ADHD Linked to Poor Brain Development

A body of new scientific work is showing that ADHD may be rooted in the failure of the brain to develop at a normal rate, meaning that a 10 year old is behaving like a four year old and has a delay in anatomical brain development to prove it.  This information is consistent with what I have been saying for some time about the importance of nutrient status in the womb, the health of the mother during pregnancy, especially regarding the subject of leptin.  Womb-related issues and early life nutritional status are likely to have a huge bearing on childhood brain development and consequent intelligence (or lack thereof).

Women who have struggled with their weight prior to pregnancy are especially at risk for having children with ADHD, especially if they develop gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or toxemia during pregnancy.  Babies born prematurely are clearly off on the wrong brain-development foot.  Any woman of childbearing age should be following the Leptin Diet and striving to maintain a near optimal body weight prior to getting pregnant.  The most important nutrition during pregnancy is adequate dietary protein, co-enzyme B vitamins (especially folic acid, B6, and B12), DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement., iron, zinc, and iodine.  These nutrients are essential for proper brain development.

The same nutrients will help support brain development in any child that may be struggling.  An even more comprehensive approach is to add phosphatidyl serine, pantethine, and acetyl-l-carnitine – nutrients that stimulate new brain cell growth and the integrity of brain cells that are formed. 

Brain exercise is important.  Hobbies of any type that require the repetitive use of the fingers are excellent brain exercise, as are any memory, puzzle, or number game.  It’s never too old to crawl – one of the very best exercises for stimulating the growth of brain cells.