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ADHD/ADD and vegan...

ADHD/ADD and vegan...

Started by greenseater2 on September 24, 2011

11 Comments

greenseater2 said #1 Sep 24, 2011 at 12:26am

I was recently diagnosed with ADD and as I'm glad to have an answer to my odd behavior, you know like staying up all night being creative and sleeping during the day etc., I'm really frustrated at the same time. I can't take any prescriptions as I'm sensitive to many things (Adderall was a wash) so I have to really focus on diet and supplements. I'm not thrilled about the fish thing either.

I wanted to know if there are other TKers who have it and how they eat for their brain needs. I keep reading about the importance of protein and fish (omega-3's) for brain health. Since protein, and exercise, is a must for an ADDer how are you coping/handling your ADD/ADHD symptoms and most importantly what are you eating for brain health? How has your eating, and eating of certain foods, helped you?

And, of course, how did your life improve after you got diagnosed? I'm in the dumps and need some encouragement.

Thanks.

Melanee Stinnett said #2 Oct 21, 2011 at 11:12am

My son was dianosed with ADD, and we chose to treat him without medication. I had read that artifical food coloring, corn, and dairy can make things worse (depending on the person), and took those items out of his diet (well just the food coloring and corn/corn products as the dairy is already out). I give him a vegan rice protein shake, and a Hero Nutritionals Yummi bears omega-3 (plant based) supplement each morning.

My son likes sort of solitary sports like swimming or gymnastics. He also takes a weekly yoga class, which he loves.

I am not sure if this will help you or not, but this is my experience (through my child) with ADD.

greenseater2 said #3 Nov 7, 2011 at 12:05am

Melanee,

Thank you for the help! It's a start.

With 97 readers of this post noone else has any suggestions? I keep reading how veganism helps with blood pressure and diabetes, reduces stress etc. but it looks like in my searches that the vegan world is silent on ADD/ADHD. Why is this? I keep being told to eat meat or fish every day and I'm not happy about this. Anyone who could point me in the right direction of ADDers who are sucessfully vegan and have thier ADD/ADHD under control with a vegan diet would be MUCH appreciated.

Thank ya!

Tajna Zaninovic said #4 Nov 13, 2011 at 6:28pm

I have ADHD and the vegan diet and lifestyle really help me! When I eat my whole grains,beans,vegetables I feel really grounded,my focus is better,my distractions are less,and I feel a lot healthier in general.

Ways to get your schedule in order (important for ADHD) starting off the day right

-Get up fairly early,if you can get exercise right away! this helps a lot to get some energy for day,to get your metabolism going and your brain functioning.Choose an exercise in which your brain has to focus as well (as dorky as this sounds,I read health websites while running.It does the trick!)

-Have a substantial breakfast...after a bit.After stretching,showering,drink a big glass of water,then wait ten to fifteen minutes to eat.Important for digestion that your water does not interfere with your food in your body.I like quinoa in the moring: the protein and complete amino acids get your brain active.Have with lightly steamed kale and umeboshi paste.If this isn't for you (it's a very typical Superhero breakfast which takes time to adjust to!) have a protein smoothie with protein powder,almond milk and fruit.Take your multi vitamin in the morning too,so it will digest fully.

-Make an effort to take time to sit down and chew your lunch thoroughly.Having a hearty,nutritious lunch always pays you back.Warm foods are really soothing and seem to help me focus,instead of cold rice and beans.

-Have a healthy afternoon snack,such as another protein smoothie,a healthy bar,or some fruit.I ALWAYS get the munchies/low blood sugar between 2:30-3:30.If I skip the snack,then I tend to overeat at dinner...

-Dinner should be the lighest meal,eaten three hours BEFORE you go to sleep.I like warm hearty soups.

ok you mentioned meat.If you are craving meat,there are meat substitutes.I stay away from processed foods as much as possible these days,but Amy's burgers are very good.Tempeh is delicious too,especially with pesto.

Kirsty said #5 Nov 13, 2011 at 9:20pm

I know nothing about this I'm afraid but after reading The Kind Diet I think it would definitely be the right path, as it does ground you and make you feel more balanced and super healthy. I also think the yoga suggestion above is a brilliant one too. Good luck! You'll work it out .... read The Kind Diet for inspiration!

James Wood said #6 Nov 19, 2011 at 1:37am

For the fats, I am currently using NUTS like almonds. They are alkaline, have great energy, and good fats. They taste great too!

As for calming down, I have found peppermint tea, peppermint tea benefits knowledge giving me a placebo, as well as peppermint oil on my temples and peppermint oil uses have helped me to remain calm and enjoy life again or at least stay in control which is the basis of self esteem and positivity. The more we feel in control of ourselves the better we feel about ourselves.

Courtney Balles said #7 Nov 19, 2011 at 7:55pm

My naturopath told me to drink more water. More than a normal person. Hydration is HUGE for someone stuggling with ADHD/ADD. I also find that heated yoga changes me drastically. Regular yoga is fine too but I have become addicted to Baptiste Yoga which is a heated power vinyasa. I sweat out my toxins and the whole vibe and set up of the class help me to become more focussed. Also juicing fresh fruits and veggies and/or making a smoothie and having that first thing in the morning along with plenty of water and waiting a few hours to eat anything else seems to help. You will be hungry at first but your body will adjust. And you can have as much fruit as you want, just no cooked food. hope this helps!! (my naturopath is going to be continously working with me to control my ADD naturally so I'll update you as I figure out more and better techniques)

greengal said #8 Dec 30, 2011 at 4:56pm

My son has ADHD and autism. The thing that really helped with his focus and attention is Omega-3 which we buy direct from the manufacturer. We also got rid of household products with chemicals like sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, paraben-free lotion, chlorine-free and ammonia-free cleaning agents. Most of the food like cereals and cereal bars have no preservatives and free from coloring. Discipline is a factor as well.

Lavinia Kirdani said #9 Dec 31, 2011 at 3:52am

Hi my sister is an Anti-Aging Dr. she tells me that women need 90 grams of protien everyday. That is a lot to ingest. I have ADD and am not a Vegan, however I do eat "clean" and must stress that eating foods with out any MSG, high fructose corn syrup, and other additives will really help your focus. Also a genral heavy metal cleans for your liver (at supplement store) will help filter out these toxins. I do not eat wheat, I am gluten free by choice and omega 3 that is easily digestable. I would also recommend Dr. Amens web site. He has written a book called "Healing ADD" and this is a wonderful learning resource for you. Yu will find there are 8 or so different types of Add. I would also look at VAXA they make an ADD supplement. Also go to a natural food store and start asking questons. I also do not know where you live but finding an anti-aging functional medicine Dr. is really important for your general health. I also would recommend reading Susan Sommers books to get a good idea of what this kind of Dr. is about. It is not just about ADD it is about your over-all health.

greenseater2 said #10 Jan 17, 2012 at 6:32pm

Thank you to all you ladies who replied! I'm taking notes!

Courtney,

Yes, please update and also why exactly is water so important for ADDers? That's new to me.

Lavinia,

Do you have recs for a liver/metal cleanse?

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