, Dr. Amen recommends, besides other treatment, a specific diet to help with the ADD symptoms.
Choose one element (e.g., higher protein, lower carbohydrate, MSG, artificial sweeteners, etc.) and express your opinion. Then, describe how you would explain this relationship to your patient or the patient's parents. In certain situations, there may be conflicting opinions among specialists. Argue.
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Your diet is another aspect that can help you control the anxious symptoms associated with this ADD type. Individuals with anxious ADD/ADHD should eat a lower-carbohydrate, higher-protein diet. Cutting out artificial sweeteners and MSG can also support healthy dopamine and GABA levels. -
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I personally believe that a diet rich in simple carbohydrates is not beneficial for a person who does not suffer from ADD and especially for someone who has this condition. Given the major impact that high glucose levels, followed by very low ones, have on the body, dopamine levels, mood and energy, my opinion is that a diet low in simple carbohydrates is very beneficial (without excluding complex ones from the scheme which have multiple benefits).
ReplyDeleteI will refer in the following to the importance of a low carbohydrate diet. Why is this important? Because as we know, the consumption of simple carbohydrates produces the so-called glucose-spikes which especially in children suffering from ADD/ADHD can worsen symptoms like impulsivity, mood swings, and inattention. The crash can lead to brain fog, fatigue, and irritability, making it harder to focus. Also, ADD is linked to dopamine dysregulation — a neurotransmitter tied to focus and motivation a high sugar intake can give a quick dopamine "hit," but this short-term boost can lead to a "come-down" effect, potentially making ADD symptoms more erratic. This is one of the reasons why it is really important to follow a low-carbohydrate diet. - this is how I would explain the importance of this thing to the patient's parents/patient.
One of the dietary recommendations Dr. Amen makes for managing ADD symptoms is increasing protein intake. From my perspective—and supported by both clinical observations and nutritional science—this is a valuable approach.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion:
Higher protein intake can be particularly helpful for individuals with ADD because it supports the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are crucial for attention and impulse control. I’ve noticed that children who have a protein-rich breakfast (e.g., eggs, yogurt, lean meat) tend to be more focused and less hyperactive during the school day compared to those who consume mostly sugary or carb-heavy meals.
How I would explain it to a parent:
“I recommend giving your child a breakfast or snack that includes protein—like eggs, Greek yogurt, or a protein smoothie—because protein helps the brain produce chemicals that are directly involved in focus and alertness. Children with ADD often struggle with regulating attention and impulses, and this kind of diet gives their brain the tools it needs to function more effectively. It doesn’t replace medication or therapy if those are needed, but it’s a strong support.”
Addressing conflicting opinions:
Some specialists argue that diet changes, including higher protein intake, have only a mild or placebo-level effect compared to medication or behavioral therapy. While it’s true that not every child responds dramatically to dietary shifts, there’s also no harm in trying these adjustments—especially when combined with evidence-based treatments. More importantly, some studies, such as those published in The American Journal of Psychiatry, suggest that dietary interventions can be part of a multi-modal approach, particularly in children who are sensitive to blood sugar fluctuations or certain food additives.
In conclusion, while not a standalone treatment, a higher-protein diet is a low-risk, potentially high-reward strategy that can contribute to managing ADD symptoms more effectively.
ReplyDeleteI agree that diet can help with ADD symptoms. What we eat affects how we feel and how our brain works. I would tell the parents: “Food is like fuel for the brain. A good diet helps your child feel calmer and think better. Less sugar and more protein can really help.” Some specialists think food is not very important, but many studies and doctors show that diet can support the brain, especially for children with ADD.
I believe that reducing or eliminating artificial sweeteners can be beneficial for especially children with ADD. While these substances are widely used in sugar-free products, the evidence about their impact on brain chemistry, attention, and behavior is mixed. Clinically, some children seem more sensitive to these additives, experiencing increased hyperactivity, irritability, or trouble focusing.
ReplyDeleteI would explain to my patient’s parents that their child’s brain is still developing, and it is very sensitive to chemicals. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame are designed to taste sweet without the calories, but they also interact with brain receptors.
From both a personal and clinical perspective, I agree with the caution against artificial sweeteners in managing ADD symptoms—particularly for children. While these substances are marketed as harmless sugar substitutes, growing research suggests they may affect neurotransmitter function and gut microbiota, which are both related to mood and cognition. In my experience, eliminating artificial sweeteners from a child’s diet has often led to improved attention span and fewer mood swings.
ReplyDeleteHow I’d Explain This to Parents:
I would say something like:
“Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are found in many ‘sugar-free’ snacks, drinks, and even some medications. While these are approved for use, some studies have raised concerns about their effects on brain chemicals like dopamine, which plays a major role in attention and motivation—both of which are affected in ADD. In children especially, the brain is still developing, so it’s safer to reduce or avoid these ingredients. We can replace artificially sweetened products with more natural options, like water flavored with fruit, or snacks sweetened with small amounts of honey or fruit puree.”
I’d emphasize that this doesn’t mean being overly strict, but rather making conscious, health-supportive choices.
Scientific Evidence:
A study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience (2016) titled “Effects of artificial sweeteners on appetite and reward pathways” discussed how artificial sweeteners might disrupt the brain's ability to regulate energy and satiety. Moreover, aspartame has been linked to alterations in dopamine and serotonin pathways—key neurotransmitters involved in attention, mood regulation, and motivation.
Additionally, a 2020 review in Nutrients reported that some non-nutritive sweeteners could impact gut microbiota, which in turn influence brain function through the gut-brain axis.
Conflicting Opinions:
Some specialists argue that artificial sweeteners are a helpful tool in managing weight, especially in children who might struggle with obesity alongside ADD. The FDA has declared these sweeteners safe within daily limits. However, “safe” doesn’t always mean “ideal”—especially for neurodevelopmental conditions.
Therefore, while there’s no universal consensus, the precautionary principle—“better safe than sorry”—seems reasonable, especially for children.
Czintos Dora-Eszter, ND, grupa 1
ReplyDeleteThe article by Amen Clinics on "Anxious ADD" describes a subtype of ADHD where attention difficulties are combined with high levels of anxiety. According to the author, these individuals often struggle with focus, experience constant worry, and feel emotionally overwhelmed. This is supported by SPECT brain imaging, which shows underactivity in focus-related areas and overactivity in emotional centers.
Apart from nutritional science, I am very interested in psychology too, and I recently read a book on a similar topic. In contrast, the book GAPS Syndrome offers a very different perspective. The author suggests that many psychological issues, including anxiety and attention problems, stem from imbalances in the gut microbiome. The book emphasizes that gut health directly affects brain function, and that nutritional changes and supporting the digestive system can lead to significant improvement in mental well-being.
Although these two approaches focus on different areas, one on the brain, the other on the gut, they can actually complement each other. Recent research also supports the strong connection between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis.
In conlcusion, anxiety and attention issues are complex conditions that benefit from a holistic view. By addressing not just brain function but also gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle, we can create more effective and sustainable solutions.