Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become a well-known term in many households and communities in recent years. In 2022, around seven million children between the ages of three and seventeen had been identified with ADHD, according to the Center for Disease Control. In a 2022 research paper, Dr. Jeff Schein estimates that more than eight million adults in the USA also have symptoms of ADHD resulting in employment challenges, productivity loss, and increased health care expenses. So what exactly is ADHD and what are effective ways to manage it?
ADHD is most frequently identified during childhood but can be a challenge in adult years as well. Specific characteristics include lack of interest or attention, being extra active or impulsive, making quick choices or decisions, difficulty concentrating on a task, easily distracted, and difficulty being still. These challenges can result in difficulty with school work, strained relational interactions, and problems accomplishing work related tasks. When ADHD is diagnosed, there are holistic treatment options available to improve mental clarity and quality of life.
Refined sugar is a key ingredient to consider removing in order to improve mental clarity. A 1978 clinical study found 76% of hyperactive children had an abnormal response to glucose, a simple sugar. Just as a patient with diabetes needs to carefully monitor sugar intake, so does an individual managing ADHD. Refined sugar includes white sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, corn syrup, sucrose, and maple syrup. Whole food options for sweet treats would include whole fruits, dried fruits, and raw honey. By reducing sugar intake, the energy from food sources is more easily managed by the body resulting in decreased stress reactions and clearer mental abilities.
Highly processed foods often contain artificial coloring and preservatives associated with ADHD. In July of 2025, PepsiCo announced they would be removing artificial coloring from Lay’s and Tostito products. The Food and Drug Administration has begun to recommend the removal of artificial coloring from food products with many food industry companies targeting the end of 2026 for complete removal of these ingredients. Highly processed foods include box mixes, breakfast cereals, soda pop, and packaged sauces. These products often contain phosphates, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and other preservative chemicals to help maintain shelf life of the product, but these can generate hyperactivity in the nervous system.
Food allergies are another significant connection with ADHD. Common allergy categories associated with ADHD include artificial coloring and preservatives, cow’s milk, chocolate, grapes, wheat, cheese, eggs, and peanuts. Elimination of one or more of these items for one week can be a helpful step to confirm what may be contributing to symptoms. In addition, allergy testing is available to quickly identify what may be causing reactions. When specific food items are identified then treatment options and alternatives can be recommended.
ADHD, along with depression and other mental health challenges, can often be effectively managed with a proper balance of vitamins and minerals. In other words, ADHD symptoms can be a signal of nutrient deficiencies. In the book, “The Better Brain,” Dr. Bonnie Kaplan provides multiple sources documenting effective management of ADHD symptoms with a specific formula of vitamins and minerals. A person with ADHD simply needs more vitamins and minerals regularly compared to a person without ADHD symptoms. A licensed nutritionist can provide the proper mix for a multi-vitamin / multi-mineral to help live a balanced life.
Nutrient deficiencies and allergic responses to food items are a common factor with many health challenges. As the next school year approaches, identifying the nutrition sources needed can help to make a good start. A simple consultation with a licensed nutritionist can identify the next best steps to take toward healthy living and improved quality of life.
Every health challenge you face in the year ahead has a nutritional answer to it. Your health challenge can be successfully addressed with a quality nutrition plan. Contact me to discuss your health goals for the coming year. I can help you realize greater health freedom in 2025. You can contact me at nutritionproportion@gmail.com, or check out my website at www.nutritionproportion.net
