Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine. These popular attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications are in the news regularly. While they can effectively treat ADHD, they are not without side effects, some serious. Alternative treatments for ADHD exist, and of these, diet is one of the most popular. Parents who believe their children suffer from ADHD should discuss symptoms and possible treatments with their pediatricians.
ADHD Defined
Children who have ADHD are hyperfocused, hyperactive and impulsive. Many gifted greats such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein are suspected of suffering from ADHD. ADHD is one of the most common conditions of childhood, but, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "it is not clear whether more children have ADHD or more children are being diagnosed with ADHD." A growing awareness of the disease nonetheless ensures that more children are being helped.
AAP Statement
The American Academy of Pediatrics firmly states that research does not back the efficacy of dietary treatment for ADHD, despite plenty of anecdotal evidence to the contrary. Instead, the AAP advocates a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Parents who wish to pursue dietary changes for their children should communicate with their doctors or alternative health care providers to come up with the best treatment plan.
Feingold Diet
The Feingold Diet is a popular diet for children diagnosed with ADHD. Developed by Dr. Benjamin Feingold in the early 1970s, the regimen eliminates artificial coloring, flavoring and sweeteners, as well as preservatives and foods high in salicylates from the diet. Safe foods include grass-fed meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, some fruits, oats and rice. The Feingold Association boasts over a 70 percent success rate, and its research backs up that finding.
Gluten-, Casein- Free Diet
The gluten- and casein- free diet is also popular among ADHD sufferers. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye, while casein is the protein found in dairy. Anecdotal evidence supporting the efficacy of this diet abounds, but research is slim.
Warning
The AAP cautions against early diagnosis of ADHD. Many young children are naturally inattentive, moody, hyperactive and impulsive. Unless these behaviors significantly interfere with daily life, a child cannot be classified as ADHD until the age of 6. Nonetheless, since diet modification is much less involved than a traditional medication regimen, parents who notice ADHD symptoms in their young child may want to tinker with the diet to see if symptoms improve.
The bottom line is that while there is no one treatment for ADHD, early and frequent contact with a pediatrician or alternative health care provider is instrumental to a positive outcome.
