Did you know that most people with ADD/ADHD are actually born with perfectly normal brains?

There are a number of theories to explain an ADD/ADHD diagnosis. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition whose principal characteristics are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD is usually diagnosed in children where

the primary symptoms are difficulty controlling behavior and/or paying attention.

Given that 2/3 of children diagnosed with ADHD are treated with prescribed medication — drugs that often contain different formulations of methylphenidate, a powerful psychostimulant drug that is in the same class as cocaine — receiving an ADHD diagnosis unnecessarily can be very harmful to a child.

The true culprit of ADD/ADHD is an imbalance or lack of gut flora. This lack of healthy flora allows for unhealthy microbes to damage and permeate the walls of the gut, which is called Leaky Gut Syndrome.

When bacterial overgrowth occurs in the gastrointestinal system, the bad bacteria steal nutrients, produces toxins and activates the immune system. All these result in an inflammation of the gut lining.  If the gut is inflamed, it cannot filter out toxins and peptides properly.

Instead of absorbing vitamins and minerals and keeping toxins out, it does the opposite – vitamins and minerals don’t get absorbed optimally while the body absorbs harmful toxins.  When this happens, we say that the person has a permeable intestine or leaky gut syndrome.

Symptoms of leaky gut syndrome are varied and may include:

  • Gluten intolerance
  • Abdominal pain
  • Poor memory
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Depression

It’s not surprising that these symptoms are also some of the health problems experienced by children with ADHD.

Did you know that 75% of people with ADD/ADHD have leaky gut syndrome?

Leaky gut syndrome also creates an environment prime for allergies, parasites and other immune issues.

  • 50% of people with ADD have parasites
  • 80% have immune deficiencies (mostly gastrointestinal) and
  • 65% have food allergies

In The Beginning…

What causes this imbalance of gut flora to begin with? It all starts at birth. When someone comes to me with ADD or ADHD, I always ask about his or her birth. We inherit or acquire our gut flora from our mother at birth. Through the birth canal a baby swallows its first mouthfuls of bacteria, it then settles in the baby’s sterile gut and becomes gut flora.

Babies are sterile in the womb and have no bacteria in their body. When they pass through the vaginal canal, they acquire their gut flora (bacteria) from the mother. This transfer of beneficial bacteria is complicated by the following:

  • C-Section (baby is unable to acquire flora because they don’t pass through the vaginal canal)
  • Mom is on antibiotics during birth (for Strep B, etc.)
  • Mom has abnormal or out of balance flora
  • The baby is not breastfed and doesn’t receive good bacteria and other immune boosters from breast milk

Sometimes, a child

can have an uncomplicated birth and even be breastfed, but they still end up with ADD or ADHD. This could possibly be caused by antibiotics, which kill off the good bacteria. Children treated with antibiotics for recurring ear infections are more likely to be diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Taking antibiotics repeatedly without replenishing your good flora with probiotics creates a toxic dump of microbes in the gut.

This is also the reason behind why those with ADD/ADHD have more sensitive immune systems. Without the proper amounts of good bacteria, their bodies cannot fight off microbes, bacteria, fungus, parasites and viruses.  Other neurotoxins are MSG, aspartame (NutraSweet), and food colorings and additives. These can perpetuate ADHD symptoms to such peaks as to deem an individual behaviorally abnormal. Children appear to be particularly susceptible as their little bodies may be overwhelmed by “normal” doses of these toxins that are packaged in such innocuous substances as breakfast cereal and juice boxes.

Because the gut has never healed, many adults with ADD or ADHD also have other health issues, specifically intestinal in nature (gas, bloating, poor digestion, constipation, diarhhea, etc.). As a result, children with ADHD and adults don’t grow out of ADD or ADHD and live with symptoms that keep them bound to not fulfilling their true potential.

Healing Leaky Gut

Diet is key. The most intense diet is the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Diet) This is a grain and dairy free diet that can actually heal the gut in 6-months to one year. Click Here for a simple leaky gut cure…

If you cannot commit to the full GAPS diet, cutting out sugar, most grains (especially wheat) and artificial ingredients can treat and help a lot.

Supplements that Heal Leaky Gut

  • L-Glutamine rebuilds the mucosal lining in the intestinal tract. It also increases GABA in the brain, which helps with calming and relaxation.
  • Probiotics are healthy intestinal bacteria which help with digestion, the immune system and the overgrowth of bad bacteria.
  • N-Acetylglucosamine is a major contributor to the barrier layer that protects the intestinal lining from damaging intestinal contents.
  • Proteolytic enzymes help with digestion and absorption so undigested food particles don’t end up in the bloodstream.
  • Fish oil heals inflammation in the intestinal tract and helps with focus, concentration and mood in the brain.

Leaky Gut Equals Leaky Brain

Unfortunately the factors that cause leaky gut syndrome—poor diet, food intolerances, chronic stress, excess carbohydrates, and more—also cause leaky brain, permeability in the lining that protects the brain from bacteria, chemicals, and other dangerous intruders. As a result one can develop a “brain allergy” to foods or environmental compounds that manifest as depression, brain fog, anxiety, memory loss, OCD, autism and more.

There is good reason why the gut now has the nickname “The Second Brain.” Our gut health truly affects our brain health.

Curing ADD and ADHD can happen and it starts by healing the gut.

It really can be that simple.

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