ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is often thought of as a behavioural disorder, but what if the symptoms stem from deeper biochemical factors?
It turns out that the underlying causes of ADHD can sometimes be traced back to specific nutrient imbalances that affect brain chemistry. Two key factors involved in these imbalances are excess free copper and excess methylation. Many naturopathic practitioners focus on addressing these biochemical issues to improve symptoms naturally.
Here’s how these biochemical factors work and how they can contribute to ADHD symptoms.
1. Excess Free Copper: How It Affects the Brain
Copper is an essential trace element that plays a role in many vital processes in the body, including the formation of blood vessels and the function of enzymes. However, when there is too much copper in the brain, it can interfere with neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. Dopamine is a neurochemical responsible for motivation, focus, and concentration—key elements often disrupted in individuals with ADHD.
Copper contributes to a process that converts dopamine into brain adrenaline (norepinephrine), which can significantly impact brain function:
Decreased Focus, Motivation, and Concentration: Dopamine is crucial for focus and concentration. When there’s an excess of copper, it converts dopamine into brain adrenaline, shifting the brain from a “focused” state to a “fight-or-flight” state.
Increased Stress Response: Brain adrenaline is associated with the body’s stress response, often manifesting as irritability, anxiety, or frustration. Many people with ADHD experience restlessness and difficulty concentrating due to this overwhelming rush of adrenaline.
The “Squirrel Syndrome”: With high copper levels, the brain can become easily distracted. Attention that should be fixed on one task gets hijacked by the adrenaline rush, leading to constant task-switching and difficulty sustaining focus.
When the brain is flooded with brain adrenaline, it becomes more reactive and less able to concentrate, worsening ADHD symptoms such as distractibility, irritability, and impulsivity.
2. Excess Methylation: The Impact on Neurotransmitter Function
Methylation is a fundamental biochemical process in the body that involves adding a small molecule (a “methyl group”) to DNA, proteins, and other molecules. This process is crucial for gene expression, detoxification, and neurotransmitter regulation. However, when there is excess methylation, it can contribute to ADHD-like symptoms.
Overstimulation of Dopamine and Serotonin: Methylation directly regulates neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Too much methyl can overstimulate these chemicals, leading to hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation—hallmarks of ADHD.
Balance is Key: The body needs a careful balance of methylation to maintain mental clarity, emotional stability, and focus. Too much methyl can disrupt this balance, creating an overstimulated state that affects mood and concentration. For individuals with ADHD, excess methylation may contribute to symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
3. The Zinc-Copper Balance and Its Role in ADHD
Zinc and copper are like yin and yang in the body, constantly working together in a delicate balance. When one is off, it affects the other.
Zinc Deficiency: Zinc is an essential mineral that supports immune function, brain health, and neurotransmitter metabolism. A vitamin deficiency in zinc can lead to increased copper absorption, worsening the imbalance.
The Role of Genetics: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to low zinc levels, leading to excess copper accumulation in the brain. This imbalance can contribute to ADHD symptoms such as difficulty focusing and heightened emotional responses.
How These Biochemical Imbalances Create ADHD Symptoms
Excess Copper: High copper levels in the brain convert dopamine (the “focus” neurochemical) into epinephrine, driving the brain into a reactive state. This shift from focus to anxiety or irritability is a key factor in ADHD, leading to symptoms like mood swings, distractibility, and impulsivity.
Excess Methylation: Too much methyl production overstimulates dopamine and serotonin, contributing to hyperactivity, anxiety, and emotional reactivity—common ADHD traits.
Zinc-Copper Imbalance: Low zinc and high copper levels prevent the brain from maintaining proper neurotransmitter balance, leading to concentration issues, irritability, and emotional dysregulation.
A Holistic Approach to ADHD Management
The good news is that these biochemical imbalances can often be corrected with targeted nutritional support. Many naturopaths emphasize treating ADHD symptoms by addressing excess copper, methylation issues, and vitamin deficiencies rather than relying solely on medication.
By focusing on nutrition, supplementing appropriately, and testing for imbalances, individuals with ADHD may experience improvements in focus, emotional regulation, and mental clarity. A holistic approach that considers biochemical health can be a powerful alternative or complement to conventional treatments.
If you recognize any of these patterns in your own life, it might be worth consulting with a naturopath at Dynamic Health Clinic in Toronto to explore a more comprehensive approach to managing ADHD symptoms. Looking at the biochemical foundations of ADHD, including nutrient imbalances, using a WALSH test can be an essential step toward better mental health and overall well-being.
