Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurobehavioral disorder, meaning it affects brain chemistry and behaviors. ADHD can cause difficulty paying attention, impulsive behaviors and, potentially, excessive energy. Research does not uphold the popular notions that too much sugar, poor parenting or environmental factors cause ADHD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dietary changes may help improve your child's symptoms, however. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor.
Food Allergens
If your child has a food allergy, his body views particular foods or ingredients as harmful substances and reacts harshly. Eliminating food allergens has reduced ADHD symptoms in some people, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. If certain foods seems to exacerbate your child's symptoms, try avoiding those foods or limiting them in his diet. If his symptoms improve, your child may have an allergy or intolerance---a condition in which he has difficulty processing certain foods, but isn't allergic. If you aren't sure which food or foods are problematic, eliminating common food allergens, such as gluten -- found in wheat, barley and rye -- cow's milk, peanuts, pine nuts, shellfish and other seafood may prove beneficial. For best results, seek proper testing and guidance from your child's doctor.
Food Additives
Food additives are not known to cause ADHD. They may trigger or worsen hyperactive behavior in children, however, according to Mayo Clinic child psychiatrist John E. Huxsahl. Food additives that may exacerbate hyperactivity include artificial coloring, such as FD&C yellow no. 6, D&C yellow no. 10, FD&C yellow no. 5, FD&C red no. 40 and the preservative sodium benzoate. You may find that FD&C yellow no. 5 has a greater negative impact than other additives, according to Huxsahl. Common sources of potentially harmful additives include candy, fruit punch, frozen desserts, custard and commercially prepared cakes, cookies, pastries, candy topping and frosting. In general, limit or avoid colorful processed snack foods. Encourage your child to consume natural foods, such as fruits and homemade baked goods, instead.
Salicylates
Salicylates are substances that occur naturally in a variety of plant-based foods. Synthetic versions are used in various pain-reducing medications, skin-care products, food flavoring and preservatives. Salicylates are one of numerous suspected dietary triggers for ADHD symptoms in children, according to UMMC. Since salicylates are prevalent in an assortment of healthy foods, including berries, grapes, peaches, peppers, plums, tomatoes, apples, cider, oranges, cloves and prunes, talk to your doctor before eliminating them from your child's diet. Additional symptoms of a salicylate intolerance may include headaches, ear infections, skin rashes, wheezing and coughing.
