Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that usually affects children. It is characterized by over-activity and the inability to focus. A special diet may help prevent and alleviate symptoms of ADHD but will be different for each individual. An elimination diet is one of the most common diets used to treat ADHD and works by avoiding foods thought to aggravate ADHD.
Elimination
The first stage of an elimination diet eliminates all suspected food items. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and Mayo Clinic common foods and substances that are eliminated include foods that children are often allergic or sensitive to like wheat, eggs, dairy, nuts, fish and shellfish, citrus, chocolate and soy. Food additives are often avoided with ADHD because they are thought to increase hyperactivity and include substances like sodium benzoate, FD&C yellow no. 6, D&C yellow no. 10, FD&C yellow no. 5 and FD&C red no. 40.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) says the elimination phase of the diet should last for at least two weeks and any changes in behavior or mood should be noted. The UMMC advises that elimination diets should only take place under supervision by a physician. The elimination phase should not be prolonged because it may lack essential nutrients due to the number of restricted foods.
Experimentation
The experimentation stage reintroduces food back into the diet one at a time while parents and caregivers watch for negative reactions associated with a food. Foods that appear to evoke a negative response, such as a change in behavior or mood, should be re-eliminated and avoided entirely or re-tested at a later time. Foods that are eaten and do not appear to have negative side effects are considered safe and allowed in the diet from that point on. The CSPI recommends keeping a written record of the foods that are eliminated and re-introduced and note both negative and positive responses.
Maintenance
The maintenance stage of an ADHD diet involves restricting foods known to aggravate ADHD and identifying and testing new foods that may trigger symptoms of ADHD. A long-term diet for ADHD may also include foods thought to help ADHD like those high in omega-3 fatty acids and zinc. According to the UMMC omega-3 fatty acids support normal brain function and zinc deficiencies have been associated with some incidences of ADHD. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil, vegetable oil and nuts. Food sources of zinc include oysters and other shellfish, beans, nuts, whole grains, dairy products and breakfast cereals.
