Did you know that close to 1.8 million Canadians have ADHD? Therapies based on functional medicine in Toronto may contribute to managing related symptoms.  

The media has brought attention to ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), as its prevalence has boosted over the past 20 years. ADHD affects children and adults. The condition was formerly thought to be a childhood issue, but almost 90% of kids with ADHD continue to struggle with symptoms as they grow up. ADHD can be diagnosed in adults, too; one study showed that 75% of participants with ADHD were not diagnosed as children. 

Due to the fact that ADHD is expressed uniquely between patients, functional medicine testing and personalized treatment options may offer health benefits. Here, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre sheds light on ADHD facts, examples of integrative functional strategies, and how our clinic recognizes personal needs. 

Profile of ADHD

• • ADHD is a condition that impacts concentration levels, how you adhere to completing tasks and paying attention, and behavior regulation. A health program and treatment plan can help manage symptoms efficiently.
  • Symptoms may include restlessness, procrastination, poor emotional regulation (i.e. anger issues), frequently feeling bored, mental health concerns (i.e. depression), frequent forgetfulness, and impulsivity. However, ADHD symptoms are different for each person. One person may have trouble mainly with hyperactivity; another might struggle with regulating time management. 
  • According to the non-profit Centre for ADHD Awareness, “Those with ADHD are unable to experience what it is like not to have ADHD, so functioning with ADHD impairments is normal.” Specific support systems may need to be in place to learn effectively; it does not mean ADHD causes low IQ. 
  • Though people assume ADHD is caused by eating excessive sugars and screen time,This may not necessarily be true. The cause is uncertain, though scientists speculate it may possibly be due to:
    • Premature birth
    • Genetics
    • Nutritional deficiencies 
    • Poor environmental factors, such as exposures to heavy metals (i.e. lead exposure). 
    • Smoking or alcohol overindulgences while pregnant
    • Gut-Brain Axis: Emerging research links the gut microbiome to ADHD.
    • Consuming excess amounts of food coloring and allergenic foods
  • Scientists have noticed that there are distinct differences in the brain health of people with ADHD. They include:
    • Low amounts of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter works alongside dopamine, a ‘feel-good’ hormone. 
    • Impairments to the limbic system, frontal cortex, basal ganglia, and reticular activating system. 
  • Although more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of treating ADHD with mineral and vitamin supplements, existing studies show that individuals with ADHD often have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, ferritin, and magnesium, confirms a Children-Basel article. This is interesting to note, as these nutrients are needed in humans for brain function. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, integrative medicine routes are available (i.e. combining conventional medicine with suitable holistic treatments). These may contribute to lessening symptoms to support daily functioning. 

Addressing ADHD with integrative and functional medicine tips 

Functional medicine therapies can help target ADHD symptoms. A clinic like ours would likely introduce you to functional medicine testing first. These lab tests take a snapshot of certain elements, such as gut microbiome and your body’s amounts of nutrients; these tests can help a functional medicine doctor adapt treatments for your needs. 

Functional lab tests are not used to diagnose you with ADHD; rather, they help healthcare providers scrutinize biomarkers, which can help determine shortcomings linked to the condition. For example, if you happen to be exposed to excessive levels of heavy metals, we may run a chemicals and heavy metal test. Looking at these results, we can tailor a treatment plan to remove the metals, which may help with symptom management. We may also recommend some of the following tips; 

• • Switching to the Mediterranean Diet: As explained in an article from Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, “Lower intake of refined sugars, food additives, allergenic foods and higher intake of seafood, fruits, vegetables, and minerals can improve ADHD symptoms.” That said, transitioning to the Mediterranean Diet may help stabilize blood sugar levels, which may contribute to enhancing focus. 
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): A psychotherapist can help you with CBT, which is a therapy that can address how you react in the present. You may learn new strategies for daily problem solving, emotional regulation, and how to prevent the past from affecting your current situations. 
  • Consider oral and/or IV supplements: Depending on your final lab reports, supplementation may be advised, especially if you’re deficient in vitamins that contribute to impulsivity and focus (i.e. zinc and iron). Oral omega-3 fatty acids may also be suggested for supporting brain signalling. 
  • Implement an exercise routine: Exercise can contribute to improvements in attention, executive function, and attention. Reach out to a friend, family member or neighbour to workout with – this can encourage you to stick to regular physical activity. 

Do you resonate with this article? If so, maybe it’s a sign to contact us! Learn about our personalized medicine approach to wellness below. Our previous article on the role of Toronto functional medicine on combating hormonal acne may be of interest.

About our functional medicine therapies

The clinical experience is unique for each patient – this is why we tailor and integrate treatment options to suit your needs! Due to genetics, lifestyle factors, environmental exposures and diet, our individualized approach may aid in addressing symptoms and supporting chronic disease prevention.  

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we mix-and-match a wide variety of treatment modalities, including conventional medicine, several natural therapies (i.e. Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal, naturopathic medicine and homeopathic medicine), psychotherapy, IV nutrient therapy, acupuncture, among others. While customizing your treatment plan, we consider medication interactions, food sensitives, and allergies; prescriptions may be provided for biological purposes only. IV nutrients have doses adapted with the principles of integrative functional medicine, so IV dosages between patients are never the same!

We also offer functional lab tests for an overall snapshot of your hormonal balance, microbiome, chemical exposures (i.e. heavy metals), and brain health. Some of our functional medicine lab tests may not be available at some Western medicine clinics, so if you’re interested in getting access, reach out to us!

Personalized treatment options can open the doors to new health strategies. How can we help you reach optimal wellness? The Toronto Functional Medicine Centre is accepting new patients – act now by emailing us to request your initial visit.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Abdelnour E, Jansen MO, Gold JA. ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis? Mo Med. 2022 Sep-Oct;119(5):467-473. PMID: 36337990; PMCID: PMC9616454.

“Beyond Genes: Leveraging Sleep, Exercise, and Nutrition to Improve ADHD” from ADDitude magazine, updated on April 8, 2024, viewed on October 22, 2024. 

Darabi, Z., Vasmehjani, A. A., Darand, M., Sangouni, A. A., & Hosseinzadeh, M. (2022). Adherence to Mediterranean diet and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: A case control study. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 47, 346-350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.11.014

Song P, Zha M, Yang Q, Zhang Y, Li X, Rudan I. The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Glob Health. 2021 Feb 11;11:04009. doi: 10.7189/jogh.11.04009. PMID: 33692893; PMCID: PMC7916320.

“The Neuroscience of the ADHD Brain” from ADDitude magazine, updated on April 9, 2024, viewed on October 21, 2024. 

Villagomez A, Ramtekkar U. Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Zinc Deficiencies in Children Presenting with Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Children (Basel). 2014 Sep 29;1(3):261-79. doi: 10.3390/children1030261. PMID: 27417479; PMCID: PMC4928738.

“What You Need to Know About ADHD” from the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada, educational document viewed on October 21, 2024.