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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 6.1 million children in the U.S. have ever been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopment disorder marked by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although medications are often necessary and the first line of defense for medical providers, nutrition may be an effective treatment as well.
In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist, and author of the national best-seller, “This Is Your Brain On Food.”
We talked about what research shows about the role of diet in ADHD, and if it can take the place of medication. We also talked about which foods to avoid and which ones to focus on, nutritional deficiencies and anti-inflammatory foods, as well as quick and easy tips to pull together healthy meals and snacks every day.
Welcome
3:29 Let’s start with your story!
6:36 We’ve all heard about ADHD, but what exactly is it and what is going on in the brain?
8:36 Can ADHD show up in other ways such as hyper-focus?
9:00 Why does it seem so many kids are being diagnosed with ADHD?
9:56 Do you think most doctors are too quick to prescribe medication?
12:45 Can diet work in place of medication and/or therapy for kids with ADHD?
16:23 How does a parent go about figuring out if their kids have nutritional deficiencies?
18:11 What does research show about gut health and ADHD?
19:35 What are your tips for getting kids to consume fermented foods?
21:33 Can food allergies and food sensitivities make ADHD symptoms worse?
22:02 Are there foods kids with ADHD should void?
22:35 What should parents keep in mind when they’re trying to overhaul their kid’s diet?
25:34 What are some good supplements for kids with ADHD?
26:38 Should parents eliminate gluten and dairy?
28:30 Can essential oils work?
29:23 How can parents deal with shame or guilt if they can’t stick to the diet 100%?
30:25 What are your best tips for getting healthy meals on the table quickly and easily?
32:11 What can parents do if they want to go the route of nutritional psychology?
3:06 What are your favorite recipes from the book, “This Is Your Brain On Food.”
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW
Dr. Naidoo talks about this 2021 study which suggests those with ADHD are prone to have low levels of zinc.
Dr. Naidoo also talks about this 2021 study out of Stanford which found fermented foods reduce inflammation.
Julie mentions she has used this Vetiver essential oil to help her child with focus.
Purchase Dr. Naidoo’s book, “This Is Your Brain On Food.”
Learn more about Dr. Naidoo on her website UmaNaidooMD.com and follow her on Instagram.
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