Occupational therapists, educators, speech and language pathologists have long been using functional movements and educational kinesiology to facilitate improvements in children with ADHD and the same tools are available to the chiropractor. Functional movements, exercises and games focus on improving balance, proprioception, primitive reflex integration, core strength, timing and co-ordination, crossing the midline and oculomotor function. They are used to activate core neurological pathways and facilitate improvements in academic scoring, behaviour, hyper-activity and emotional control. Metabolic balance is another key concept in the ho-listic management of ADHD. Although most of the most obvious symptoms of ADHD focus on the be-havioural aspects of the disorder, there are a host of secondary symptoms, including a characteristic pat-tern of poor digestive function and food sensitivities. The presence of digestive dysbiosis and a “leaky gut” is associated with the ADHD population. Gluten and casein sensitivities are also a part of this picture for many people, creating a doom-loop of digestive inflammation and production of morphine-like derivatives triggering a slowing of digestive function that in turn perpetuates more inflammation. Inflammation in the gut stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, exciting the autonomic nervous system and brain toward a fight or flight state. A sympathetic/adrenergic response in the brain down-regulates executive functioning and as outlined above, this manifests in a poor ability to plan, prob-lem-solve, pay attention and regulate behaviour. Mal-digestion and incomplete digestion of food results in vitamin, mineral and other nutrient deficiencies, which can also contribute to the symptom picture of ADHD. In order to balance metabolism and heal the gut, a process of omission and supplementation of food, vitamins and minerals must be instituted. The most common food allergens must be removed from the diet; hence, a gluten-free, casein (dairy) free, food additive/dye-free, aspartame-free diet filled with low-glycemic index whole foods containing adequate protein is recommended for a minimum of 90 days. A regimen of supplements should also be consid-ered, including high-quality, soil-based probiotics, pure and high potency EFAs, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and magnesium. There are many other supplements, nutraceuticals and homeopathic remedies that can be added to the diet on a case-by-case basis, and in ac-cordance with the doctor’s level of expertise. The above represents the basics in supplementation and outlines those items that will have a positive effect on the majority of your patients with ADHD. For the extended version of this article on managing ADHD, visit www.canadianchiropractor.ca. Search: ADHD 36 Canadian Chiropractor April 2014 www.canadianchiropractor.ca NuTriTioNAL CAre Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor April 2014: Page 36
