Attention deficit disorder in children causes them to be restless, impulsive, easily distracted and unable to pay attention, and to have problems focusing. According to The Health Center, studies have shown that "the area of the brain that controls impulsiveness is smaller in that affected with ADD." The Foundation for Integrated Medicine states that "a body of scientific research supports the importance of nutritional factors in ADHD."
Food Additives
A popular diet for children with ADD or ADHD is the Feingold Diet. The main idea of the diet is to eliminate food additives to determine if they have an affect on behavior. The Feingold Association of the United States website reports that "the one characteristic that seems to apply to all chemically-sensitive people is that they get upset too easily." Though the Food and Drug Administration may have declared several food additives as safe, they may not be for the child with ADD. According to the article "5 Foods to Feed Your Child With ADHD---and 5 to Avoid," Marcia Zimmerman, a clinical nutritionist, cautions to stay clear of food dyes and flavors, food coloring and monosodium glutamate---also known as MSG.
Food Allergies
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies have reported an improvement in behavior with diets that restrict allergens. British researchers ran an extensive study regarding children with ADD and food sensitivities, as stated by the Foundation of Integrated Medicine. They found that 80 percent of the children had food sensitivities that were causing hyperactivity. After this discovery, they used a clinical research method and determined that the majority of children with ADHD had food intolerances. The most common foods that had allergic reactions in children with ADHD were cow's milk (which included milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream), corn (an additive in many prepared foods), wheat, soy and eggs.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Many studies have proven the link between low omega-3 fatty oils in the brain with ADD in children. Low levels of essential fatty acids have been shown to manifest as problems with behavior, mood, sleep, temper and focus. Omega-3s, found most abundantly in cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna, help brain cells to communicate with one another. A child with ADD has brain cells that misfire, resulting in a lack of communication from neuron to neuron.
B Vitamins
B vitamins play an important role in neurotransmission and metabolizing energy. They improve neural activity, can reduce stress and raise serotonin levels. A study conducted at the Saint Joseph Hospital in Pennsylvania found that serotonin levels increased significantly when a vitamin B6 supplement was added, according to the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center. There are a number of foods high in the B vitamins, including meat, fish, eggs, vegetables and nuts.
Protein
Protein helps to produce neurotransmitters and enzymes that are needed for the brain to communicate. According to the article "5 Foods to Feed Your Child With ADHD---and 5 to Avoid," protein evenly sustains energy, which is important for children with ADD. Marcia Zimmerman suggests children eat small amounts of protein spaced evenly throughout the day. Good sources of protein include nuts, eggs, meat, fish and vegetables.
Considerations
Just as there are foods and nutrients that help children with ADD, there are also foods that worsen ADD symptoms. Most people can make the connection between sugar and a hyperactive child. But for the child with ADD, sugar's effect is multiplied. According to The Health Center, children with ADD release only half of the hormones regulating blood sugar levels that normal children do. There have also been studies linking deficiencies in magnesium and zinc to children with ADD. Magnesium plays a role in energy metabolism and protein synthesis while having a calming effect on the nervous system.
References
- MSN: Health & Fitness: 5 Foods to Feed Your Child With ADHD- and 5 to Avoid
- Feingold Association of the United States: Many Learning and Behavior Problems Begin in Your Grocery Cart!
- Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center: ADD ADHD and Diet
- The Health Center: ADD/ADHD and Diet
- The Health Center: Child ADD/ADHD- What Does It Feel Like?
