Many persons who have inflexible attentional priorities also have irregular levels of tolerance for various environmental stimuli. Nutrition is frequently an important factor, and food allergies are frequently significant. Even when individuals do not have intolerance for specific foods, their diet may not be balanced properly, or their body may not be able to absorb certain elements properly. In any case, whenever there are problems attending and learning socially and academically, nutrition demands attention.
The most frequently offending food allergies are milk and wheat. Other frequent offenders are: sugar/corm syrup, chocolate, oranges, yeast, malt, caffeine, soy, eggs, food additives, grapes
- Electrolytes:
- Most American diets are high in sodium content, which can cause an electrolyte imbalance (potassium:sodium), and impair the ability of the central nervous system to function. Some foods rich in potassium (and not on any other “offenders” list) include: beans, peaches, apricots, rhubarb, pumpkin seeds, salmon, flounder, cod, banana, beets, bok choy, bran, pineapple.
Many individuals take diuretics, which pull excess water out of the body. In doing this, they also deplete potassium. Someone taking a diuretic may have a balanced sodium and potassium intake. However, s/he may have an excess of sodium in her/his system due to potassium depletion. Be aware that foods and drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, Mountain Dew) are natural diuretics. So is watermelon and several other foods.
- Salicylates:
- This element has been found to aggravate attentional problems. It is a major ingredient in aspirin. Some common foods and condiments high and moderately high in salicyletes include:
- Fruit & Vegetables:
brood beans, broccoli, cucumber, eggplant, endive, grapefruit, grapes, mushrooms, olives, peppers, plums, prunes, radishes, raspberries, spinach, squash, strawberries, tomatoes, zucchini
- Condiments:
- allspice, anise, bay leaves, basil, canella powder, cardamom, caraway, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, curry, dill, five spice powder, ginger, mace, mint, mixed herbs, mustard, nutmeg, oregano, pepper, pimiento, rosemary, sage, tarragon, turmeric, thyme, vanilla, vinegar, worcestershire
- Drinks:
- cereal, coffee, herbal tea, tea, coffee, port wine, rum, some liqueurs
- Nuts & Seeds:
- almonds, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachio, water chestnuts
- Confectionery:
- honey, liquorice, peppermints
- Heated oils and fats:
- Many American diets are also high in heated oils and fats. These include not only animal fats, but other heated and hydrogenated oils, like those we use to fry foods, to make margarine and mayonnaise, to replace butter in packaged bakery products, etc. Hydrogenated oils have been recognized as clogging the blood stream and causing coronary problems. These oils also interfere with the blood-brain barrier, causing exchange of nutrition for wastage in the brain to be impaired. This in turn deprives the brain of necessary nutrients and oxygen.
The problem can be alleviated by reducing/eliminating the heated oils. In their stead we must have other oils, ones that help the nervous system function efficiently. These are Omega-3-Fatty-acids. They are plentiful in cold water fish oil (such as salmon, mackerel). One of the best sources of this necessary substance is cold processed flaxseed oil. Note: if the oil is not cold processed, kept in the refrigerator, and used without heating, it loses most of its beneficial properties. (A little vitamin E squirted into the oil monthly will keep it from going rancid.)
- Vitamins:
- Vitamin B6 is another important nutrient our bodies need. It is being found to have remarkable relationship to language functioning. Recent studies show that B6 deficiencies are related to depression and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. B6 is essential for the body's production of serotonin, a chemical substance important to healthy brain function, especially for sleep. Since B6 is in most foods naturally, the problem may be in malabsorption of this substance. If so, get an activated form (from a health food store). B6 apparently has a strong impact on blood flow, and taking excessive doses of this vitamin can cause unusual sensory experiences in their limbs in particular. This is a reminder that when making major nutritional changes, medical supervision is recommended, as well as nutritional counseling. Some foods high in B6 (and not high in salicylates) include: kidney beans, light meat of poultry, sunflower seeds, all bran, pearled barley, beef, brewer's yeast, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, corn, crabmeat, lentils, lime beans, peas, potato, brown rice, salmon, soybeans, tuna.
- Heavy metals:
- Many people have too many heavy metals in their systems. Lead is a long-recognized culprit in some homes, and tap water is a source of heavy metals that get into the body and impair the natural exchange of nutrients and waste products. Some home gardens may have excessive amounts of heavy metals in the soil. Have it tested if blood test indicate this is a problem. Heavy metals interfere in many ways, in particular, with the blood's ability to provide oxygen to the brain. Some people are helped by chelation therapy.
- Some supplements to consider:
- Chromium Picolinate, recently discovered to have the same effect as exercise on keeping the body alert, since it apparently helps stabilize insulin production. It is important to ensure a balanced intake of Zinc, Magnesium and Calcium, to support muscle tone. Frequently this requires dietary supplements. Beware that chocolate has a substance in it that has been found to inhibit the body's ability to absorb and utilize calcium properly.
For more information on nutrition and its effect on overall neurological health we recommend you visit Larry Cook's site The Beginner's Guide to Natural Living, especially his page on ADHD.