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May 2025
7m 35s

They Got ADHD All Wrong — And I Can Prov...

DR. ERIC BERG
About this episode

ADHD is not genetic! In this video, we’ll examine the profound connection between ADHD and diet. Discover the foods that worsen ADHD symptoms, the relationship between ADHD and sugar intake, and the best ADHD diet to address the nutritional deficiencies that may be causing some of the symptoms in the first place.


0:00 Introduction: ADHD and poor nutrition

0:13 ADHD diagnosis and ADHD symptoms

1:54 Side effects of ADHD medications

2:04 ADHD causes

3:32 ADHD and food

4:24 ADHD and nutritional deficiencies

6:20 The best ADHD diet


Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is typically diagnosed by identifying the following ADHD symptoms:

•Makes mistakes easily

•Lack of attention to detail

•Does not listen when spoken to directly

•Doesn’t complete tasks

•Cannot play quietly

•Problems organizing

•Loses things

•Frequent fidgeting

•Too much energy

•Talks too much

Many ADHD symptoms are normal childhood behaviors, and a poor diet can exaggerate all of them.


ADHD is often treated with Adderall and Ritalin, which make lots of money for Big Pharma. The definition of ADHD has been dramatically expanded to make it more diagnosable, putting more people on medication.


A double-blinded study showed that after 36 months, any benefits from Adderall faded to zero. It also has side effects such as aggressive behavior or a dulled mood.


ADHD involves a metabolic problem with the prefrontal cortex of the brain. These metabolic changes affect the way the brain metabolizes fuel. If the brain is starved of fuel, you may exhibit symptoms like a lack of attention and hyperactivity. Chemicals like food dyes, artificial sweeteners, sugar, starch, and MSG tremendously impact behavior.


Increasing dopamine can improve focus and feelings of calmness. Foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and cheese are high in the amino acid L-tyrosine, the precursor to dopamine.


Research has shown that micronutrients, especially B6, magnesium, and zinc, can significantly decrease ADHD symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids and fish oils can also improve symptoms without side effects.


Vitamin B1 is one of the most overlooked nutrients, especially in psychiatric conditions. When a child consumes a lot of glucose, vitamin B1 is depleted, inhibiting the brain’s ability to utilize fuel. If an adult or child is experiencing ADHD symptoms, they should switch to a low-carb diet so their body can run on ketones. Ketones will fuel the neurons and restore a sense of calmness and increased attention span.


Dr. Eric Berg DC Bio:

Dr. Berg, age 60, is a chiropractor who specializes in Healthy Ketosis & Intermittent Fasting. He is the author of the best-selling book The Healthy Keto Plan, and is the Director of Dr. Berg Nutritionals. He no longer practices, but focuses on health education through social media.

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