Keto Diet's Impact On Adhd: What You Need To Know

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been proven to be an effective tool for weight loss, helping patients with seizures, diabetes, and high blood pressure. But can it be used to treat ADHD?

There is limited research on the effects of the keto diet on ADHD. However, some studies have shown that the diet can improve behaviour and focus in children with epilepsy, and there is anecdotal evidence from parents who have seen improvements in their children's ADHD symptoms.

The keto diet may be worth exploring as a potential treatment for ADHD because it eliminates many of the unhealthy ingredients that may worsen ADHD-related symptoms while stimulating ketone production, which has been shown to improve brain function.

However, the keto diet is highly restrictive and can be challenging to follow, especially for children who are picky eaters or experience diminished appetite due to ADHD medication. It is important to note that there is currently no solid research specifically on the effects of the keto diet on ADHD, and some experts caution against putting children on restrictive diets.

The ketogenic diet and ADHD symptoms

The ketogenic diet has been a topic of discussion for its potential benefits in managing ADHD symptoms. While there is limited research specifically on patients with ADHD, some early indications and indirect evidence suggest that the keto diet may help reduce certain symptoms associated with the condition. This article will explore the potential benefits, drawbacks, and considerations of using the ketogenic diet as a complementary approach to managing ADHD.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological disorder characterised by behavioural regulation difficulties and neurological deficits. It affects an individual's ability to concentrate and can lead to impulsivity or excessive energy. The exact cause of ADHD is still uncertain, but both genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.

The Ketogenic Diet:

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate dietary approach. By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake, the body shifts from using glucose as its primary energy source to utilising dietary and stored fat, leading to a metabolic state called ketosis. This diet has been recognised for its effectiveness in weight loss and managing seizures in epilepsy, and it has also shown potential in controlling type 2 diabetes and improving symptoms of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Potential Benefits for ADHD:

Although there is a lack of direct research on the effects of the keto diet on ADHD, some studies have reported improved behaviour and focus in children with epilepsy who followed the keto diet. This improvement in focus and sustained energy levels could be beneficial for individuals with ADHD. Additionally, the keto diet eliminates many unhealthy ingredients, such as artificial colourings, flavourings, and preservatives, which may worsen ADHD-related symptoms.

Furthermore, the production of ketones, which are used for fuel by the brain, has been linked to several positive effects. Ketones provide a more efficient energy source for nerve cells, increase mitochondrial efficiency and production, regulate neurotransmitters, and trigger the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is essential for learning and memory. These mechanisms suggest that the keto diet may have a positive impact on brain function and could potentially alleviate some symptoms associated with ADHD.

Considerations and Drawbacks:

While the keto diet has shown potential benefits, it is important to consider some of its drawbacks and challenges. The keto diet is highly restrictive, and eliminating so many foods can be difficult, especially for children who are picky eaters or have a diminished appetite due to ADHD medication. It is crucial to ensure adequate nutrition and avoid potential nutrient deficiencies, which may require careful planning and supervision by a qualified healthcare professional.

Additionally, some individuals may experience initial side effects, often referred to as "keto flu," including headaches, fatigue, irritability, nausea, and sleep difficulties. Maintaining proper hydration is essential to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones while on the keto diet. Furthermore, most studies on the keto diet are short-term, and the long-term impacts are not yet fully understood.

The ketogenic diet has shown potential as a complementary approach to managing ADHD symptoms. However, more research is needed specifically on patients with ADHD to understand its effectiveness fully. While the keto diet may help improve focus and energy levels and address dietary factors that can worsen symptoms, it should not be considered a stand-alone treatment. It is essential to work closely with healthcare professionals and ensure proper nutritional intake when exploring the keto diet as a potential strategy for managing ADHD.

The few foods diet

• Artificial colorings (e.g. Red 40, Yellow 5)
• Artificial flavorings (e.g. synthetic vanilla)
• Artificial sweeteners (e.g. aspartame, saccharin)
• Chemicals naturally found in some foods (e.g. salicylates in apricots, berries, and tomatoes)
• Preservatives (e.g. BHA, BHT, TBHQ)
• Monosodium or monopotassium glutamate
• Hydrolyzed, textured, or modified proteins
• Any food allergens or sensitivities

Benefits of the Few Foods Diet

• It reduces the person's toxic load.
• It prevents allergic reactions and food sensitivities.
• It decreases sugar intake.

Potential Risks and Considerations

The highly restrictive nature of the few foods diet comes with an increased risk of nutrient deficiency. Thus, it must be overseen by a qualified professional, such as a dietitian, to ensure optimal health and nutrient adequacy.

