ADHD is a neurological disorder that first appears in childhood. It is marked by problems sustaining attention, excess hyperactivity or both. Children with ADHD often underachieve at school, have difficulty completing chores and are prone to act rashly. Usually, the optimal treatment program includes medication, psychotherapy and use of behavior management strategies. Burgeoning research suggests that dietary factors can affect the occurrence and severity of ADHD symptoms, and may play a critical causal role. Dietary interventions for ADHD should enhance blood sugar stability to minimize hyperglycemia, identify and eliminate substances and foods that trigger allergic or intolerance reactions and promote a balanced diet to enhance neurological and physiological functioning.
Protein
Protein stabilizes blood sugar and minimizes the possible effect of hypoglycemia on ADHD symptoms. Research, such as described at ADD ADHD Advances, suggests that many children with ADHD may have metabolic problems that lead to hypoglycemia. For example, Langseth and Dowd found that nearly three quarters of their 261 subjects diagnosed with hyperactivity had abnormal sugar metabolism. Protein takes longer to digest and slows the release of blood sugars. Further, protein enhances production of amino acids that raise the levels of the neurochemical serotonin in the brain. Serotonin improves concentration and attention. Include foods with protein at every meal and at mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. Proteins are contained in meats, legumes, nuts and soy products like tofu.
Essential Fatty Acids
Cold water fish and seafood provide protein, and additionally contain an essential fatty-acid, DHA, that according to author Phyllis Balch is commonly lacking in children with ADHD. Symptoms of fatty acid deficiency can include dry skin, asthma, eczema, thirst, frequent urination and allergies--symptoms that according to ADD ADHD Advances also prove common in ADHD children. Increase the protein and fatty acid in your child's diet by providing seafood such as bluefish, cod, halibut, mackerel, mullet, salmon, shrimp, trout and tuna. If your ADHD child also has symptoms like eczema or dry skin, you might try an essential fatty acid supplement such as fish oil tablets.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates stabilize metabolic regulation and can therefore minimize ADHD symptoms. Further, complex carbohydrates and proteins together enhance the availability of important brain chemicals such as serotonin, epinephrine and dopamine. Include complex carbohydrates like fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, split peas, lentils, beans and whole grain food in every meal.
Healthy Snacks
Make healthy snacks that minimize ADHD symptoms by mixing proteins and complex carbohydrates. For example, apple slices with a yogurt dip, celery sticks with peanut butter and whole wheat crackers with cheese are appealing snacks that stabilize blood sugar and provide critical nutrition.
Avoid Refined Sugar
While experts may not always agree, research such as described at ADD ADHD Advances indicates that foods high in sugar can trigger hyperactivity in vulnerable children. Minimize your child's consumption of soda, candy, cake, highly sweetened cereal and pastry.
Food Allergies and Further Foods to Avoid
Burgeoning evidence from many sources indicates that food allergies, sensitivities, and food additive intolerances may contribute to the severity of ADHD symptoms in some children. Try an elimination diet like the one described at Functional Medicine. Eliminate potential offending food from your child's diet for at least two weeks and observe your child's ADHD symptoms. If symptoms improve, one of the foods you eliminated may be the cause. Reintroduce one food item at a time and observe your child's ADHD symptoms. If symptoms reappear or get worse, then eliminate that food from your child's diet. Foods that have been found to contribute to ADHD symptoms in some children include: processed foods that contain additives or food colors; milk and dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream and eggs; foods with gluten such as wheat bread and pasta and artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
References
- ADD ADHD Advances: The Role of Sugar in ADHD
- Chiropractic Resource Organization: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children: Rationale for Its Integrative Management
- National Institute of Mental Health: NIMH: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- "Nutritional Healing;" Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- The Institute for Functional Medicine: Comprehensive Elimination Diet
