Understanding ADHD

There has been so much research on, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There are several subtypes of ADHD and the Walsh Institute breaks these down into 3 categories:

1. Inattentive: this person may have normal to high intelligence but have difficulty with focus and concentration. Often noted in school records as “day dreamer’ or “space cadets” which leads low academics but usually scare high on behavioural control and socialization.


2. Impulsive and hyperactive: this person has a short attention span, constant motion and highly distractible. Regardless of their intelligence level they will underachieve academically.


3. Combined hyperactivity and inattentive: this person will have severe academic underachievement than subtypes 1 and 2.

For decades it was thought that environmental factors were the root cause of the undesirable behaviour. Research has indicated that issues with imbalance of chemistry in the body is equally as important. There is a much research that identifies that toxins play a role and the pre-disposition to the inability to detox toxins can be an issue. Factors associated with higher risk of ADHD are mother smoking, lead, pesticides, PCBs and the list goes on. ADHD affects 5-15% of school aged children and these statistics are continuing to climb. Technically ADHD is a dismissed function of the dopamine receptors in the prefrontal cortex. These centres allow for impulse control and to maintain attention. Increasing the bodies ability to create dopamine and increase the methylation pathways is the key to nutrient therapies. Acceptance and learning body awareness, including mindfulness is important in therapy.

Diet changes can play a large role in in helping decrease the behaviours and increase attentiveness. With a strong relationship between food dyes, sugar and ADHD.

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