How are Leaky Gut Syndrome and ADD/ADHD Connected?
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of kids that are diagnosed with neuro-developmental disorders, such as ADD and ADHD. Many doctors are turning to the tools that they are familiar with, including drugs and medication. But, there are other holistic medical professionals that are looking for the root causes of these disorders, instead of simply using medication to minimize the symptoms.
One common topic keeps coming up about the increase in the number of kids diagnosed with ADD: the connection between gut health and neuro-developmental disorders. Both parents and holistic medical professionals are examining these concepts closely, trying to find the link in order to solve the problem.
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky Gut Syndrome occurs when the lining of the digestive tract is impaired. Normally, this lining serves as a barrier to prevent waste and undigested food from passing through the digestive system into the rest of the body. Normally, small particles can pass through tiny holes in order to move nutrients throughout the body, but larger particles are unable to pass through the barrier.
But, if the lining is compromised, then it might begin to allow unwanted items to seep into the bloodstream. When the gut begins to leak, it leads to an immune response within the body and inflammation occurs.
Many people experience inflammation symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, achy joints, rashes, fatigue, stomach cramps, bloating, and more. Sometimes, the symptoms might not even seem like they are related to the gut, because the inflammation is systemic.
How is Leaky Gut Connected with ADHD?
Chemicals are released within the body as an immune response to the inflammation, and some doctors have made the suggestion that these chemicals might contribute to focus and behavior problems. Additionally, Leaky Gut Syndrome often causes nutrient deficiencies within the body, which can exacerbate behavioral problems.
Researchers have found that children who have been diagnosed with ADHD have a much higher risk of having bowel problems. Even though additional research needs to be done in order to fully understand this connection, there is enough evidence that suggests a connection between Leaky Gut and ADHD.
What Can You Do To Protect Against Leaky Gut?
The theory is that balancing the gut can have a domino effect on many other aspects of health. So, if you or a family member is suffering from behavioral or neurodevelopmental disorders, then you should take a close look at how your lifestyle choices are impacting gut health. Healing the gut can be an important element in an overall holistic approach to treating ADHD.
Here are a few things that you can do to heal the digestive system and overcome Leaky Gut Syndrome:
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Change Your Diet. Food is the foundation of a healthy diet, and if you are eating unhealthy foods then it is likely that your digestive lining is taking a beating. Get rid of the junk food, and replace it with healthy, natural ingredients instead. Many people with ADHD benefit from cutting out certain trigger foods such as artificial dyes, gluten, and dairy.
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Use Quality Supplements: There are two types of supplements that can support gut health, and you might consider integrating these supplements into your daily routine. Probiotics are beneficial because they add the good bacteria that supports a healthy immune system in the gut. Additionally, digestive enzymes can be helpful to properly break down the food that you eat in order for your body to maximize the nutrients that are available.
Here at The Sanctuary at Sedona, we understand the importance of an overall holistic approach to treating health and behavioral problems. We support our clients with the brain-gut connection by teaching the lifestyle habits that maintain a healthy gut. If you are interested in learning about the non 12 step addiction recovery programs and other types of recovery, we
If you would like more information, about Holistic Addiction Recovery or any of our holistic non 12 step addiction recovery programs you can contact us by phone at (877) 710-3385, or by email at [email protected]
He is the Founder, Administrator, Counselor at the Sanctuary at Sedona. He has a BA in Political Science and is currently Senior teaching staff at Four Winds Society, an international school of energy medicine. His credentials also include being an Ordained Minister; a Certified Shamanic Breathwork® Facilitator; a Founding Member Society for Shamanic Practitioners; a Member of Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology; a Member of the National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies. [email protected]