Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a behavioral condition normally diagnosed in children and adolescents, although adults also can be diagnosed with ADHD. There is a direct link between diet and nutrition and behavioral disorders, according to Disabled World. Proper nutrients help to regulate blood sugar and offer an adequate food supply to the brain. Talk to your doctor about nutrition and ADHD.
Proteins
Proteins supply the brain with the amino acids it needs to function properly. Increasing the amount of protein in the diet increases the amount of amino acids available to the brain. People diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder need to add enough protein to the diet to balance the body's glucose levels, according to Women to Women. As a child grows and develops, the need for protein increases to build new muscle and tissue. Because proteins are the main suppliers of the amino acids used by the brain, a child should eat more high-protein foods at each meal. Meat, eggs, cheese and soy products are rich in proteins that the body uses.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the human body. The body breaks carbohydrates into glucose, which is the fuel the body uses to keep functioning. The brain relies on glucose as its primary energy source, according to Women to Women. Amino acids from protein help the brain to use glucose more efficiently and might help keep attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder under control.
You should eat smaller amounts of carbohydrates more frequently throughout the day to ensure a constant supply of glucose in the bloodstream. Fruits, grains and legumes are excellent examples of carbs you can eat as snacks. Fruits break down quickly and can give a short burst of energy, while whole grains and legumes are more complex and break down slowly. Complex carbohydrates offer a more sustained release that covers a longer period of time. Avoid carbohydrates such as soda pop and candy; they have little nutritional value and are full of empty calories.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential part of the diet. Omega 3 fatty acids protect the nerves and increase the efficiency of the central nervous system, according to Women to Women. They also strengthen the immune system and aid in the digestion of the foods we eat. People who have been diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder might not be getting enough of these beneficial fatty acids in their diet. Adequate amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet increase the brain's ability to process information. They act as chemical messengers in the brain that allow for quicker response and better utilization of the glucose the brain uses to function. Supplementing vitamin C, zinc and other minerals has also proved beneficial when treating ADHD, according to Disabled World. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Food Allergies
Allergies to wheat, soy, peanuts, citrus and other foods are common among children and adults diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, according to Disabled World. In some cases environmental allergies are possible. Children with ADHD who were exposed to environmental allergens had lower levels of zinc and other minerals. Food and environmental allergies deplete vital nutrients that ADHD patients need to function efficiently. Replacing these nutrients through supplementation and diet will help to reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms. Talk to your doctor about taking any supplements.
Additives
Eating natural, whole foods offers nutrients that the body assimilates more easily and breaks down more thoroughly. Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder need foods that allow the body to function freely and at maximum efficiency. Highly processed foods that are full of additives and preservative break down more slowly and cause the body to become sluggish. They offer little in the way of nutrients and are full of empty calories and sugars. Avoiding prepackaged and fast foods can eliminate the exposure to many preservatives.
