Surprising Truth about ADHD
Written with Ann Arbor Holistic Health Practitioner, Alma Moya
After losing her thyroid at 19, Alma turned her personal challenges into a lifelong mission to help others. She is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner with over 13 years of experience, a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and holds additional certifications in fitness and lifestyle coaching. Now settled on 22 acres, Alma combines her global experience with hands-on living, cultivating an organic farm.
Learn what ADHD is, explore common signs, and discover supportive strategies for focus and calm.
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is more than a label. It is a neurodevelopmental challenge that influences how a person learns, pays attention, and interacts with the world. As Alma Moya, FDN-P explains, “ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental challenge. It’s going to affect day to day functions. It’s going to affect development and how you perceive the world around you in any way, shape or form, because at every single moment, everything is about learning.” These difficulties with focus and energy can impact school, work, and personal relationships.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
Some of the most recognizable signs of ADHD are distraction, forgetfulness, and disorganization, but the condition often shows up in less obvious ways. According to Alma Moya, an Ann Arbor Holistic Health practitioner, “Some of the manifestations may be, and people don’t even really realize this one, but interrupting. Your thoughts are constantly going, you’re not focusing. So you’ll interrupt and interrupt and interrupt… excessive talking, excessive doing, fidgeting, I can’t sit down, I can’t sit still.” These behaviors can leave someone feeling restless or as though their life is in “chaos or disarray.”
Natural Support for ADHD
Simple lifestyle strategies can provide support. As Alma Moya, FDN-P shares, “We all can support our own bodies through the right diet. Having a diet that’s rich in antioxidants and polyphenols really helps neural pathways and neurological health.” Colorful foods such as sweet potatoes, wild blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables can nourish the brain. She also emphasizes mindfulness practices such as walking meditation or noticing details in nature as helpful for calming restlessness.
Alma Moya, an Ann Arbor Holistic Health practitioner, also suggests evening rituals for winding down. She describes an example of a good routine before bed as “a little shot of wild blueberry juice that’s loaded with antioxidants mixed with a little coconut water, and then maybe sitting for five minutes and closing your eyes.” Even closing the eyes briefly can significantly reduce outside stimulation and allow the brain to rest.
If you are interested in reading more about ADHD symptoms, keep reading for Ann Arbor Holistic Health’s founder, Gary Merel’s, thoughts.
This may sound like a strange analogy, but Dr. Doris Rapp, environmental medicine and allergy specialist, often compares children who suffer from food allergies to barrels.
| Barrel | Child |
|---|---|
| Specific fluid capacity | Specific food allergy capacity |
| Spills when overfull | Spills (with symptoms) when overfull |
| Capacity does not change day-by-day | Capacity can change day-by-day depending on exposure level, type and general physical/emotional health |
8 ADHD Symptoms: Once the barrel is overfull, these symptoms may appear.
1. red ear lobes
2. dark circles under their eyes
3. glazed eyes
4. behavioral swings
5. inattention, restlessness, distractibility
6. aggression
7. withdrawn, disinterested behavior
8. difficulties learning language, diagnosis of dyslexia
In a nutritional disorder study review conducted by Bobner et. al, they state “Millions of dollars are spent annually on special education programs for children whose behavior prevent them from participating in the regular school setting despite average or above average intellectual capacity. A growing body of research indicates that some of these behavioral disorders are related to nutritional problems.”
Why don’t healthcare professionals take a closer look at nutrition? Delayed reaction allergies to nuts, dairy, eggs, soy and processed foods are taking a huge toll on our public education system and family dynamics. If your child suffers from ADHD or ADD, take a second look at their diet.
If you or your loved one is navigating the daily challenges of ADHD, there are ways to bring more balance and clarity into life. Schedule your free 1-on-1 consultation with Ann Arbor Holistic Health today and learn how a personalized plan can support focus, energy, and overall well-being.