Written by Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD
After reviewing numerous studies on the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Health Reporter concluded that the ketogenic diet could help alleviate ADHD symptoms and improve cognitive abilities.
Consuming carbohydrates results in increased blood glucose levels, which the body burns to release energy for physical activity, and this should not be a problem in healthy people. However, in ADHD patients, the body utilizes the energy carbohydrates provide to hyperactivity symptoms that manifest in restlessness and reduced concentration. Thus, reducing the amount of carbs in the diet can help manage hyperactivity symptoms among people with ADHD.
Meanwhile, protein and fat, which are the basis of the keto diet, have many benefits, making them the perfect substitutes for carbs. Research has shown that they can supply the body with the required energy without availing excess one for hyperactivity. Besides, substituting carbohydrates with a protein-rich diet can help increase attention because of the dopamine released from amino acids. As it wasn’t enough, the breakdown of fats releases ketones that have been shown to raise concentration levels.
These findings are supported by numerous pieces of research, which have utilized children and rats as case studies. In most of them, it has been found that keto diets help alleviate ADHD symptoms. The research on children showed significant improvements in attention and social skills, while that of rats showed fewer distractions and exploratory behaviors. Therefore, substituting carbohydrates for proteins and fats can help alleviate many ADHD symptoms.
Six million young people in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD. That is as many as live in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Phoenix combined. And although ADHD cannot be cured yet, a keto diet can alleviate some symptoms and improve overall cognitive function.
More information about the study conducted by Health Reporter, please visit: https://healthreporter.com/tackling-adhd-with-keto/
