Can A Keto Diet Help Manage ADHD?

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29 Aug Can A Keto Diet Help Manage ADHD?

Posted at 10:29h in Diets, Weight Loss by

Attention deficit disorder (ADD), commonly referred to as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. As researchers continue to explore alternative treatments, the ketogenic diet has emerged as a potential option for managing ADHD symptoms. We have worked with a number of clients trying to lose weight while dealing with ADHD symptoms, so let’s examine the relationship between the ketogenic diet and ADHD, exploring how this low-carb diet plan might impact brain function and symptom management. Keto for ADHD: is it the answer?

Are you in search of an effective, personalised solution to your weight challenges? We are here to help. We’re a team of qualified, experienced nutritionist who specialise in weight loss. We can help you overcome your weight challenges, achieve your ideal weight, and maintain it long-term. Arrange your complimentary 25-minute call today to find out how we can help .

WHAT IS ADHD?

ADHD is characterised by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and or impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning and development. Symptoms typically appear in childhood and can persist into adulthood. While the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in its development. Read more about ADHD here. 

WHAT IS A KETO DIET?

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carbohydrate eating plan. By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat and protein, the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis. In this state, the body becomes more efficient at burning fat for energy and produces ketones in the liver, which can supply energy for the brain. Read our guide to keto diets here. 

HOW CAN A KETO DIET HELP WITH ADHD SYMPTOMS?

While research specifically examining the effects of keto for ADHD is limited, some studies have suggested potential benefits. They are as follows: 

Improved focus and cognitive function: The stable energy provided by ketones may help enhance focus and cognitive performance, which are often challenges for individuals with ADHD.

Reduced hyperactivity: A study on rats with ADHD-like symptoms found that a ketogenic diet decreased activity levels within 24 hours.

Balanced mood: The ketogenic diet has been shown to have mood-stabilising effects, which could be beneficial for managing the emotional dysregulation often associated with ADHD. This may have additional benefits for those with ADHD trying to lose weight and suffering with the symptoms of emotional eating. 

Improved sleep quality: Many individuals with ADHD struggle with sleep issues. The ketogenic diet may help improve sleep quality by balancing neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation. Again, this may have the additional benefits of aiding weight loss efforts in those with ADHD symptoms. 

HOW DOES KETOSIS AFFECT BRAIN FUNCTION?

The ketogenic diet’s impact on brain function is a key factor in its potential benefits for ADHD. Ketosis has been shown to increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes calmness and reduces anxiety. Furthermore, ketones provide an alternative fuel source for brain cells, potentially enhancing mitochondrial function and energy production. Finally, the ketogenic diet has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce neuroinflammation associated with ADHD.

CAN KETO HELP ANXIETY?

Anxiety often co-occurs with ADHD, and the ketogenic diet may have positive effects on both conditions. Studies have shown that the ketogenic diet can reduce anxiety-like behaviours in animal models. The diet’s impact on neurotransmitter balance and inflammation may contribute to its anxiolytic effects.

WHY DO PEOPLE WITH ADHD LOVE CARBS?

Many individuals with ADHD report strong cravings for carbohydrates, particularly sugary foods. Carbohydrates can temporarily increase dopamine levels, providing a quick mood boost and sense of reward. Additionally, rapid changes in blood sugar levels can affect focus and energy, leading to a cycle of carb cravings. The emotional dysregulation associated with ADHD may also lead to using food as a coping mechanism.

WHAT OTHER DIET CHANGES IMPACT ADD?

While the ketogenic diet shows promise, other dietary interventions have also been studied for their potential impact on ADHD symptoms.

Elimination diets: Some studies suggest that eliminating certain foods, such as artificial colors and preservatives, may improve ADHD symptoms in some individuals.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation: Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms, particularly in individuals with low baseline levels.

Micronutrient supplementation: Some studies have found that supplementing with specific micronutrients, such as zinc, iron, and magnesium, may improve ADHD symptoms in individuals with deficiencies.

If you are considering the ketogenic diet for ADHD management, we recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional or qualified nutritionist to ensure it is appropriate for your specific needs and to monitor for any potential side effects. 

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LINDA ROBINSON

Linda is our Practice Coordinator, helping to keep the clinic running smoothly.

