Adult ADHD seems to be a fairly common condition. A few of my clients admit to suffering from it and I wonder if I too have suffered from it in the past (especially based on the description below). It’s helpful to know that prescription drugs aren’t the only option for those trying to alleviate the symptoms of Adult ADHD.

Sociologist, nutritionist and writer Jack Challem wrote an informative article on using nutrition and food to handle stress and moods. Below is the except on Adult ADHD:

Multitasking, one of the demands of contemporary work environments, actually encourages behavior that is characteristic of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It forces us to do multiple tasks simultaneously regardless of the limits of multitasking. For example, an article in the Scientific American Mind confirms that doing one task at a time results in higher quality, faster work.

When we multitask, no single task gets our complete attention. One study covered in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that the brain slows down as it toggles between activities. Unfortunately, when such behavior is combined with a diet low in neuronutrients, that tendency gets reinforced. We find ourselves multitasking impulsively, unable to patiently tackle one activity at a time.

It helps to consciously resist the impulse to multitask, though initially this may be difficult. For instance, when engaged in one task, you don’t “have to” check email or answer the phone. When driving, you do need to pull off the road to talk on the cell phone. The driver in front of you is not paying attention when he’s gabbing on his phone and neither are you. The more you try to do the less efficient you become.

Finally, do your best to avoid the refined oils found in fries and nearly all packaged foods, fast foods and microwave meals. Instead emphasize fish, so long as it’s not deep fried. In addition take omega-3 fish oils (3 grams daily), gamma-linolenic acid (a plant oil, 200 mg daily), GABA (400-500 mg twice daily) and Pycnogenol (100 mg, twice daily).

The article in it’s entirety can be found at Natural Awakenings Magazine.


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