Could a Keto Diet Help ADHD?
The keto diet is often linked to impressive weight loss. Patients looking for non-pharmaceutical ways to treat ADHD ask, “Can it help our symptoms, too?” Find out, in this video.
The low-carb, high-fat keto diet is popular for a reason: it is a powerful tool for achieving and maintaining weight loss, plus it’s shown to help patients with seizures, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
So could it be used to treat ADHD symptoms naturally as well? Here is what we know so far.
Could a Keto Diet Help ADHD?
What is a keto diet?
The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that includes a lot of meat, eggs, and nuts. Grains, sweets, and white potatoes are not allowed.
What is ketosis?
With carbohydrate intake slashed, a person’s body runs out of glucose stores to use for energy and so it uses dietary and stored fat instead.
What are the benefits?
Studies show that the keto diet is more effective than a traditional low-fat diet in spurring weight loss. It has also been shown to reduce seizures in children with epilepsy.
Could keto help ADHD?
No studies have been conducted specifically on patients with ADHD. However, researchers noted “improved behavior and focus” among children with epilepsy who tried the keto diet.
A low-carb, high-fat day prevents peaks and valleys in blood glucose levels that cause the cycle of feeling energetic, then crashing with fatigue.
That sustained energy could help anyone. However, eliminating so many foods may be tough — and even unrealistic — for children who are picky eaters and/or who experience diminished appetite due to an ADHD medication.
“Any restriction diet should be done under dietetic or medical supervision to ensure adequate nutrition.” – Joel Nigg, Ph.D.
For keto recipe ideas, visit http://additu.de/keto
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