Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should follow federal dietary guidelines to support proper growth and development. They may benefit from avoiding certain foods and food additives that are thought to aggravate symptoms of ADHD; however, the validity of special diets to treat ADHD is controversial. According to the Mayo Clinic, the healthiest diet for a child with ADHD is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, and low in fat, sodium and added sugar.
Nutrient-Dense Foods
Nutrient-dense foods are foods that are naturally low in calories and fat but packed with essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The Mayo Clinic encourages children with ADHD to fill up on nutrient-dense foods because they have all the nutrients a child needs to develop physically and cognitively. Nutrient-dense foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meat and beans. Children who fill up on foods that are high in fat and sugar like soda, dessert, candy and fast food are at risk for nutritional deficiencies and chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Salicylate
Salicylate is a chemical found in certain fruits and vegetables. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), salicylates are avoided on the Feingold diet, a popular, but controversial diet used to treat ADHD. Children with ADHD who limit or avoid salicylates can eat bananas, beans, beets, bean sprouts, broccoli, melons, grapefruits, kiwis, lemons, mangos, papayas, pears, pineapples, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, kale, lettuce, squash, corn, sweet potatoes, lentils, mushrooms, onions, peas, potatoes, spinach and zucchini. They should avoid high-salicylate fruits and vegetables like apples, berries, apricots, tomatoes, cherries, cucumbers, grapes, nectarines, oranges, peppers, peaches, plums and tangerines.
Additive-Free Foods
The Mayo Clinic notes that food additives like artificial colorings, preservatives and flavorings may increase hyperactivity in children with ADHD. Foods high in additives include packaged and processed foods, fast foods and frozen meals. Foods that do not contain food additives include fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, plain dairy products and fresh meat, poultry and seafood.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) states that omega-3 fatty acids support normal brain function and as such, can benefit those with ADHD. Omega-3 fatty acids are available as supplements and in fish, fish oil, walnuts, flaxseed, vegetable oils, Brussels sprouts, kale and spinach.
Zinc
The UMMC notes that zinc deficiencies have been associated ADHD. Zinc is a trace mineral that is found in red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, whole grains, breakfast cereals and dairy products.
References
- Center for Science in the Public Interest: A Parent's Guide to Diet, ADHD and Behavior
- Harvard School of Public Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Mayo Clinic: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Zinc
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
