Diet and nutrition affects more than just our physical health; it can also affect mood and behavior. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, most commonly affects children and impacts a child's ability to sit still and act appropriately, especially in situations that require concentration. It is not known what causes ADHD, and treatment usually consists of medication. However, dietary changes may also improve symptoms of the disorder.
Avoid Food Colors
Artificial food colors may worsen the symptoms of ADHD. The Harvard School of Public Health states that artificial food colors and flavors in processed food can aggravate signs of ADHD, but it is unknown if these substances cause the behaviors. Try removing artificial colors and flavors from your child's diet for at least a week and see if you notice an improvement in behavior.
Eat More Fish
Add more omega-3 fatty acids to your child's diet, either from fish, flax seeds or fish-oil supplements. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids may cause the symptoms associated with ADHD, and consuming more of them may result in improvements in behavior.
Avoid Casein and Gluten
Casein-free and gluten-free diets may improve symptoms of ADHD. Casein is the protein in milk and gluten is found in wheat and many grains; both are among the most common allergens. Diets such as the Feingold Diet claim that ADHD behavior may be due to allergic reactions to the proteins in casein and gluten and suggest that avoiding them may improve outcomes.
Limit Sugar
Although studies have not proven a link between sugar consumption and hyperactive behavior, many parents insist they observe such a connection. Limit sugar in your child's diet to see if it improves her actions. In addition to avoiding obvious sources of sugar such as candy and soda, also watch for other sources such as juice, condiments and processed foods.
References
- Harvard School of Public Health: Diet and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Other Treatments
- University of Michigan Medical Center: Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
