Home : health : ADHD – Causes, Symptoms, And Foods To Avoid

ADHD – Causes, Symptoms, and Foods to Avoid

ADHD – Causes, Symptoms, and Foods to Avoid

Neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood can challenge children’s intellectual growth and development. Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to ensure the child’s steady progress. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions, involving difficulty paying attention, severe restlessness, and impulsive behavior. Today, several types of therapies are being implemented to help children with ADHD perform better in the academic and personal spheres. Here’s everything to know about ADHD:

What Causes ADHD?

Genetic predisposition
Adoption studies have shown that genetic factors play a significant role in the onset of ADHD. In most cases, individuals inherit this condition from their parents. About one-third to 50% of children with parents affected by ADHD inherit the disorder.

Brain injury
Children suffering from a severe head injury affecting the brain are likely to develop ADHD. In such scenarios wherein ADHD is caused by trauma, the condition is called secondary ADHD.

Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy
Studies have shown that the chances of developing ADHD were higher among children whose mothers had been exposed to harmful substances like lead during pregnancy.

Maternal stress and trauma during pregnancy
Children whose mothers have undergone immense stress or trauma while pregnant are susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD later in life.

Premature birth
Some studies have demonstrated that children born prematurely will likely develop ADHD symptoms during childhood.

Symptoms of ADHD

Fidgeting
Individuals with ADHD may engage in constant fidgeting, including tapping their feet, drumming their fingers, and being unable to sit still for long periods.

Anxiety
ADHD involves restlessness and severe hyperactivity, which can trigger anxiety, particularly among adults grappling with the condition. Such anxiety is typically caused by distressing thoughts repeatedly playing on their minds and can worsen other ADHD symptoms.

Extreme difficulty paying attention
One of the most prominent symptoms of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to events around the person. This symptom stems from low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters associated with focus and attention.

Emotional concerns
Individuals with ADHD tend to experience several overwhelming emotions, which can cause constant shifts in mood and sometimes trigger other mental health conditions like depression. In cases of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD, these emotional issues can hamper one’s personal life and relationships.

Forgetfulness
The inability to pay attention to significant aspects of life can cause forgetfulness among persons with ADHD. While such forgetfulness may not pose severe challenges in some cases, it can lead to major troubles for some individuals.

Impulsive behavior
Another common ADHD symptom is the inability to control impulses, leading to impulsive and irrational behavior. Such behavior, ranging from not letting others speak in a conversation to committing acts without considering the consequences, can be socially inappropriate and sometimes even harmful to oneself or others.

Psychotherapeutic Interventions

Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is considered among the most effective and tried-and-tested interventions for ADHD. This therapy is based on the idea that thoughts influence behavior and that a positive change in thoughts can produce desirable behaviors. It focuses on changing negative thoughts occurring automatically in mind. For example, CBT for persons with ADHD focuses on changing negative thought patterns such as all-or-nothing thinking and overgeneralization, which can lead to poor time management, distractibility, procrastination, and lack of planning.

Dialectical behavioral therapy
This therapy focuses on mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance, emotional regulation, impulsivity and hyperactivity, and attention to help persons with ADHD deal with their symptoms. The State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) test revealed that patients who received this intervention could cope better than those who did not.

Coaching
ADHD coaching involves helping persons with ADHD utilize mediums like texts, phone-call reminders, and emails to fulfill their set targets and overcome forgetfulness. The technique broadly involves setting concrete goals and completing homework tasks.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
This type of therapy involves practicing mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive therapy, to cope with mental health conditions. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy has been shown to positively affect persons with ADHD, helping them with emotion control and understanding, elimination of distraction, and better executive functioning.

Foods to Avoid

Sugary foods
High sugar intake can stimulate dopamine and opioid receptors in the brain. However, since ADHD already involves dopamine dysregulation, sugar can elevate ADHD symptoms, so sugary foods like soft drinks, desserts, and baked items should be strictly limited or avoided.

