Strategies for Helping Children During the ADHD Drug Shortage
Good nutrition is important for all children, yet it is especially important for kids with ADHD. Read on for Dr. Bonnie's 3 Strategies To Help Your Child During the ADHD Med Shortage.
Strategies for Helping Children During the ADHD Drug Shortage
Many parents and their kids have been struggling with the recent shortage of ADHD medications. The New York Times reported that in July 2023 the FDA posted even more medication shortages; adding 2 additional medications to the organization’s ADHD stimulant shortage list. This past August, the FDA and DEA called on drug manufacturers to increase production of stimulant medications to address the shortage of drugs used to treat children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Parents and caregivers across the country have been having a harder and harder time finding pharmacies with ADHD medication in stock. With the start of the new school year, parents are desperately waiting for these shortages to end.
The Importance of Nutrition for ADHD Children
As a general pediatrician with more than 30 years of experience, I know the complexities of kids struggling with ADHD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. ADHD is characterized by lack of focus, disorganization, hyperactivity and often impulsivity. One trademark of ADHD is the low level of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical released by the brain that makes kids feel good and helps them focus. Increasing dopamine in the brain through medication is an important strategy for treating ADHD. But, because ADHD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and other factors, it is helpful to include additional strategies in each child’s ADHD treatment plan. Now may be a good time to consider adding in a new strategy independent of medication while waiting on the medication shortage to end.
Good nutrition is important for all children, yet it is especially important for kids with ADHD. Research in the field of epigenetics shows that foods can influence the expression of genes, which determines how your child reacts in different situations. The way your child’s brain works is influenced by what they eat. Eating unhealthy, non-nutritious foods may contribute to inattention and problematic behaviors. Eating a variety of healthy foods nourishes your child’s brain to pay attention and function optimally.
The Connection Between Good Gut Health and Dopamine
New scientific discoveries have found a strong connection between gut health and mental health. More than 50% of the “feel good and focus” neurotransmitter dopamine is synthesized in the gut. Dopamine production comes from essential nutrients in certain foods. If essential nutrients are missing, then dopamine production is impacted. Kids with ADHD, who are also picky eaters, may be missing out on producing more of their own dopamine.
A healthy gut is best described as having a diverse microbiome. Gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms (such as fungi, bacteria and viruses) that normally exists in the digestive tract. Diversity is when there is a large variety of different types of microbes present. Feeding your child a well-rounded and nutritious diet ensures that dopamine can be adequately synthesized. Eating a variety of real foods helps support your child’s mind-body relationship, right through a healthy gut!
Gut health and brain health are closely linked. Children’s moods and behaviors are often affected by what they eat. Feeling good; mentally, emotionally and physically, is fostered by having a healthy gut. Improving gut health is an at-home strategy that can help you improve your child’s own dopamine production. This is something for parents to do while waiting on the drug companies to transition their dopamine production back up to speed. Food is medicine.
Here are some gut health strategies to help you and your ADHD child survive the medication shortage.
3 Strategies To Help Your Child During the ADHD Med Shortage
- Don't Skip Meals
A nutritious meal can stimulate the release of the feel-good hormone dopamine. A recent study found that dopamine release in the brain can occur at two different times: at the time the food is first swallowed and another once the food reaches the stomach. Skipping a meal robs the body of two potential releases of dopamine. If your child is not hungry, try to keep them on a regular meal schedule to help regulate opportunities for dopamine release. Eating a diet rich in protein, including fish, poultry, eggs, and beans, can help increase dopamine levels. Even small healthy snacks can help.
- Ensure Variety
Many kids with ADHD want the same things to eat day after day. Increasing the diversity of their gut microbiome leads to a healthier gut. Vegetables (and legumes) of any kind help support a healthy gut. Legumes are plants with pods such as beans, lentils and peas. When introducing a new food, start slow and go slow. Kids with ADHD need extra time to try new foods. Starting with very small tastes (over and over) will build their trust and acceptance of new foods. Introduce vegetables in a variety of ways. Start with a vegetable that they will usually eat and connect it to another vegetable or legume. If your child will eat raw carrots, try pairing the carrots with a dip of pureed red peppers or smooth refried beans. If your child also prefers crunchy foods, try making crunchy cooked veggies in the oven or air-fryer. Experiment with spices too. Kids are more likely to expand their taste and preference for new foods if they are given multiple chances to learn about, and experience, a new food.
- Focus On Eating
Young children, especially those with ADHD, are easily distracted during mealtimes. Make it a point to give your child a head’s up of what’s for dinner as well as when it will be dinnertime. Kids with ADHD do best knowing what’s ahead as well as having a schedule. Also, turn off cell phones, tablets and the TV while eating to limit distractions. It’s helpful if you sit down at the table with your child. This helps your child know that it is time to pause (even for a minute) and eat. Sitting down also helps your child from feeling overstimulated. Sitting allows your child to take a break and focus on his or her body’s appetite signals. Take a minute to share a moment with your child at the table.
Utilizing these strategies will help boost your child’s mental and physical health, and make it easier to get through the next few months as drug companies play catch up with the production of ADHD medication.