Sulfate is needed in the phase 2 liver detoxification process for sulfuration. Phenol-sulfotransferase (PST) detoxifies excess hormones, phenols, amines, and toxins produced by intestinal yeast. It facilitates the transfer of sulfate molecules from sulfate-donor to phenol compounds, resulting in a soluble complex that can easily be excreted by the kidneys.

Sulfur-containing amino acids, such as cysteine, methionine, and taurine are major sulfur-donors in the body. However, children with ADHD are thought to have suboptimal phenol-sulfurotransferase system due to inadequate sulfate intake. Because of this limitation, the body cannot eliminate toxins efficiently.

Furthermore, heavy metals, such as mercury, lead and cadmium from the environment attach to the sulfur group of protein, inhibiting the release of sulfate from the amino acid complex.

Phenols occur naturally in many of our common foods, such as bioflavonoids, carotenoids (carotene, lutein, lycopene, xanthophylls, and zeaxanthin), phytoestrogen (estrogen-like substances in plants), and salicylates (salts of aspirin) in our colorful fruits and vegetables. Yeasts or candida in the intestines also produces phenol.

The inadequate intake of sulfur-containing amino acids, an excessive overload of heavy metals, and excessive intake of dietary phenols, phytoestrogen, and salicylates work together to sabotage the phenol-sulfotransferase system. Thus, toxic compounds build up in the system resulting in the notorious ADHD symptoms of hyperactivity, lack of focus, irritability, aggression, etc.

Symptoms of PST or sulfate deficiency include reddened ears, hyperactivity, inappropriate laughter, night sweats, dark circles under eyes, excessive thirst, aggressive behaviors, head-banging, eczema, facial flushing, and trouble falling to sleep, disturbed sleep, and odorous bed-clothes.

Diets limited in salicylates and phytoestrogen, such as the Feingold diet, and diets that eliminate intestinal yeast overgrowths, such as the Body Ecology diet or Specific Carbohydrate diet, may reduce the workload on the already suppressed PST enzyme.

Remember. The source of sulfate for PST is sulfur-containing amino acids, such as cysteine, methionine, and taurine. My suggestion would be a healthy plant-based diet with high-quality plant-based protein. Besides, children with ADHD need to start the day with good high protein breakfast.

Plant sources of methionine:

• Black beans
• Brazil nuts
• Kidney beans
• Pumpkin seeds
• Quinoa
• Sesame seeds
• Soybeans
• Teff
• White beans
• Wild rice

Plant sources of cysteine:

• Chickpeas
• Couscous
• Lentils
• Oats
• Soybeans
• Walnuts

Other plant sources of sulfur:

• garlic
• leeks
• chives
• onions
• broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• cauliflower
• cabbage
• kale

Sulfur is poorly absorbed orally as a supplement. The best route to supplement sulfate is with an Epsom salt bath. The magnesium sulfate salt in Epsom dissolves into a solution and is readily absorbed into the body through the skin.

You can do an Epsom salt bath or foot soak.

I make a topical paste that also works wonderfully. It saves time, energy, and water.

If you prefer a good old Epsom salt bath, you may read to your child during this time. Be sure to not leave little children unattended in the bathtub filled with water.

You can also do a foot bath for 15 minutes while doing homework or reading. Of course, you’ll save a lot of water and use a lot less salt.

The bath, foot soak, or paste are best taken prior to bedtime at night to calm down.

I have a parent who told me that the Epsom salt makes his son sleepy. This is because magnesium helps calm the brain.

Best of all, my daughter stops having that funny smell when she sweats and wakes up in the morning.

Some children may become agitated after taking an Epsom salt bath. If that’s the case use less Epsom salt, and then slowly increase over several weeks.

People frequently have the misconception that toxins are being drawn out of the skin pores into the bathwater. The truth is that soaking in the Epsom salt bath allows the body to absorb the magnesium and sulfate through the skin into the body, then the body gets rid of toxins via its detoxification system.

This influx of sulfate boosts the liver’s detoxification system, and toxins are then released into the colon or kidneys.

Ok, there you have it…

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below.

Remember ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.

I helped my crazy wild child who could not read or write when she was little with the four pillars I laid out in the Eat to Focus book. She’s now a merit scholarship student studying premed at Loyola Chicago University.

So stay strong and keep believing in your child.

Check out the Eat to Focus book to learn about my story and the 4 steps that I used to transform my daughter and help her reach her full potential. This information may change your child’s future.

Download your free gift “15 Quick and Simple School Day Breakfast Ideas for Kids with ADHD” before you leave.