Nutrition and How It Affects ADD and ADHD

By Charlene Doak-Gebauer

I believe that the terms "ADD" and "ADHD" are difficult for parents to understand.  These terms are very negative.  I taught at the high school level for 20 years in special education environments.  The students in these classrooms are always challenging and extremely interesting to teach.

Many parents are told that their children are ADD or ADHD.  Because the word “disorder” is involved, it is devastating for parents to hear.  Along with the identification of their child being ADD or ADHD, it is often recommended that parents resort to medications in order to “calm” down their child. 

I have had many clients with children who are ADD or ADHD.   They have to overcome the fear of their child having learning difficulties because of the condition; and also their guilt because the education system has made them believe that their child is a “burden” in the classroom.

I prefer to refer to the conditions as ADD - "Awesome Day Dreamer" and ADHD - "Awesome Day Dreamer/Hyperactive Day Dreamer".  They are much more positive.  Through a consultation with me, the parents become educated regarding the foods that their child is eating that can cause them to be “awesome”.  Or, the child could have food allergies that have gone undetected.  Food is the most benign method of dealing with “awesome” children.  Medication should be the last choice.

Emotional challenges can be caused by foods that children and adults consume that they are allergic or sensitive to. Many people think that sensitivity or allergic reactions are rash, vomiting, headache and the like.  For many adults and children, these sensitivities can come out in emotional challenges.  For example, children who are my clients can be hitting their siblings, banging their heads, rocking repeatedly, not concentrating in school, delayed in school because of concentration difficulties and the like.  After identifying food related issues, parents who ensure that their children consume the suggested foods in a comprehensive, individualized nutritional plan, see amazing results.  Emotional challenges can be the greatest sign of food issues.  One family in particular, saw all negative behaviours disappear.  As soon as their son had one cheat meal full of allergens, his negative behaviours appeared again.  It is true, what you eat will affect your life. 

Pharmaceutical medications should be avoided as much as possible.  If many of these children started taking medications, the real issue would not surface and the “band aid” would only mask the real problem.  I have seen this theory validated many times.

It is always an “awesome” experience to help families and children.  When parents call to tell me that their child is finally at their age level in learning or that their child has finally passed a math test and their teacher is happy with the change, it makes my work so worthwhile.