Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychological condition that affects children and adults. It is characterized by inattention, distractibility, impulsivity and over-active behavior. ADHD cannot be cured but drug and psychotherapy treatment can minimize symptoms. Nutrition as both a cause and treatment of ADHD has been studied extensively. A review article published in 2008 by researchers at Norwegian American Hospital in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" stated that nutrition and ADHD are connected and more information is needed to determine its role in ADHD treatment protocol.
Following the Feingold Diet
The Feingold diet was developed by Dr. Benjamin Feingold in the 1970s and is still one of the most well known diets associated with ADHD. Feingold was a pediatric allergist who observed that 30 to 50 percent of his hyperactive patients benefitted from diet modifications. The Feingold diet eliminates all artificial colorings, flavorings and sweeteners, preservatives and foods that contain salicylate like berries, chilies, apples, cider, cloves, grapes, oranges, peaches, peppers, plums, prunes and tomatoes. Although the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) says the Feingold diet is controversial due to lack of research and scientific evidence of success, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) says that some individuals have reported success on the diet.
Eliminating Food Additives
Food additives are substances like flavorings, preservatives, stabilizers, emulsifiers and artificial colorings. Eliminating foods with additives to improve ADHD symptoms is a highly researched area. Cornell Medical Center researchers removed food additives from the diets of 19 children with ADHD and published a report in 1994 in the "Annals of Allergy." According to their research, eliminating food additives like artificial colorings benefited children with ADHD. The Mayo Clinic says preservatives like sodium benzoate and artificial colorings like FD&C Yellow No. 5 may cause hyperactivity but more research is needed to confirm the benefits of eliminating such substances.
The Few-Foods Diet
The CSPI explains the few-foods diet as a way to identify foods that may worsen ADHD symptoms. This diet restricts all food additives and foods that commonly cause negative reactions in children like wheat, eggs, milk and dairy products, chocolate, soy, corn and citrus. Restricted foods are eliminated for at least two weeks while behavior is observed. If behavior remains the same or gets worse, diet is assumed to be insignificant in managing ADHD and normal eating resumes. If behavior improves, foods are re-introduced one at a time, and any adverse reactions are noted. Foods that do not change behavior are considered safe, but foods that are observed to cause negative behaviors are eliminated again and retested at a later time. The CSPI advises that a restricted diet should not last longer than two weeks. The Mayo Clinic recommends consulting a doctor before putting a child on an elimination diet.
References
- "A Parent's Guide to Diet, ADHD and Behavior"; Center for Science in the Public Interest; 1999
- "Annuls of Allergy"; Foods and additives are common causes of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children; M. Boris, F.S. Mandel; May 1994
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Nutrition and environmental approaches to preventing and treating autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a review; L.T. Curtis, K. Patel; January-February 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder- other treatments
