Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Some preliminary studies have connected AD disorders to food additives in children, but I would be curious to know if any of you have tried eliminating seasonings/spices and if it's had any effect. I have been noticing lately that when I eat spicy food I often have trouble focusing later, well...more trouble than usual.

flag	asked Sep 21 2011 at 2:57 Bread-Eating Beelzebub 55.7k●9●63●237

I've never noticed a connection between the two. Yet, it never occurred to me to look for one. – Eric S Sep 21 2011 at 4:37

Olivia · Answer 1 · 2011-09-21 03:04:18Z UTC

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Can't say I've noticed any difference. I've been through periods where I was only eating very bland, unseasoned food (protein sources= plain tinned fish and hard-boiled eggs, dorm living FTW) and periods where i've eaten lots of heavily seasoned and spiced food because I could cook for myself. No difference at all in ADD symptoms. I'm sure I'll be downvoted for this but medication is the thing that benefits me the most in that area.

answered Sep 21 2011 at 3:04

Olivia
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	Have you found that you can handle your medication better now that you are Paleo/stabilized blood sugar/healed gut lining/taken out food allergens? I took meds pre-paleo back in college and they caused huge amounts of anxiety in me. But I also have generalized anxiety (not so much now that paleo.) – Geoff Sep 21 2011 at 5:53
	I can't answer that because I didn't have any issues with blood sugar/gut health/whatever pre-paleo. I'm young and had always eaten relatively well (didn't grow up in north america, so no SAD.) I handle the medication well now and I handled it well before paleo too. – Olivia Sep 21 2011 at 5:58

Kikilula · Answer 2 · 2011-09-21 05:00:08Z UTC

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For my daughter (ADS, 10 years old) the MSG makes a huge difference: If she eats something with MSG her behaviour changes remarkably.

answered Sep 21 2011 at 5:00

Kikilula
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Daniel Kirsner · Answer 3 · 2011-09-21 04:18:18Z UTC

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I suppose cinnamon might reduce symptoms slightly, esp in those who eat a SAD and/or have problems with blood sugar regulation...

answered Sep 21 2011 at 4:18

Daniel Kirsner
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Aughra · Answer 4 · 2011-09-21 04:55:14Z UTC

I've never noticed a change. I notice a change in my ability to focus after a high starch/sugar meal or if I have MSG, but no, nothing with herbs or spices.

Is there a spice or herb you recognized this with in particular? I'd love to self experiment a bit. I was on Adderall for a long time, but a few years before I started paleo. I'm still a space cadet but the hyperactivity went away when I dropped food coloring, MSG, and sugar.

Stephen Challen · Answer 5 · 2013-06-12 07:43:57Z UTC

I don't think spices are the problem but rather takeaway shops add various additives such as MSG to the food which they would not do normally for their own food at home. That said good takeaways and restaurants (change a little more) but often do fresh spices and none of the rubbish. I grew up with spicy food and I actually think the curries help my ADHD is made the natural way.

Do spices affect your ADD/ADHD?

5 Answers