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ADHD is a behavior disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. Treatment involves medication and behavioral therapy, and an ADHD diet. The diet involves elimination, supplementation, and an overall nutrition plan, including protein, complex carbohydrates, and omega-3 fatty acids. Water is also important.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavior disorder that affects children, adolescents, and adults. However, it is more commonly found in children, and boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. Children with ADHD are often hyperactive, have difficulty concentrating, are disruptive in classrooms, and find it difficult to sit still and follow rules. This can affect academic performance and make it difficult for the child to function adequately in social situations. The cause of ADHD is unknown and there is no specific test to diagnose it, but treatment has generally involved a combination of medication and behavioral therapy, and more recently, an ADHD diet.
The idea behind an ADHD diet is that the brain will work better when it is nutritionally satiated, thus reducing ADHD symptoms such as the inability to concentrate and the restlessness that accompanies it. Also, some of the symptoms of ADHD are the same as those thought to be caused by food allergies, so diet can also be used as a means of diagnosis. The approach to an ADHD diet involves elimination, supplementation, and an overall nutrition plan.
The first step to the ADHD diet is elimination. Proponents suggest eliminating the following for two weeks: dairy, junk food, fruit juice, sugar substitutes, processed meats, MSG, food coloring, and fish. Sugar, chocolate and fried foods should be reduced by at least 90%. After two weeks, add each food back one at a time. Eat each food for several days and check for symptoms before adding an additional food. If symptoms are found, the trigger food should be eliminated in the future.
Once the elimination portion is complete, supplementation should be explored. Supplementation is used in conjunction with an ADHD diet to ensure necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are ingested. This is believed to reduce symptoms that can be triggered by a lack of nutrients.
The first key to an ADHD diet is protein. Add protein in the form of beans, meat, eggs, nuts, and cheese to breakfast and after-school snacks to improve concentration during school and homework. Cut back on simple carbohydrates like sugar, white flour, and white rice. Increase complex carbohydrates like vegetables, especially at night, to improve sleep. Eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna, salmon, and olive oil. Basically, a balanced diet rich in protein, with complex carbohydrates is ideal.
When it is not possible to obtain the necessary proteins and nutrients, supplements can be used. Water is also very important and swapping out a glass of water for soda or juice to ensure you consume at least eight glasses a day is a great first step. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be supplemented, and many natural remedies for ADHD can be found at local pharmacies.
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