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.