Exploring ADHD, Nutrition, and Neurodevelopment: An Interview with Dr. Rachel V. Gow

In this episode, Dr. Rachel V. Gow, a distinguished neuroscientist and neuropsychologist and the author of the highly acclaimed book “Smart Foods for ADHD and Brain Health", discusses her extensive research and personal journey focusing on the impact of nutrition on brain development and behaviour.

Dr. Gow shares her experiences as a mother to a child with ADHD, her groundbreaking work on how diet influences cognitive function, and her advocacy for better public health understanding. She explains the challenges she faced within the educational system concerning her son's ADHD, the significance of omega-3 fatty acids, and the role of nutrition in early brain development.

Dr. Gow also talks about her charity, Nutritious Minds Trust, which aims to support children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families, offering diagnostic evaluations and community support. The episode highlights the importance of holistic approaches, community engagement, and understanding the biological basis of ADHD.

To buy Rachel's book: https://amzn.to/2IPSHvl
To get involved with her charity: http://www.nutritiousminds.org/

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Rachel V. Gow

01:51 Rachel's Early Career and Personal Journey

04:25 Challenges with Son's Education and Diagnosis

07:30 Understanding ADHD and Its Implications

18:50 Medication and Its Effects

29:08 Exploring Nutritional Interventions

36:24 Challenges in Preventative Health Research

37:15 The Deceptive Food Industry

38:55 Preventing Metabolic Diseases Through Diet

39:45 Impact of Processed Foods on Health

42:22 Early Childhood Nutrition and Brain Development

43:23 The Role of Omega-3 in Neurodevelopment

45:15 Nutritional Deficiencies and Cognitive Impairment

52:37 The Gut-Brain Axis and Mental Health

54:53 Supporting Children with ADHD and Autism

55:28 The Importance of Community and Support

59:42 Nutritious Minds Trust Charity

01:07:19 Advice for Parents of Children with ADHD

01:10:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The List of Studies mentioned in this podcast:

Hibbeln JR, Davis JM, Steer C, Emmett P, Rogers I, Williams C, Golding J. Maternal seafood consumption in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood (ALSPAC study): an observational cohort study. Lancet. 2007 Feb 17;369(9561):578-85. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60277-3. PMID: 17307104.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17307104/

Golding J, Steer C, Emmett P, Davis JM, Hibbeln JR. High levels of depressive symptoms in pregnancy with low omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish. Epidemiology. 2009 Jul;20(4):598-603. doi: 10.1097/EDE.0b013e31819d6a57. PMID: 19289957.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19289957/

Hibbeln JR. Depression, suicide and deficiencies of omega-3 essential fatty acids in modern diets. World Rev Nutr Diet. 2009;99:17-30. doi: 10.1159/000192992. Epub 2009 Jan 9. PMID: 19136836.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19136836

Hibbeln JR, Gow RV. The potential for military diets to reduce depression, suicide, and impulsive aggression: a review of current evidence for omega-3

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