If your child has ADHD, you may be looking for an alternative and healthy way to treat it. While diet has not been proven to be a cure for ADHD, many parents and doctors swear by its ability to effectively keep symptoms of the disease under control. For example, David Perlmutter, MD, author of "Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten," has developed some strategies based on diet, and only uses drugs as a last-resort ADHD treatment.
Step 1
Feed your child whole organic foods. Even if he's still an infant, start with organic baby food, or make your own by cooking and pureeing organic fruits and vegetables. According to Dr Perlmutter, "Pesticides, additives and toxins... impair concentration and increase hyperactivity in some children." Since organics do not contain these elements--not to mention herbicides, fungicides, or irradiation--you're starting off by eliminating several potential triggers that your child's body might be sensitive to.
Step 2
Focus on fresh, wholesome foods, rather than processed or pre-packaged meals. This way you can avoid preservatives, artificial food colorings and flavorings, which also increase hyperactivity in some kids. In addition to food, look at other products you may be giving your child, such as medicines, vitamins and beverages, which may contain artificial dyes.
Step 3
Cut out junk food and high-sugar foods, such as candies, ice cream, and chocolates. While there is debate on whether sugar directly impacts ADHD, these foods also contain additives that likely do.
Step 4
Avoid fish with high mercury levels. Dr. Perlmutter says that mercury, which is found in almost all kinds of fish and shellfish, negatively impact a child's ability to think and concentrate properly, and that lower amounts affect children more than adults. Fish with the highest mercury levels include swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel and shark.
Step 5
Get a blood test done on your child for gluten sensitivity, which is found in a higher percentage of kids with ADHD than without, according to Dr. Perlmutter's book. If the test is positive, remove gluten from her diet. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye. Many tasty gluten-free breads and other products are now available. If your child is not sensitive to gluten, serve whole-grain breads and cereals rather than refined or processed foods, including white bread.
Step 6
Remove dairy from your child's diet for two weeks to see if it helps. That includes milk, cream, cheese and yogurt.
Step 7
Give your child a daily multivitamin to ensure proper nutrition, and a DHA supplement, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that's important for brain function. DHA derived from marine algae is a good choice, according to Dr. Perlmutter, and he says 400g is optimal for kids with ADHD. Other supplements he recommends include gingko biloba, coenzyme Q-10, alpha lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine and N-acetyl-cysteine, all of which he says enhance brain function.
Step 8
Give your child plenty of water to drink, which will flush toxins from his system and make sure that he stays hydrated. Avoid sweetened beverages and fruit juices, which contain a lot of sugar, whether added or naturally occurring.
Step 9
Watch and monitor your child's reaction to the dietary changes. If he continues to act up, it may be because he's upset that some of his favorite foods have been taken away, rather than being affected by the foods themselves. Serve a variety of recipes and menu choices that fit the parameters of wholesome, natural foods, so that boredom doesn't become a factor in his reaction to his diet.
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