According to this book "The Kid Friendly ADHD and Autism Cookbook", we've got a few supplements that are known to be needed in cases of ADHD and autism. In this post we'll cover also some natural supplements that are good in promoting brain-function (like focus, memory and concentration)
- Magnesium, so prevalent in dark greens, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds, it poorly absorbed in the presence of maldigestion problems. Low levels can result in mood disorders, hyperactivity, distractability, impulsivity, sounds sensitivity, irritability, muscle spasms, depression, and poor muscle endurance.
- B-vitamin deficiencies is frequent in children with ADHD or autism.
- Essential fatty-acid deficiency is common in both ADHD and autism and shows up as eczema; poor hair quality; and problems with brain and neurological development, vision, immunity and bowel health.
- Zinc deficiency in also common with children with ADHD. It usually results from maldigestion, malabsorption and/or the presence of toxic metals. It results in significant problems with brain and sensory development, taste perception, food-texture issues, and picky or odd appetites.
Note of caution
It is important for practitioner and parent to realise that nutritional supplementation is a palliative approach that cannot replace all of the synergistic benefits of real food. Nor can it fully correct the errors of metabolism that create deficiency states in spite of plentiful nutrition. It can create deficiencies, however, for instance in relation to Zinc supplementation’s leading to anaemia. In contrast, homeopathic treatment does not leach, block absorption, or create imbalances but normalises the child’s nutrient absorption and metabolism.
It is known that the body attempts to naturally remove heavy metal burdens through elimination and excretion pathways. Any remedy that moves that body toward a healthier state will facilitate this process. This is the goal of homeopathy.
That being said, here's a ingredients you'll find in some products at the Natural Health Food Store:
Bacopa : Herbal Remedy for ADHD
Bacopa monnieri is an herb used in India for memory, epilepsy, and as a mild sedative. It has been used for centuries to treat epilepsy, improve memory capacity, increase concentration, and reduce stress-induced anxiety.
Traditionally, it was used as a brain tonic to enhance memory development, learning and concentration.
Patients taking Bacopa say they can better handle difficult mental tasks and stress. Indeed it:
- improves the memory,
- increases learning abilities
- protects the brain from the effects of aging,
- alleviates anxiety,
- helps with mental and brain fatigue.
It is used in cases of attention-deficit disorders because of Bacopa's beneficial actions on brain, memory and mental deficiency.
With Bacopa, one can greatly increase synaptic activity and the speed of nerve transmission and impulses. This makes the thinking process faster and improves the speed of memory recall.
Memory itself is enhanced due to Bacopa increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that shuttles messages from one brain cell to another.
Other common medicinal uses include treating asthma, epilepsy, memory loss, eczema, psoriasis, constipation, hair loss, bronchitis and rheumatism.
The plant is also a powerful antioxidant and is believed to have anti-anxiety effects, likely because of its well-known sedative and tranquilizing properties.
Depression
The Bacopa extract in the dose of 20 to 40 mg per kg was given once daily for five days and it was found comparable to standard anti-depressant drug Imipramine in anti-depressant activity.
Conclusion
Bacopa is the ultimate brain tonic for general brain and nerve health. Bacopa helps clear the mind and improve the ability to focus. It helps with short term memory problems and mental weakness. Mental dullness, anxiety and depression have been helped with the bacopa extract. Toxic brain fog from medications, radiation and chemotherapy have benefited from the herb.
Moringa Leaf: Another Good "Brain" Product
Moringa leaves, in fresh or powdered form, can be added to salads, cooked like spinach or other steamed vegetables, or included in soups, curries and gravies. It can be consumed by small children and adults alike. There’s no side-effects known to date.
Benefits:
Brain
Provides nourishment to the brain and body. It is a nutrition booster and is known to promote a feeling of well-being in people. Decreases anxiety, depression and sleep-related disorders.
Protein
The Moringa leaves are considered to have the highest protein ratio of any plant so far studied on earth. Essential amino acids are also found in moringa. The moringa leaves are said to contain twice the protein present in milk.
Malnutrition
Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition, especially among young infants and nursing mothers. Moringa contains more than 90 nutrients and 46 types of antioxydants. With all the health benefits moringa has to offer, it can easily be termed as the most nutrition plant on the face of the earth. Leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked or stored as dried powder for many months without refrigeration, and reportedly without loss of nutritional value.
