Medications, behavior-changing techniques and family therapy are often used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, more parents are focusing on their children's diets and food consumption to possibly treat ADHD. According to the National Guidelines Clearinghouse, between 8 and 12 percent of children suffer from the condition, more boys than girls. One child in each American classroom may suffer from ADHD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Though some diets are promising, other ADHD diets have reported little effect on the condition.
Seafood and Fish Oil
The University of Maryland Medical Center described a study of 100 children who displayed signs of ADHD. Many of the children had low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish and fish oil. According to MedlinePlus, fish oil decreases the symptoms of ADHD in 8- to 12-year-olds. Still, there is no suggested daily level of fish oil recommended for children. Fish oil is naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids. Children may be served seafood to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Though symptoms of ADHD are not guaranteed to disappear, the diet is still heart-healthy. Fatty fish contain about 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids per 3.5 oz, which is an adult portion size. Tuna, mullet, salmon and trout are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Children should consume up to 12 oz., or two meals, of low-mercury fish per week, advises the American Heart Association. Fish with the lowest amount of mercury include light tuna, catfish and pollock.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. Parents can add ground flaxseed to a variety of meals, often without children noticing the addition. Flaxseed is ground in a regular coffee grinder to create a powdery substance. Add several spoonfuls to breakfast cereal, morning smoothies or yogurt parfaits. The ground flaxseed can also be used in dinner dishes such as tacos, chili and sprinkled over salads. Use flaxseed to substitute for eggs when baking. Replace one whole egg with 3 tbsp. ground flaxseed and 1 tbsp. water. Not only will this increase your child's level of omega-3 fatty acids, it will decrease the amount of cholesterol in your cooking. One tbsp. of ground flaxseed contains 1.6 g of fatty acids.
Feingold Diet
The Feingold diet was created specifically for ADHD children. The diet focuses on eating preservative-free and additive-free foods and not taking aspirin or other medications containing salicylates. There is much debate if the diet works. Mainstream organizations such as the National Guidelines Clearinghouse report following the diet does not affect children with ADHD. Still, others may disagree. MayoClinic.com suggests foods with added coloring such as FD&C Yellow No. 5 may increase hyperactivity in children. Coloring and additives are often found in foods with little nutritional value. Opt for brightly colored fruits and vegetables to add a rainbow of colors and nutrients to your child's diet naturally.
References
- National Guideline Clearinghouse: Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- New York State Office of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- American Heart Association: Fish 101
- Flax Council of Canada: Flax Meal
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