Refined flour
Nutrients like iron, niacin, and polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential for coping with ADHD symptoms. Refined flour lacks all such nutrients; therefore, increased intake of products made of refined flour can cause nutrient deficiencies and worsen ADHD symptoms. In addition, foods containing refined flour, including white bread, pizza, burger, and confectioneries, are a no-no for persons with ADHD.

High-carb foods
Foods high in carbohydrates, such as bread, potatoes, processed foods, popcorn, and pasta, can elevate epinephrine and insulin levels in the body, which can cause or increase hyperactivity and anxiety. Although the body requires carbohydrates, it is best to exercise portion control and avoid overeating carb-based foods.

Artificial food colors
Studies have shown that artificial food colors may contain certain elements, such as petroleum, which can change brainwave activity and aggravate mental disorders like ADHD. For example, foods such as salad dressings, candies, syrups, and cereals may contain artificial food colors and should be strictly limited.

High-fructose corn syrup
High-fructose corn syrup is associated with conditions like diabetes and cholesterol, increasing impulsive behaviors, and hasty decision-making among persons with ADHD. In addition, one must check the list of ingredients in store-bought foods and steer clear of the ones containing high-fructose corn syrup.

Conclusion
Besides avoiding certain foods, persons with ADHD must also check for food intolerances. In many cases, individuals with the condition are intolerant to dairy, soy, chocolate, wheat, and eggs. Moreover, following a nutrient-rich meal plan and a healthy lifestyle can help with symptom control.

Most Popular

4 useful tips for managing migraines

4 useful tips for managing migraines

Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy. Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
6 human foods that cats can enjoy

6 human foods that cats can enjoy

Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health: Beetroots When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice. Turmeric This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
3 foods to avoid for better lung health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.

Popular Articles

7 popular plants that are dangerous for cats
health
01

7 popular plants that are dangerous for cats

Many people decorate their homes with indoor plants. But if you are a cat parent, your plant obsession can inadvertently harm your feline friend. Most plants are safe for cats to play and prod, but a few are dangerous. Eating or coming into contact with them can lead to unexpected consequences, mainly because of their poisonous compounds. Below we have listed seven such toxic plants that you must keep out of your cat’s reach: Azaleas A part of the rhododendron family, Azaleas are one of the most beautiful houseplants that can transform your living space. However, the slightest nibbles out of their leaves can cause serious heart problems in your cat. It can sometimes aggravate into a coma and even be fatal. Milder side effects of rhododendron ingestion include vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, drooling, and a lack of apatite. Hydrangeas Hydrangeas are common in flower arrangements in home gardens. Although the plant is toxic to cats because of its chemical content, it is not as dangerous. Only ingesting a large amount of the plant can cause damage. Nevertheless, they pose a threat, so avoid having them around your pets. If you grow hydrangeas in your garden, ensure your cat never wanders near it and keeps a safe distance.
Read More
Tips to prevent and manage prostate cancer
health
02

Tips to prevent and manage prostate cancer

The prostate is a gland found in males. When unhealthy cells start to grow and multiply abnormally in that area, it leads to prostate cancer. There are various types of cancers that develop in the prostate gland, like small cell carcinomas, transitional cell carcinomas, sarcomas, and neuroendocrine tumors. It is essential to learn the signs and symptoms for timely treatment. Here are some ways of managing the condition and preventive methods to reduce the risk: Treatment options There are several treatment options available to manage prostate cancer, and each of the options has its possible risks or side effects. After a careful diagnosis and discussion with a health professional, they may suggest one of these: DR-TEST Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is a test in which the doctor inserts a lubricated and gloved finger inside the rectum to examine the prostate by touch. If they find any abnormalities in the prostate, the doctor can immediately suggest any more tests and make a treatment plan. Xofigo This is an invasive treatment option advised when other options like hormonal or surgical methods have not been successful in lowering the testosterone levels in the body. It is also used when cancer has specifically spread to the bone and no other parts of the body.
Read More
4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas
health
03

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.
Read More