Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, has become a household term in the past two decades. Relatively unheard of the 1970s, it is commonly diagnosed in the Western world--the number of Ritalin prescriptions in the United States rose from about 150,000 in the early 1970s to 11 million in 1998, according to the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding website. Some medical professionals believe that diet can help control the symptoms of ADD.
Definition
ADD is classified as a syndrome, or a group of related symptoms, rather than a disease or mental illness, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. This syndrome is characterized by poor focus, impaired ability to suppress impulses and delay gratification, restlessness and hyperactivity. ADD can impair a child's ability to learn and to perform well in school. Later in life, it may affect a person's ability to handle job-related tasks.
Prevalence
ADD affects about 4 to 6 percent of the United States population, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. ADD occurs most commonly in children, although the symptoms sometimes continue into adolescence and adulthood. Two to three times more boys than girls are diagnosed with this syndrome.
Causes
The cause of ADD is unknown, according to Dr. James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." However, some medical professionals believe that environmental pollutants, lead poisoning, prenatal trauma, food additives and allergies to certain foods may trigger symptoms of ADD. Foods containing salicylates and preservatives may also contribute to ADD.
Nutritional Therapy
Balch recommends a diet of 50 percent to 75 percent raw foods to combat the symptoms of ADD. Children with ADD may also benefit from avoidance of processed foods such as doughnuts, fast foods and beverages that contain artificial flavors and colorants.
Avoidance of foods that contain salicylates, including cherries, almonds, tomatoes, oranges and cucumbers is also thought to improve focus and reduce hyperactivity in children with ADD.
Fatty meats, such as bacon, pork, sausage and lunch meats may clog arteries and restrict blood flow to the brain, according to Balch. People with ADD should avoid these foods.
Elimination Diet
An elimination approach to diet may be beneficial for children with ADD, notes Balch. This involves eliminating foods suspected of aggravating ADD symptoms one at a time, then reintroducing these foods after a period of three to four weeks. If reintroduction of a food causes symptoms to reappear, it should be permanently eliminated.
Considerations
Dietary therapy is not a replacement for medical attention. Consult a physician before changing your diet to reduce ADD symptoms.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Mental Health
- Center for Parent/Youth Understanding: Ritalin Rising
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D.; 1997
