A balanced diet filled with a variety of nutritional foods is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but when it comes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, not all foods are equal. According to MayoClinic.com, some foods may increase unwanted symptoms. ADHD is more common in children than adults, but dietary changes may be beneficial for ADHD sufferers of any age. An ADHD diet focuses on eliminating foods and substances suspected of triggering undesirable symptoms. Use an ADHD diet in combination with your doctor's recommended treatment program.
ADHD Symptoms
Children naturally want to run and play, but if your child has trouble concentrating, makes careless mistakes on schoolwork, doesn't listen and frequently loses important items, he may have ADHD, according to MayoClinic.com. Additional symptoms include interrupting others, constant fidgeting, excessive talking and blurting out answers.
Adult ADHD symptoms may include disorganization, mood swings, inability to form stable relationships, anger management issues, impulsive behavior and difficulty focusing on tasks.
Food Allergies
Dr. Ben Feingold, author of "'Why Your Child is Hyperactive,'' proposes that food allergies are at the root of many behavioral problems, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets." Feingold suggests that artificial colors, flavorings and other additives found in foods triggers hyperactivity in those who are allergic to these substances. MayoClinic.com adds wheat, eggs and milk as additional food allergens that may trigger ADHD symptoms.
Salicylates
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some foods may be more likely to cause behavioral problems, although the number of people affected by these foods may be small. It lists foods that contain salicylates as possible behavior triggers. Salicylates occur naturally in berries, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, tomatoes and peppers.
Diet Treatments
Eliminating potentially offending foods from the diet is the recommended treatment, according to the Feingold Institute. Under this program, parents feed their child only foods from a list until the child no longer shows signs of behavioral problems. Then, the parents re-introduce the banned foods, one at a time, and closely monitor the child's behavior to determine which additives or preservatives trigger his symptoms.
Adults may benefit from the same elimination diet, and MayoClinic.com recommends eliminating caffeine, as well. Keep a log of the foods you consume as well as your moods and your ability to concentrate.
Considerations
The "Gale Encyclopedia" advises that diets to eliminate all food triggers require constant monitoring to avoid offending substances. In addition, since many fruits are not allowed during the initial phase of most elimination diets, the ADHD patient might require vitamin supplementation to meet nutritional needs. Consult your doctor before starting an elimination diet to control the symptoms of ADHD.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Do Food Additives Cause Hyperactivity?
- Mayo Clinic: Adult ADHD, Alternative Medicine
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition"; Jacqueline L. Longe, 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder---Other Treatments
- Feingold Instutute
