Intermittent Fasting for ADHD

Overview

• Intermittent fasting and prolonged fasting (up to 72 hours) can significantly impact the brain, particularly the frontal lobe.
• Improvements noted in cognitive functions such as:
  • Concentration
  • Focus
  • Memory
  • Clarity
  • Creativity

Frontal Lobe Functions

• Involved with:
  • Paying attention
  • Making decisions
  • Organizing
  • Planning
• Damage or disconnection of this area can impair these functions severely.

ADHD and Brain Research

• Often attributed to chemical imbalances, genetics, or brain rewiring.
• Currently no definitive proof for these theories.
• Research is ongoing to validate these claims.
• Medications available but can have side effects, sometimes mirroring symptoms they aim to treat.

Fasting and Brain Fuel

• Fasting leads to a reduction in glucose feeding the brain.
• Body switches to ketones as a survival mechanism, which are preferred by neurons over glucose.
• Neurons prioritize ketones if available over glucose.
• The body can produce glucose from fat, protein, and non-carbohydrate sources when needed.

Benefits of Ketones

• Enhance cognitive functions.
• Particularly beneficial for focus, concentration, and clarity issues.

Additional Recommendations

• Supplement fasting with:
  • Vitamin B1 (nutritional yeast)
  • Zinc
  • Omega-3 fatty acids

Community Engagement

• Encouragement to share personal success stories related to the content discussed.