The role of diet in the development of ADHD is still controversial among medical professionals. "Medical News Today" published on 30 July, 2010 the results of an extensive study from Perth's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, which links ADHD with the Western-style diet. Other studies published on "Medscape" connect ADHD with food additives and artificial colors . Since the 1960s, several natural diets have been proposed for ADHD .
Feingold Program
Feingold Program is one of the oldest, best-researched and most popular diets to help overcome hyperactivity in children. It was developed by Dr. Ben Feingold, MD, and focuses on eliminating synthetic colors marked as FD&C and D&C colors on the labels. It also says to avoid synthetic preservatives, listed as BHA, BHT, and TBHQ on the labels, synthetic flavors and artificial sweeteners. Salycilates found naturally in many fruits and vegetables and in food additives are also removed from the diet . Later on, in the second phase of the program, some of these foods can be slowly re-introduced in the diet.
GFCF Diet
The Gluten Free, Casein Free Diet, also known as GFCF Diet, is based on unprocessed fruits, vegetables and meats and requires more dietary restrictions. Gluten in found in wheat, barley, rye, and some oats .Casein is found in milk and dairy products. The main disadvantage is that GFCF diet eliminates many of children's favorite foods such as ice cream, cookies, pastries, breads, pastas, milk, butter and cheese.
Supplements such as vitamins C, D, E, and B complex, calcium, magnesium and fibers are required to prevent nutritional deficiencies. In the 2008 book, "Healing the New Childhood Epidemics," Dr. Kenneth Bock, MD, includes the GFCF diet in the ADHD treatment.
General and Special Rules
A doctor specialized in natural medicine will recommend an individualized diet based on the child's nutritional needs .Food allergies, heavy metals and other environmental toxins linked with ADHD are tested and specific supplements indicated. A natural, healthy diet includes whole natural foods, naturally raised meat and naturally produced milk products, fresh or lightly steamed fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts, natural sweeteners and filtered water. Processed foods, refined sweeteners, hydrogenated fats, highly fried or processed meats should be eliminated. Supplements such as essential fatty acids, the vitamins B complex, C and D, E, minerals such as magnesium, zinc and iron, and Coenzyme Q 10 are essential for a healthy brain function and therefore recommended as part of the treatment.
Conclusion
ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with the child's social and academic settings. In addition to the standard treatment, a healthy, natural diet can improve symptoms of ADHD and the child's overall health. It is important to consult a medical professional before eliminating certain group of foods, since nutritional deficiencies may occur.
References
- Medical News Today :Link Between Western Diet And ADHD
- Medscape : Food Additives Associated With ADHD Symptoms
- Feingold Program
- "Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies"; Kenneth A. Bock, MD; 2008
