One of the more controversial diagnoses to emerge in modern society is that of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. This is a condition wherein the affected person exhibits a variety of behaviors that might include having difficulty in retaining focus on any given task, an affinity for hyperactivity, being prone to distraction, and exhibiting impulsive behaviors. Those who are diagnosed with ADHD are indeed assigned to one of three categories of either being predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive and impulsive, or some combination of both. ADHD is said to be a condition that can affect people of all ages, though it is popularly associated with children who receive this diagnosis in relation to their performance in school and other environments.

Considered a mental disorder, ADHD is commonly treated with medication, including psychostimulants. These include amphetamines like Adderall and methylphenidates like Ritalin. These substances are intended to manage the chemical activity of the diagnosed person’s brain.

ADHD is a relatively new diagnosis with roots back in the 1980’s and 1990’s in direct response to an older diagnosis of attention deficit disorder or ADD. It is perhaps because of the relatively recent emergence of this diagnosis that it has stirred up some controversy surrounding the overdiagnosis of children in particular. The CDC reports a relatively higher prevalence of ADHD in recent times, as diagnoses increased by approximately 35% from 2003 to 2011. Other disparities, such as vastly higher diagnoses rates among the youngest students of any given class in contrast to the oldest, causes some to question the validity of these diagnoses.

In Ayurvedic medicine, we look at any given condition as it relates to the relative balance and imbalance of the elements in the body. Kapha- or earth-related imbalances will concern us with ailments that involve excessive accumulation, like with congestion in the respiratory system. Pitta- or fire-related imbalances will concern us with ailments that involve excessive heat, such as inflammation of various body parts or hyperacidity. For conditions related to the air element – that which is related to the Vata dosha – we are concerned with issues of movement. This might affect people in different ways, such as excessive movement of the body leading to facial ticks, diminished movement of the body in the form of constipation, or excessive movement of the mind leading to insomnia. But as an ADHD diagnosis stems from a person being hyperactive, impulsive, inattentive, or a combination of all of these traits, the movement-related nature of these behaviors suggests an association with Vata imbalances as well.

What does this ultimately mean? If a child exhibits behaviors that might lead to an ADHD diagnosis, then they are likely experiencing a Vata imbalance and therefore would benefit from a lifestyle intended to restore such imbalances. Were a child to benefit from such changes, it suggests that they suffer not from a mental disorder but rather just a potentially severe imbalance of the elements much like someone prone to constipation or insomnia might experience. To this point, the recent increase in ADHD diagnoses may be driven in part by more and more children sensitive to this particular kind of imbalance being more thoroughly immersed in a lifestyle that runs contrary to their needs.

Cherries
Bananas
Berries
Apricots
Mangoes
Peaches
Plums
Figs (fresh)

Beets (cooked)
Carrots (cooked)
Asparagus
Sweet potatoes
Asparagus (cooked)
Zucchini
Oats (cooked)
Avocado

Oats (cooked)
Rice (white basmati)
Whole wheat (unbleached)
Mung beans
Ghee
Milk (in moderation)

Apples
Pears
Watermelon
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Tomatoes
Celery
Brussel Sprouts
Cabbage

Peas
Peppers
Eggplant
Corn
Potatoes (white)
Oats (dry)
Barley
Most legumes including green lentils and garbanzo beans

Avoid raw and cold foods
Avoid dried foods, like dry fruits, salty snacks, and snack bars
Avoid processed foods
Avoid artificial additives
Avoid leftover foods