 

Originally from Texas, Linda completed her MBA at SDA Bocconi in Milan. Linda has worked as a Strategy Consultant across multiple industries globally in cities including Kyoto, Paris, Chicago and San Francisco. She developed an interest in nutrition whilst volunteering for an organisation that provides cooking and nutrition education to children and families.

Linda is now settled in London with her husband, two children, and her very bouncy, sociable dog.

SARAH LAW

Sarah has worked with hundreds of clients over the past decade to help them live in a healthy body that they feel confident in.


Sarah spent a large part of her teens and 20’s as a professional dancer battling with orthorexia and an unhealthy relationship with food and her body. This created a desire to understand the human body more so she could finally cut through the confusion and end the cycle of yoyo dieting. This fuelled her passion to help other women do the same.

 

Sarah specialises in supporting women who are struggling to lose weight due to underlying health issues. She’s helped many women manage their weight during and after the menopause, as well as clients with thyroid disease and immune system dysfunction. Sarah loves food and sharing healthy recipes with her clients. Her aim is to ensure that clients don’t feel deprived and instead, achieve their weight loss and health goals in a positive and sustainable way.

 

To enquire about working with Sarah, please contact us.

AILSA HICHENS

 

Ailsa is one of our most experienced practitioners. She specialises in helping clients to lose weight, develop a healthy relationship with food and finally feel comfortable in their skin. Ailsa’s mission is for everyone she works with to enjoy the journey and that working with a nutritionist should not be a punishment, but your access to a new possibility.

 

Ailsa is not only an experienced weight loss nutritionist, she is also a skilled coach. She helps our clients overcome emotional eating, destructive habits and self-sabotaging behaviours that have prevented successful weight loss in the past. Ailsa has spent years in clinic working with clients who have experienced yo-yo dieting and have discovered that long term weight loss is not just about eating less until you can stand it no longer.

 

Working with Ailsa you will be comprehensively supported, not only in improving your nutrition and lifestyle, but also your eating habits and your relationship with food. When you work on all these elements together, the results can be truly astonishing.

 

To enquire about working with Ailsa, please contact us.

Test Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team of practitioners and heading up the day-to-day running of the business. Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, coming from a strong business background in town planning. A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 with her husband and two children.

NIKKI ANDRIANI

Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team and heading up the day-to-day running of our clinic.

 

Coming from a background in town planning, Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, continually ensuring we are delivering the very best service to our clients.


A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 where she lives with her husband, two children, and her rescue dog Skyy.

STÉPHANIE ACHAR

Stéphanie is a skilled nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner with additional training in eating disorders, disordered eating and obesity. She believes that working towards both physiological and mental health is key in achieving optimum wellbeing.

 

Stéphanie’s personal experience of emotional eating and the ongoing struggle to find the right support led her to combine the science of nutrition with behavioural coaching to motivate and empower her clients. She specialises in helping people who struggle with their weight and their relationship with food. She helps them develop a healthier and more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies.

 

To enquire about working with Stéphanie, please contact us.

INNA WEARN

Inna is passionate about supporting women on their journey to improved health and wellbeing. She believes that the solution to effective weight loss does not lie in ever more restrictive diets, but a more sophisticated approach that optimises health and vitality, as well as promoting effective weight loss.

 

Working with Inna you will benefit from her in-depth knowledge of female health and hormones. She will support you in developing a healthy diet, lifestyle and mindset that ensures you reach your ideal weight and maintain it in the years to come.

 

Inna is passionate about food with a wide repertoire of delicious healthy recipes and meal ideas to ensure your weight loss journey is as enjoyable as possible!

 

To enquire about working with Inna, please contact us.

ANIA MASON

 

Ania is a firm believer that improving your health and losing weight should be a positive, empowering journey, not one centred around deprivation.

 

After being diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions in her twenties, Ania spent several years educating herself on the power of food and nutrition. She put it all into practise and changed her diet and lifestyle, reversing her endometriosis and thyroid disease. After experiencing such a significant improvement in her health, Ania had a big desire to help others. She embarked on a four year journey to study nutrition, graduating from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition with distinction.

 

Ania specialises in autoimmunity and works with clients who have underlying health issues preventing successful weight loss. Her expertise enables her to successfully support our clients with conditions such as hypothyroidsm (underactive thyroid), PCOS and diabetes. 

 

To enquire about working with Ania, please contact us.

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