Additionally, the few foods diet is time-consuming, and studies into its benefits for ADHD have yielded mixed results. While some studies have shown significant improvements in ADHD symptoms, others have found no clear evidence to support elimination diets for ADHD.

It is also important to consider the social aspects of food. A restrictive diet may make it challenging for children to participate in social situations involving food and could potentially lead to feelings of isolation.

While the few foods diet has shown promise in reducing ADHD symptoms, it should be approached with caution and professional guidance. It is not intended as a long-term solution but rather as a tool to identify food sensitivities and develop a diet tailored to the individual's needs.

The Feingold diet

The diet is based on an early allergy diet devised by the Mayo Clinic and used by Ben Feingold, M.D., to treat asthma and allergies in the 1950s. During the 1960s and 1970s, he discovered it was also helpful for behavioural challenges like hyperactivity. The diet is described in his 1974 book, "Why Your Child Is Hyperactive".

The diet is controversial; some ADHD experts dismiss it, some support it, and some create their own treatment version based on Dr. Feingold's work. Certain families have seen positive results and continue to swear by it. While little research supports Feingold's overall hypothesis, some studies have supported a few of his key points. For example, a 2004 meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that artificial food dyes promote hyperactivity, and that sensitivity to these dyes may not be limited to people with clear-cut hyperactivity syndromes.

Despite many success stories, the Feingold Diet has been widely criticized by the medical community for its lack of scientific evidence, strict rules, and dangers. There is no evidence to suggest that the Feingold Diet prevents, treats, or cures ADHD or other behavioural issues in children or adults. However, a small percentage of children with hyperactivity may experience behavioural improvements after certain food additives are eliminated from their diet.

Natural treatments for ADHD

Behavioural Therapy, Education and Training

Behavioural therapy is best used as a supplement to an ADHD treatment plan, helping children, teens, and adults with the disorder to work through common issues. For children and teens, this may involve parents and teachers being taught how to help them stay organised and follow directions, using tools such as routines, schedules, and organisers. For adults, this may involve a licensed mental health provider helping them to learn how to organise their life, keeping routines, and breaking down large tasks.

Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies

Chronic deficiencies of certain minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, iodine, and omega-3s may have a significant impact on the development and progression of ADHD symptoms. By addressing these deficiencies, it is possible to improve brain function and reduce some symptoms. The best way to address these deficiencies is with a micronutrient-dense diet consisting of whole foods that the patient can tolerate, such as seafood, seaweed, organ meats, low-carb vegetables, and egg yolks. If these foods are not tolerated, then supplements are the next best option.

Dietary Interventions

Dietary interventions seem to help roughly one in every four children with ADHD. The "few foods diet" is the most effective, restricting a person's calories to only a few less commonly consumed foods (e.g. lamb, rice, pear, and peas). It also eliminates foods and ingredients that may trigger ADHD symptoms, such as artificial colourings, flavourings, and sweeteners, as well as preservatives and chemicals found in some foods.

Another dietary intervention worth exploring is the keto diet, which has been proven effective as a treatment for various cases of epilepsy. There is also research indicating that keto dieting can help improve the function of dysfunctional metabolic pathways involved in some neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Supplements

Supplements such as omega-3s, melatonin, and vitamins and minerals that are deficient in the diet may be beneficial.

Other Tips

• Eliminate dubious food additives that the person may be sensitive to.
• Limit added sugar and high GI food intake.
• Remove all foods that the person is allergic or sensitive to.
• Stimulate ketone production with a keto diet and/or supplement with ketone-boosting supplements.
• Use science-backed supplements when necessary.

Micronutrient deficiencies

One study found that a 3-day planned ketogenic diet that selected nutrient-dense foods was still deficient in 19 out of 24 micronutrients evaluated when compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) standards. The micronutrients that were below the DRI in this study included Thiamin (B1), Folate (B9), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, and Zinc.

Other studies have found similar results, suggesting that individuals following a ketogenic diet long-term may also be deficient in Biotin (B7), Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Chromium, Iodine, Potassium, and Sodium.

To avoid micronutrient deficiencies on a ketogenic diet, it is recommended to focus on vitamin-rich foods or take supplements. Some micronutrient-dense foods that fit into a ketogenic diet include:

• Salmon
• Liver
• Beef
• Mussels
• Nutritional yeast
• Pork
• Trout
• Sunflower seeds
• Eggs
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Avocados
• Low-carb vegetables

Frequently asked questions