Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Hyperactive Enigma: The Effects of ADHD in Today's Culture

One in ten children ages 5 to 17 has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Why are so many children being diagnosed as hyperactive? Were children one hundred years ago as hyperactive as today?

ADHD is all about excess adrenaline.

Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands. As a neurotransmitter in the brain, adrenaline helps to increase clear thinking; as a hormone, it enhances physical energy.

ADHD is not a learning disorder; it’s an interest disorder. There are three basic types of ADHD according to Dr. Michael Platt, M.D.: a “typical” type, a “creative” type, and a “mixed” type which is a combination of the first two.

In typical type ADHD, adrenaline functions primarily as a hormone, acting on the muscles to cause physical hyperactivity, impulsive, disruptive behavior, or temper tantrums. In extreme cases of typical type ADHD, it can cause anger and aggression (e.g. bipolar disorder).

In creative type ADHD adrenaline functions mainly as a neurotransmitter in the brain, making the brain hyperactive. Adrenaline enhances creativity. In adults we see this type in workaholics, or “type A” personality. I believe most people diagnosed with an attention disorder fall under the “creative” type.

Adrenaline is released when the brain is not getting enough fuel in the form of glucose. The brain uses more glucose than any other tissue in the body.

The body is not designed to consume high-sugar foods. Consumption of high-sugar foods causes an outpouring of insulin, the hormone whose primary function is to regulate the sugar level in the blood. Insulin reduces blood sugar by forcing sugar into muscle cells and fat cells. As excess insulin pushes excess sugar into cells, it can precipitate another drop in sugar level, which prompts another release of adrenaline. A sequence that can continue cyclically.

Electronic devices also stimulate an outpouring of adrenaline. When a child adds an electronic stimulus such as a smartphone, tablet, or video game to a high-sugar diet with little to no physical activity you have a neurological and physiological ticking time bomb that could explode in the classroom or at home.

To my way of thinking, the answer to the hyperactive enigma is a low-glycemic diet, limit the use of electronic devices considerably, and increase physical activity.

One hundred years ago children consumed very little sugar compared to today’s standard diet. They were not overstimulated with noisy electronic devices. Children would play outside and do chores which would burn off excess adrenaline.

We also use a bio-identical USP progesterone cream to expedite results. Progesterone lowers excess adrenaline naturally.

by John Connor, CNC

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