Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 10/25/2011

Question
Hi Dr.
I am 52, and was diagnosed with adult A.D.D. about ten years ago. I have been on wellbutrin since and am doing fine.
I am always trying to improve my health, and I have noticed a few things.
Thinking it was healthier and I would lose weight, for the past summer I changed my diet. I ate fish and eggs but no red meat. About a month into this my A.D.D. symptoms returned, or became harder to supress.
My digestive issue, gas and bloating, became worse, after a short spell of improvement, and my skin and hair didnt look so good.
I have now gone to a low carb diet, or more accurately low glycemic, and I eat only lean cuts of meat.
Along with some weight loss I look and feel much better, no A.D.D, issues.
I am convinced I have whats called 'metabolic syndrome'.
Could there be a connection between diet and A.D.D.? Is it possible a high carbohydrate diet can contribute to the symptoms?
Thanks.

Answer
Firstly ADHD /ADD is genetically inherited overactive right brain amd/or immature left brain and totally unrelated to diet. Next the brain can only metabolise glucose so if you cut out sugars the brain would starve. Lucily the process of "Neo,gluco,genesis" is a physioclogical process of producing sugar from fats and protein if someboby is foolish to cut out all sugar. However  every thing in moderation is still good advice and healthy eating is advisable. If ADHD/ADD is severe enough stimulants are the most effective treatment provided they are correctly used. Welbutrin may be effedctive in very mild ADHD or the complicaqtion of non treated ADHD which is depression. The metabolic syndrome has absolutely nothing to do with ADHD. It is an age related dietary problem. If your ADHD is causing problems you should see a medical expert who specializes in ADHD. Good luck!