Moderate-HighGBS: 78 (Moderate-High Risk)nutrition

ADHD Natural Management - Pediatric

Developer: Sandy Newmark, Joel Nigg

3-6 months to assess full benefit of natural interventions

Protocol Overview

Evidence-based natural protocol for pediatric ADHD emphasizing diet, nutrient repletion, and behavioral interventions. More evidence than adult ADHD for dietary interventions.

Conditions Treated

ADHD in children

hyperactivity

impulsivity

focus issues

Protocol Steps

Assessment: Proper ADHD diagnosis (Vanderbilt scales, testing, not just teacher complaint), rule out sleep issues, vision/hearing problems, learning disabilities, trauma

Feingold Diet or elimination: Remove artificial colors/flavors (Red 40, Yellow 5/6, etc.), preservatives (sodium benzoate, BHA/BHT) - meta-analyses show benefit in 30-40% of ADHD kids

Oligoantigenic diet trial: Elimination diet removing common allergens (dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, corn) for 3-4 weeks, then reintroduce systematically - some kids dramatically improve

Omega-3: 1-2g EPA/DHA daily (or 0.5g EPA + 0.5g DHA minimum) - multiple RCTs showing benefit, especially higher EPA ratios. Nordic Naturals, Carlson's are quality brands

Iron: Check ferritin - if <50 ng/ml, supplement to >80 (low iron associated with ADHD, especially restless legs, response to stimulants). Dose 3-5mg/kg elemental iron + vitamin C for absorption

Zinc: 20-30mg daily (low zinc in ADHD kids, supplementation improves symptoms in studies, can reduce stimulant dose needed)

Magnesium: 200-400mg daily (deficiency common, calming effects, improves sleep)

Vitamin D: Optimize >40 ng/ml (deficiency associated with ADHD)

Vitamin B6 + magnesium: Studied combination in ADHD (50-100mg B6 + 200-400mg Mg)

L-theanine: 100-200mg daily (promotes calm focus, studied in kids)

Phosphatidylserine: 200-300mg daily (cell membrane support, modest evidence in ADHD)

Ginkgo biloba: 80-120mg daily (some studies show attention benefit)

Protein: 20-30g at breakfast (amino acids for neurotransmitter synthesis), avoid sugar/cereal breakfast

Limit screen time: <1 hour daily of recreational screen time (excessive screens worsen ADHD symptoms)

Increase outdoor time: 2+ hours daily ("green time" improves focus, reduces symptoms)

Structured routine: Consistent schedule, visual charts, timers, clear expectations, positive reinforcement

Exercise: Daily vigorous play or sports (60 min+ - burns energy, increases dopamine)

Sleep: 9-11 hours for school-age kids (ADHD kids often have insomnia - address), consistent bedtime, melatonin 1-3mg if needed, dark room

Behavioral therapy: Parent training (PMT), school accommodations (504 plan/IEP), reward systems (token economy), avoid punishment focus

Neurofeedback: 30-40 sessions - evidence in pediatric ADHD for sustained improvement

Limit sugar: While sugar doesn't cause ADHD, blood sugar swings worsen symptoms

Stimulant medication: If above insufficient and significant impairment, consider medication (effective, safe, improves outcomes) - not first line but don't avoid if needed

Key Resources

ADHD Without Drugs by Sandy Newmark, "Getting Ahead of ADHD" by Joel Nigg, Feingold Association, omega-3 ADHD research

Contraindications & Risks

Iron only if deficient (test first - excess iron harmful), elimination diets require dedication, don't withhold effective treatment if natural approaches insufficient

Important Notes

Pediatric ADHD affects 8-10% of kids. Evidence stronger for dietary interventions in kids than adults. Artificial colors/preservatives: Meta-analyses show 30-40% of ADHD kids improve with elimination (especially younger kids, those with food sensitivities). Southampton study showed behavioral effects even in general population. Oligoantigenic (few-foods) diet: 60-70% of kids improve in controlled trials, but very restrictive. More practical: eliminate artificial additives + trial remove dairy/gluten. Omega-3: Multiple RCTs show small-moderate benefit (effect size 0.2-0.3). Kids often deficient. Higher EPA ratios studied. Iron: Low ferritin (<50) in 70% of ADHD kids, supplementation improves symptoms and response to stimulants. Zinc: Deficiency common (especially high-copper kids), supplementation studied with benefit. Screen time: Excessive use worsens ADHD, limit strictly. Outdoor time: Nature exposure improves focus (attention restoration theory). Exercise: Burns hyperactive energy, acutely raises dopamine. Sleep: ADHD kids often have insomnia, delayed sleep phase - address sleep hygiene, melatonin. Behavioral: Parent training more effective than many realize (evidence-based programs). School accommodations: 504 plans provide supports without special ed label. Medication: If natural approaches insufficient and significant impairment (grades, social, safety), stimulants are evidence-based and safe - long-term outcomes better with treatment than without. Many kids do well with combination (diet, supplements, behavioral + low-dose stimulant).

Key Supplements & Herbs in This Protocol

Supplements

L-Theanine

Herbs

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 78 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelModerate-High

GBS Score78 / 100

Categorynutrition

DeveloperSandy Newmark, Joel Nigg

Duration3-6 months to assess full benefit of natural interventions

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.