Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a growing health issue around the world that can cause stress to families and teachers, and affect the overall lifestyle of everyone involved. Many alternative treatments are available, and extensive research has offered insight into the importance of a healthy, natural and preservative-free diet to aid the management of behavioral challenges. Diet modifications can be simple with the right information and guidelines.
Step 1
Prepare organic meals using local produce from your nearest health-food market. Dr. David Perlmutter, board certified neurologist and fellow of the American College of Nutrition, writes, "Bypass the pesticides, additives, and toxins that impair concentration and increase hyperactivity in some children." Organic foods offer the nutrition necessary for proper development and brain function, while eliminating any toxic additives that might impair the function of the mind and body.
Step 2
Test for food allergies from gluten and yeast, and to nuts and dairy. Any food allergy can spur inflammation within the body and affect the functions of blood sugar, metabolism and overall health. Your family doctor can check for food sensitivities with a standard blood test.
Step 3
Add a DHA supplement drawn from marine algae to your daily regimen. Recent studies from Perlmutter Health Center have observed that ADHD is more prevalent in youth with low levels of DHA and omega-3, which are both essential fatty acids. In his practice, Dr. Perlmutter recommends 400 milligrams of DHA for individuals suffering from ADHD. DHA is also in fish such as tuna and bluefish, as well as marine animal oils.
Step 4
Eliminate highly processed, sugar-laden foods and beverages from the diet, as well as fried, packaged and high-sodium foods. Associate professor Wendy Oddy, leader of Nutrition Studies at the Telethon Institute in Perth, Australia, states, "Findings suggested that those on the Western-style diet had lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids, important for optimal brain function and mental health." Western-style diets include food items that have been highly processed and altered from their original state.
