Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by an inability to focus, over-activity and uncontrollable behavior. It most commonly affects children but can continue into adulthood. ADHD cannot be cured but medication, psychotherapy and education can help control symptoms. Research published in 2008 in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" also found that diet may have a role in controlling ADHD.
The Feingold Diet and Salicylates
The Feingold diet is the most well-known diet for ADHD. It was created in the 1970s by pediatric allergist Dr. Benjamin Feingold who observed that 30 to 50 percent of his hyperactive patients benefited from a modified diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), this diet eliminates artificial colors, flavors and preservatives and salicylates. Salicylates are naturally occurring chemicals found in fruits and vegetables like berries, chilies, apples, cider, cloves, grapes, oranges, peaches, peppers, plums, prunes and tomatoes. The Feingold diet is controversial because while anecdotal evidence supports its effectiveness, the results of many scientific studies have been mixed.
Food Additives
Researchers from Cornell Medical Center published a study in 1994 in the "Annuls of Allergy" that found that children with ADHD benefited from avoiding food additives like artificial colorings. According to the Mayo Clinic, food additives like sodium benzoate, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Red No. 40 and FD&C Yellow No. 5 may cause hyperactivity, but more research is needed.
Elimination Diet
An elimination diet can help identify which foods, if any, worsen ADHD. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), elimination diets begin by restricting all food additives and foods that children are commonly allergic or sensitive to like eggs, wheat, milk, chocolate, soy, corn and citrus. Questionable foods are eliminated for at least two weeks while behavior is observed. If behavior does not change, a normal diet is resumed. If behavior improves, foods are reintroduced one at a time. Foods that do not provoke a negative reaction are considered safe. Foods that trigger negative behaviors are re-eliminated and retested at a later time or avoided indefinitely.
Herbs and Supplements
Herbs and supplements may help ADHD but many have not been scientifically proven as effective. The UMMC and Mayo Clinic recommend consulting a physician prior to using alternative therapies to treat ADHD due to possible side effects and medication interactions. Herbs that may help ADHD include St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, melatonin, roman chamomile, valerian, lemon balm, passionflower and pine bark. Supplements that may improve behavior include omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6 and L-carnitine.
Considerations
The Feingold and elimination diets can be difficult to follow and can require a lifestyle change for the entire family. The CSPI also warns that elimination diets should not be used for more than two weeks because diets that restrict multiple foods can lack essential nutrients. The UMMC encourages families using nutritional and alternative therapies to control ADHD to work with a health-care provider. The Mayo Clinic says the best diet for a child's overall health limits sugary and processed foods and focuses on nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
References
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: A Parent's Guide to Diet, ADHD and Behavior
- "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); 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
