The Joe Wicks /ADHD mini-storm – My observations

As a Co-founder of a family nutrition start-up, I have a sense of duty to look at things dispassionately as ultimately, I’m seeking the quickest and most effective means to actually help our customers and not just ‘look on trend’.

I also find that quite boring.

When I first took the leap into the world of nutrition, ?I started off following the orthodoxy and dogma of the industry that I was stepping into. I quickly realised however, that in the absence of challenging this, our mission would be stifled, and we wouldn’t make the impact that we intend to.

Now, when it comes to the recent Joe Wicks/ADHD controversy… I feel like I need to apply the same perspective.

A few weeks ago, Joe Wicks, the nation's beloved Body Coach, inadvertently became the eye of a storm with his comments on the role of diet and ADHD.? He commented "Looking back now, there's no doubt the food I was eating was directly linked to my behaviour." ?This and other comments then stirred a whirlpool of emotions and responses—particularly from ADHD UK, the leading charity for the condition.

Joe Wicks: A Man on a Mission

Joe Wicks, the Body Coach, has a backstory that champions transformation and health. Rising from personal adversity, Joe has become a household name because of his obsession with demonstrating that exercise and nutrition is for EVERYONE and he showed us how, particularly during lockdown.

His comments on the potential dietary roots of ADHD-like symptoms, while apparently polarising, I believe were misconstrued. Let’s be totally clear, Joe is not an ADHD expert, of course not, but I think he was alluding more to the fact that our poor national diet (not the consumers fault btw!) is contributing to ADHD-like behaviours, some perhaps much milder than the actual neurological condition (ADHD) which COULD BE leading to an over-diagnosis in children.

Let’s look at the numbers…. NHS statistics show more than 230,000 people in England are now taking ADHD meds compared to pretty much half that number 8 years ago? (according to analysis by The Pharmaceutical Journal notes).? So…a 100% increase in 8 years….

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ADHD UK's Emotive Response

The retort from ADHD UK through its co-founders was swift and stern. Dr. Max Davie's assertive statement, "There is absolutely no evidence that any particular diet, including ultra-processed food, has any causative role in the development of ADHD symptoms,".? Meanwhile, Harry Shelford expressed disappointment, emphasising, "Diet good, bad, or ugly won't make you have ADHD or make you not have ADHD." ?

Now, these are very smart, good people and I’m certainly not qualified or even seeking to make a counter-argument…but I can give an observation that there are emerging theories to consider in response to that and that their responses don’t quite fit the point Joe was actually making. ?

It just so happens that I’ve developed an extremely keen interest in the works of Dr. Christopher Palmer MD (Havard) and others such as Casey Means MD.... and I think that the debate could benefit from these considerations also….. Allow me to summarise the best way I can

(I apologise in advance if my technical understanding falls short and if this is a bit too wordy for a LinkedIn article, but it’s important).

Dr. Christopher Palmer's Metabolic Insight

In a field where ADHD is view within the framework of neurotransmitter imbalances, Dr. Palmer offers a refreshing pivot. His perspective, grounded in much recent research, suggests that we may have been looking at ADHD through too narrow a lens and that maybe ADHD symptoms might actually be rooted in brain metabolism — specifically, how different regions of the brain process energy.

His theory suggests that certain areas of the brain may not be metabolising glucose effectively in the cells, leading to suboptimal performance that manifests as the symptoms commonly associated with ADHD. This metabolic disfunction could, in theory, influence the brain's capacity to regulate attention and impulse control, fundamental challenges faced by those with ADHD.

Moreover, Dr. Palmer discusses the idea that stimulant medications commonly used in ADHD treatment may actually work by addressing these metabolic issues. These meds used could potentially boost the energy supply in the underactive regions of the brain, thereby enhancing cognitive functions and behavioral regulation.

The implications of this relatively new perspective, thinking of this as a metabolic disorder are significant! They suggest that interventions targeting brain metabolism, such as changes to diet that emphasise consistent energy provision, could play a potential role in managing ADHD symptoms. It’s a concept that aligns with the idea that certain nutrients and foods have the capacity to modulate brain function.

Dr. Palmer’s theory should make us explore and consider how a tailored diet — possibly one for example, that stabilises blood sugar and provides a steady supply of energy to the brain — could complement traditional ADHD treatments. ? Very important to understand that this theory is suggesting it could complement existing treatments and have a role to play…not be the sole cause and treatment! This approach doesn't diminish the reality of ADHD but offers an additional avenue for potential symptom management.? So, to shut down the debate that diet can contribute to or help manage ADHD symptoms, I believe should be constructively challenged??? After all, we are seeking the absolute truth to help those most effectively who are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD, right?

Dialogue with SEN Tutors: Echoes of Overdiagnosis

In the wake of this mini-storm, ?I've since spoken with five SEN tutors (one of who I trust implicitly) and they each echoed concerns of potential overdiagnosis going on. ?They all tended to point to a troubling pattern where quick labels might be preceding thorough understanding. ?"There's this tendency to quickly label, rather than understand," shared one North London based tutor and her concern was that those with genuine ADHD symptoms will suffer from more thinly spread specialist help.

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Conclusion

·?????? I’m not an expert on ADHD, The Co-Founders of ADHD UK are.

·?????? Joe Wickes points were misinterpreted, most likely due to an emotive response, which is understandable.

·?????? Diet does effect brain function and behaviour, are we ‘labelling’ these symptoms too quickly as neurological conditions in children?

·?????? There are emerging theories that diet MAY affect ADHD symptoms. They are surely worth exploring also.

Thank you for reading.