Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most widespread conditions, and the causes may indeed include genes, and the environment.
For the past few years, the connection between ADHD and the general lifestyle of a person, as well as the psychological symptoms of the disorder, have become a subject of study.
One interesting question could be, can dehydration cause ADHD? This is not to say that dehydration is a direct cause of the disorder.
Still, it can be one of the great contributors to its worsening, and eventually, the patient’s behavior and attention span can also be primarily affected by it.
Dehydration is a general problem that everyone encounters, but the condition can be much worse when one is affected with ADHD.
First and foremost, let’s discover the connection between dehydration and ADHD as well as the possible dehydration effects children kids with ADHD.
The Role of Hydration in Brain Function
Water is a crucial element for the well-being of the brain. The brain comprises approximately 73% water, essential for the neural cells’ biosynthesis reactions.
Therefore, water is the only medium to transport oxygen from the cell to other parts and proteins in the cell.
To stay alert and focused, drink plenty of water and hydrate the brain, supporting mental fitness.
Without adequate hydration, the brain tends to slow various processes, leading to symptoms such as lack of focus, mental fatigue, mood swings, and cognitive impairment.
Remember how you feel when you run out of water for too long, and add on top of that the ADHD symptoms you are suffering from.
However, dehydration is not the cause of ADHD, but it worsens the symptoms of the neurological disorder.
Does Dehydration Cause ADHD?
Not outright.
There is no direct relation between them. The very roots of ADHD are the interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
On the other hand, dehydration causes brain function dysfunction, which in turn deteriorates the already present ADHD symptoms.
That’s the main reason hydration has to be made a priority in an overall health and wellness approach for those who have ADHD.
ADHD and Dehydration Symptoms
The coinciding dehydration symptoms and ADHD traits might be very similar.
Dehydration usually leads to irritation, distractibility, and sometimes even headaches.
On the other hand, people with ADHD can easily experience mood swings and focus problems.
Therefore, it is not a surprise that people wonder about the relationship between ADHD and drinking water practices, as well as the effect of chronic dehydration on their health.
To be properly hydrated means to take care of not only thirst but also to manage energy, brain function, and sleep, all of which are critical in handling ADHD.
Teenagers with ADHD tend to act impulsively and thus may unintentionally neglect hydration, which poses the question of whether their habit of hydration can affect their daily well-being.
Does Dehydration Aggravate ADHD Symptoms?
Some of the studies show that dehydration does influence the neurotransmitters, in particular dopamine and norepinephrine, which are especially relevant for ADHD.
While dopamine is a major factor in motivation and reward, norepinephrine affects the capacity to concentrate.
Since the body’s water availability may impede these systems, it might result in less mental alertness and more spontaneous behaviors.
Proper hydration might be helpful in reducing the seriousness of the problem.
Interestingly enough, some parents and caregivers observe the contribution of hydration to the behavior of children during activities that require sustained attention, such as school or sports.
Hydration seems to help children sustain better energy and alertness, serving as anecdotal evidence to support the role of water in symptom control in ADHD.
The Impact of ADHD Medications on Hydration
Most of the time, those ADHD medicines, like Adderall or Ritalin, can affect the amount and quality of eating and drinking.
This is sometimes done by mistake, which later results in the children experiencing dehydration.
These medications can also have the effect of not being hungry and not thirsty, which also will be a contributing factor to dehydration.
If your child has ADHD, it is important to suggest regular hydration as one of the explanations.
Another thing they can both do is create a balanced diet, as well as get enough sleep for better results.
Tips for Staying Hydrated with ADHD
Here are a few actionable strategies that can benefit individuals with ADHD who struggle with dehydration:
- Set Reminders to Hydrate: People with ADHD can make use of their phones to set reminders to drink water during the day at certain intervals. The apps that contain water intake tracking features may be very useful in this situation.
- Make Water More Interesting: Another way to get children to drink more water is to add fresh fruits, herbal infusions, or water enhancers to the water, thus making it taste better.
- Accompany Meals and Snacks with Water: A person can adopt having a glass of water together with snacks and dinner on a day-to-day basis to increase water intake with ease.
- Use More Interesting Mugs and Bottles: Your child may be more willing to drink water if you offer him/her a colorful, cute cup or bottle.
When to Get Help
If you’ve tried addressing dehydration and still notice severe ADHD symptoms, seek help from an expert in your area.
They can advise you on treatment, such as behavioral therapy or medication.
These approaches that integrate proper hydration, some type of mindfulness activity, exercise, and a custom-made treatment plan are able to provide the most favorable results for adults and children who are battling ADHD.
Why Holistic Care Is Essential
At Holistic Medical Services United, LLC, we recognize the importance of treating all parts of ADHD—not only the physical but also the mental and emotional.
For instance, the proper treatment, a balanced diet and plenty of water are among the numerous measures we employ to provide a holistic treatment plan.
For those in search of an “ADHD specialist near me,” we are here to help you.
Get in touch with us today and let us know how we can work with you on a custom plan to manage ADHD symptoms and health concerns.
Helping your child to succeed by giving them the right tools starts right now. Go to our website or contact us to make an appointment.
FAQs
Does dehydration affect ADHD?
Yes, dehydration can also worsen ADHD by diminishing focus and energy. Staying on top of your body’s water needs will give you the capability to manage your ADHD symptoms.
What causes sudden ADHD?
Sudden ADHD symptoms are not essentially the development of ADHD, which generally starts in childhood. Consequently, these symptoms can be indicative of another problem, such as stress or ill health.
Can dehydration cause trouble focusing?
Absolutely. Dehydration impacts specific brain functions such as attention and memory, and the effects are that people find it hard to focus, even those with ADHD.
What is commonly mistaken as ADHD?
Diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, sensory processing issues, and/or inadequate sleep—are all conditions that might sometimes imitate the symptoms of ADHD.
As a result, there is a high chance of getting a wrong diagnosis .