Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an extremely common and controversial childhood disorder characterized by a variety of behavioral health problems. Children diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty paying attention and concentrating, lack impulse control, and are extremely hyperactive. Not all of these symptoms need to be present for a child to have ADHD. Some children exhibit only the symptoms of inattention, while the main symptoms in other children will be impulsivity/hyperactivity. There are some children who will exhibit both types of symptoms.

ADHD is usually diagnosed after a child has had persistent difficulties in school. Problems keeping up with school work or retaining new information and frequent disruptive behavior are common precursors to an ADHD diagnosis. Controversy surrounds this disorder mainly because the conventional treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication. The most notorious of these drugs is of course Ritalin and it has been used for decades to treat ADHD symptoms. There are now a variety of stimulant and non-stimulant medications available to treat ADHD, but many people worry about giving these powerful medications to young children. These medications have numerous side effects and only treat the symptoms of ADHD and do not address the underlying cause of the disorder.

Unfortunately, the exact underlying cause of ADHD is unknown, but research suggests that children often have a genetic predisposition to the disorder. ADHD tends to run in families, which supports this research. However, a predisposition to a disorder does not mean that it will always manifest itself, leading many to believe that external factors play a role in the development of many disorders, including ADHD. Recent research suggests that an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a typically benign type of yeast innately present in the intestinal system, may play a role in the development of ADHD.

An overgrowth of Candida albicans, also known as yeast infection, occurs when external factors upset the delicate balance of the intestinal system. Overuse of antibiotics is the main culprit, killing not only the bacteria that make us sick, but also the “friendly” bacteria that help keep the body healthy. An important role these “friendly” bacteria play is keeping the Candida albicans population in check, and when killed, the Candida albicans can multiply and transform into an opportunistic organism that then releases numerous toxins throughout the body. These toxins cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical and mental, such as joint pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic yeast infections, chronic sinus infections, anxiety, mental confusion, depression. ADHD is actually one of the many symptoms of yeast infection. That’s why yeast infection treatment can help alleviate ADHD symptoms.

The cornerstone of yeast infection treatment is the candida diet. The candida diet seeks to eliminate all foods that feed Candida albicans, thereby cutting off its food supply, killing it, and restoring the proper balance of the intestinal system. When this is accomplished, many people begin to experience relief from mental and physical symptoms. Although yeast infection may not be the underlying cause of all ADHD cases, if you’re looking for alternative treatments, it may be worth exploring.

For information on living yeast-free on the candida diet, visit Yeast-Free Living.