Iron
If moringa leaves were to be eaten by one and all, the world will be free of anemia as it contains three times more iron than spinach.
Immunity
The body’s natural defense mechanism increases with the consumption of moringa in the daily diet pattern since it is an immunity-stimulant.
Vitamins
Moringa is rich in Vitamin A and C. It has four times more Vitamin A or beta-caroten than carrots. It contains Vitamin C seven more times than oranges.
Energy
Moringa is a natural energy booster. It will not give you the ups and downs of other nutritional supplements that are associated with caffeine and sugar.
WALNUTS!
Walnuts have always been considered as "Brain Food". It has been believed that walnuts actually increase one's intellect. Studies have proven that consumption of walnuts do help in promoting the brain function.
The Doctrine of Signatures stated that because the shape of the walnut resembled the brain, the nut would be beneficial for all ailments associated with the head and brain, including headaches.
Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids which increase the activity of the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids, coupled with iodine and selenium, add to optimum functioning of the brain. 
A lack of omega-3 fatty acids cause hyperactivity, irritability and tantrums. Supplementing children's diet with walnuts compensates the deficit in essential fatty acids and alleviates their mood. It is even applicable to adults who are battling depression and stress.
Eating walnuts as well as other foods high in omega-3 such as chia seeds and flaxseed can maintain and improve memory and overall cognitive function.
Other benefits include:
Insomnia and Melatonin
Walnuts have a natural, bio-available source of melatonin in them, which means that if you have trouble sleeping, then walnuts may be the perfect food for your body. Adding a few walnuts into your daily meal plan may help you rest better at night. Eat some walnuts soaked in water before sleeping or eat a salad or any other dish using walnut as a topping.
Digestion
Because walnuts are rich in fiber, they are a great way to keep your digestive system healthy. Getting enough fiber on a daily basis is essential to keeping your bowels functioning correctly. You can get both the protein benefits and fiber benefits at the same time by eating walnuts.
Hair
The selenium, zinc, biotin and essential fatty acids in walnuts help to promote healthy, shiny, strong hair.
Ashwagandha (Withania)
In some products in the Teva Store, you'll find written the ingredient Withania. Let's see here what it really implies.
Withania somnifera is one of the most important herb in Ayurveda medicine, it has been used for millenia (!) for its longevity properties and other benefits. Let's look at them.
Adaptogen - We wrote in a previous post about what that means, in the post about special mushrooms for memory. It promotes the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and resist stress. It prevents or minimizes the imbalances, from poor diet, lack of sleep, mental or physical strain, or chemical toxins in the environment.
Anti-Aging: Ashwagandha is considered a premiere anti-aging herb due to its rejuvenation and longevity enhancers.
Antioxydant - Research also found that raw ashwagandha increases the levels of three powerful antioxidants. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and gluthione peroxidase. The effects of these antioxidants may explain the reported anti-stress, cognition-facilitating, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects.
Anxiety - Ashwagandha has a calming effect on the mind and nervous system. It is well known for relieving nervous tension and anxiety. Aswagandha has the ability to stabilize moods and could be used as an effective anti-anxiety treatment. It helps with anxiety and insomnia.
Aphrodisiac - Ashwagandha also called Indian ginseng has a reputation as an aphrodisiac. It is used to restore male libido, cure impotence and increase male fertility.
Blood Sugar - Ashwagandha also helps regulate blood sugar which aids in suppressing sugar cravings.
Brain - Ashwgandha shows remarkable promise for increasing brain function by increasing mental alertness, focus, memory and concentration. Studies indicate that it stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites. Increased acetylcholine receptors might explain the cognition-enhancing and memory-improving effects of extracts from ashwagandha.
Depression- Ashwagandha is helpful in preventing and treating depression. It helps with depression, anxiety and insomnia.
Memory- Studies indicate the mechanism of action is Withaferin-A, in ashwagandha, which stimulates neurotransmitters pathways in the brain. This effect enhances memory an other cognitive processes. It can be useful in various mental disorders.
Nerves- Ashwagandha has a strong nourishing and protective effect on the nervous system. It can have a sedative effect on the central nervous system, and prove beneficial in conditions like, nervous exhaustion, stress and anxiety. It helps with symptoms from drug withdrawal.
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