Super Science Sunday: ADHD and Nutrition

Hi everybody, 

It's Super Science Sunday and today's topic is how diet impacts our little ones. When we garden, most of us look for the highest quality soil and food to help the sprouts grow, because we know that they need clean healthy food and water to grow their best. Why then, would we feed our children hormones, toxins and mystery chemicals and coloring and expect them to thrive in this world?  

There is some really fascinating evidence to suggest that inflammation caused by food contributes to everything from cancer to autism to mental disorders. Today, I'll start with ADHD, the most common neurobehavioral diagnosis in children today.

"Between 2003 and 2007, there was a 22% increase in ADHD prevalence in the United States - today, about 9.5% of school-age children have ADHD.¹
ADHD is characterized by restlessness, difficulty focusing, poor impulse control, distractibility, and in some cases overactivity; plus these symptoms have significant negative consequences on the child’s academic performance, social skills, and relationships with family members, teachers, and peers. In addition, ADHD is often accompanied by learning disorders, discipline problems, anxiety, and/or depression.^2-"  

Dr. Joel Fuhrman 

According to Dr. Fuhrman, poor nutrition is a significant concern, and sugar, nutrient deficiencies, food additives, pesticides, and insufficient omega 3 fatty acids play a role. 

More here.

Dr. Emily Deans, a psychiatrist, and author featured in Psychology Today and on her blog over at Evolutionary Psychology has also written many articles reviewing the research on ADHD in relation to diet. Although there don't seem to be definitive studies that one particular elimination diet cures all cases of ADHD, there are lots of studies suggesting that healthy diet improves symptoms in many children. Read more in her review about omega 3 deficiency, zinc's involvement, and ADHD as a symptom of an underlying food allergy. Start here. 

Related Links: 
How Does Diet Affect Symptoms of ADHD- Dr. Emily Deans M.D.

Western Diet and ADHD- Dr. Emily Deans M.D

Zinc sulfate as an adjunct to methylphenidate for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: A double blind and randomized trial 

Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zinc sulfate in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Magnesium intake reduces hyperexcitability in young children

For the sake of anecdotal evidence, my own ADHD-like symptoms (I was self diagnosed, never took medication) radically decreased when I removed gluten and other processed foods from my diet, and increased my omega 3's. I've heard similar stories from countless adults who attribute a certain mental fog to gluten consumption. 

My son was never formallyodiagnosed with ADHD, but he also has demonstrated hyperactivity that increases dramatically when he eats gluten and other processed foods. Last year our naturopath recommended 1000mg of cod liver oil, and 250mg magnesium supplement daily for his sensory processing challenges, in addition to a diet mostly consisting of meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs and oil, with VERY limited processed foods. That particular combination of nutrition and supplementation made a world of difference, helping him to greatly focus and improve his school work, not to mention slow down and stop climbing my furniture! 

I'd say if you are the parent of a child with ADHD-like symptoms at home and school, there is enough research to indicate that diet plays a significant role in preventing and treating this disorder (and a host of others) it's definitely worth a shot! I only wish that society was more friendly to these kinds of diets. It certainly isn't easy to convince kids that a boring apple and jerky are a better idea than the latest blue food covered in cartoons. Ah, but that's a whole 'nother post... sigh. 

Take care everyone, 
Kellie

Fun With Bentonite Clay

I'm really taking a  journey with my skin this month, staging a product intervention you could say. My skin has been terribly reactive to even the slightest insulin spikes (ok..sugar binges is more accurate) in my diet. On top of that I'm guilty of not getting enough sleep or drinkign enough water and too much touching, picking, and product whoring... all of which has led to just generally bad skin. I know all the things I should do, and I've tried everything...maybe a little too much of everything at once. 

Step one of my intervention was to clean up my diet, take my multivitamins and probiotics, and stop using any products at all on my skin. Well....it's probably going to work in the long term, but I have experienced some sort of detox purge and my face got really bad!!! 

Now I'm about a month in and my diet is tuned in and things look much better. There are still a few new spots, and unfortunately lots of red marks :( its been extremely hard to give up makeup with an increase of blemishes, but I'm doing it. 

I'm adding one new thing: Bentonite Clay.

Bentonite clay has been used for thousands of years around the world and is known for its powerful natural detoxing capacity, because it has the unique capacity to pull toxins out of the body, but doesn't absorb into the body itself. When mixed with water or apple cider vinegar is creates a magnetic charge that can pulls bacteria, fungus, mycotoxins, enterotoxins, pollutants/contaminates and heavy  metals from the bloodstream, and carries them out of the body through...er...elimination. Go on...Click HERE to get science-y with your bad self. 

As a topical mask, mix the clay powder with water or ACV to make a paste and apply a thin layer to skin. Let it harden for about 10-15 minutes (less if your skin is sensitive) then rinse with warm water. The clay pulls impurities to the surface and helps purge all the yuck. Some people experience a purge breakout at first. I don't think my breakout had anything to do with bentonite, since it was "in progress" before I started. Since using it as a mask a couple times a week, I'm noticing my skin has better tone and clear pores, and it's dried out the spots I have. 

For internal cleansing you need a food grade liquid form. I have Great Plains brand. It's pretty chalky, but that's to be expected when consuming the earth, yes? The directions say for short term use take it every two hours, and for longer term daily use, just 1 tablespoon a day on an empty stomach. Lots of experts suggest mixing with psyllium husks to make sure you get things moving. You don't want all those toxins and bacteria all gathered up and just sitting around in your body. I don't believe too much internal "cleansing" is a great idea because it can disturb the ecosystem in there, so I'm just doing three days, then I'll go to just the bentonite once a day and lots of water. 

I'm not brave enough to post before pictures, but I just might post them with my after pictures if things go well. Stay tuned....

Have you used Bentonite? Tell me your experience in the comments section below!!

Kellie

Easy Weekday Cajun Gumbo (Paleo)

I've been swamped lately, and creating a lot of quick weeknight meals. Last night, we decided gumbo sounded good so I searched a bunch of recipes, did some simplifying, and came up with this one, without a roux. I suppose gumbo without roux is just Cajun soup, but it was damn good Cajun soup. 

* If you want to make a roux, it would be a lovely addition. Try this: 

To make roux, heat 1/4 cup bacon grease over medium high heat and whisk in 3 tbs each coconut and almond flour. Stir continuously until roux has a dark brown color (think dark peanut butter).
---- Courtesy of Paleo Comfort Foods

The truth is, I burned mine, then just decided to skip it. This was so delicious and warm, the whole pot was gone after lunch today. 

1/4 cup coconut oil (or bacon grease) 

2 cups onions- chopped

2 cups celery- chopped2 cups green pepper- chopped3 cloves garlic- minced1 quart (1 L) can tomatoes2 cups (500 mL) seafood or chicken stock (I didn't have any on hand so I just used water and a little more seasoning and it was still amazing)2 bay leaves3 organic chicken breasts1 pound (450 g) shrimp
1 package Italian chicken sausage, casing removed. (Andouille might be better, but this was what I had around)
3T Cajun seasoning (I used Pitch Perfect brand which is fairly clean. Ingredients:salt, spices (Including: red pepper, black pepper, thyme and celery seed), Paprika, garlic and onion) *Yeah, the use of the word including is a little sketchy.. make you're own blend if you want to eliminate any funny business
1 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions: 

Sautee onions and celery oil until softened. Add sliced chicken breast and sausage to brown. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil, then turn to low and simmer another 30 minutes. 

Enjoy this alone or serve over cauliflower "rice"!