12 Ways to Prevent ADHD/ADD in the Womb

With the ever growing digital addiction getting even more embedded into our daily lives, concerns for our children developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are more prevalent than ever. Add in an subpar diet and rapidly moving society and it is a wonder that we all don’t have some sort of focus challenge.

Fortunately, new science has come to light citing the potential for preventing ADHD/ADD while pregnant. Combine this science with simple lifestyle applications such as breaking the digital tether and our future generations just may have a shot at higher human connection.

IGF2 Protection

According to researchers, the gene IGF2 which is responsible for fetal brain development is believed to be compromised by a mother’s high fat, high sugar diet.

Edward Barker, director of the developmental psychopathology lab at King’s College London comments on this finding,

“These results suggest that promoting a healthy prenatal diet may ultimately lower ADHD symptoms and conduct problems in children,”

Going even further, preliminary findings are suggesting that what a mother eats during pregnancy can also influence the fetus’ genetic development.

Baker continues,

“DNA methylation [the cell interpreting process of IGF2] can influence how a person’s genetic make-up might affect their development, in response to risk exposures including poor nutrition,”

According to these studies and many others like it, sticking to less processed foods, minimal meat and more plant based ingredients is recommended.

Proper Probiotics

Microbiome science is one of the major studies of future medicine. By investigating individual gut bacteria, doctors are beginning to determine how adding missing probiotics (good bacteria) to the intestinal, urinary and reproductive tract could enhance overall health. Applying good bacteria to a pregnant woman’s supplementation may substantially enhance the health of the fetus and the mother.

Preliminary studies are showing a link coined the ‘Gut and Psychology Syndrome’ or GAPS which is the connection between the microbiome and the brain. In a vaginal birth, as the fetus passes through the canal it “collects” important microbes that are believed to be an influential imprint on the fetus’ future health.

However, without a strong microbiome community the mother could have lingering, asymptomatic vaginal infections. It is believed that these could transfer to the baby which may otherwise be reduced or eliminated if the mother were given the proper probiotic protocol.

In addition to being a possible preventative for a fetus developing ADHD/ADD, probiotics may also help avoid autism, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and many other conditions.

Control the Risk

Prior to and during your pregnancy there are various ways you may be able to prevent the development of ADHD/ADD and autism in your newborn. Expert Beacon cites holistic practitioner Dr. Debby Hamilton’s do’s and don’ts:

Do

• Eat organic food
• Take a fish oil supplement
• Consistently take a prenatal vitamin before beginning a pregnancy
• Eat probiotic rich foods
• Have your thyroid hormones checked before pregnancy

Don’t

• Use cosmetics and creams with harmful chemicals
• Allow toxic chemicals into your home
• Drink unfiltered water
• Keep your cell phone in your pocket or near your pregnant belly
• Wait until pregnancy to make important changes in your health

 

With so many environmental and dietary toxins surrounding us everyday it is important to remain vigilant during the vulnerability of pregnancy. As more science emerges it is simple preventive applications such as these that just may instill a stronger, healthier future generation.