Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that usually affects children but can also affect adults. ADHD cannot be cured, but medication, psychotherapy and education may help minimize symptoms. Special diets for ADHD are still being researched, and some are controversial. Children in particular need well-balanced diets to promote growth and development. According to the Mayo Clinic, the healthiest approach to feeding a child with ADHD is to focus on fruits, vegetables, grains and healthy fats, and limit sugary and processed foods.
Causes and Symptoms
No one knows what causes ADHD, but it may be due to altered brain function, genetics or exposure to toxins. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), children are usually diagnosed with ADHD prior to age 7, and symptoms can look different in boys and girls. Possible symptoms of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and uncontrollable behavior.
The Feingold Diet
The Feingold diet was invented in the 1970s by pediatric allergist Dr. Benjamin Feingold after observing that 30 to 50 percent of his hyperactive patients had improved behavior with diet modifications. It is the diet most commonly associated with ADHD and eliminates all artificial additives like food colorings, flavorings, sweeteners, preservatives and salicylate-containing foods. Salicylate is a chemical found in fruits and vegetables like berries, chilies, apples, cider, cloves, grapes, oranges, peaches, peppers, plums, prunes and tomatoes. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), the Feingold diet is controversial due to a lack of research and mixed results regarding its effectiveness.
Food Additives
According to the Mayo Clinic and a study published in 1994 in the "Annuls of Allergy" by Cornell Medical Center researchers, children with ADHD may benefit from avoiding food additives. Examples of food additives are sodium benzoate, a preservative, and the artificial colorings FD&C yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow), D&C yellow No. 10 (quinoline yellow), FD&C yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) and FD&C red No.40 (allura red). The Mayo Clinic says FD&C yellow No. 5 in particular may increase hyperactivity.
Elimination Diet
An elimination diet is often used to identify food allergens, but it can also help pinpoint foods that affect behavior. According to the CSPI, an elimination diet starts by eliminating all food additives and common childhood allergens like eggs, wheat, milk, chocolate, soy, corn, citrus, nuts and fish. Foods are eliminated for two weeks while behavior is observed. If behavior stays the same or worsens, a normal diet is resumed. If behavior improves, single foods are reintroduced while reactions are noted. Foods that appear to negatively affect behavior are reeliminated and avoided or retested at a later time. Foods that do not affect behavior are considered safe to eat.
The CSPI warns that elimination diets can be nutritionally deficient due to the number of foods that are restricted and should not be used for more than two weeks.
Alternative Treatments
Supplements and herbs may help treat ADHD, but many have not been scientifically proven as effective. The UMMC encourages individuals to consult a physician prior to treating ADHD with alternative therapies due to possible side effects and medication interactions. According to the Mayo Clinic and UMMC, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, L-carnitine and vitamin B6 regulate brain activity, and supplements may benefit ADHD. Herbs with calming effects that may decrease hyperactivity include Roman chamomile, valerian, lemon balm and passionflower. Ginko biloba and ginseng have also been used to treat ADHD.
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 ADHD: A Review; L. T. Curtis, K. Patel; Jan./Feb. 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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