Attention Deficit Disorder -- or ADD -- and Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder -- or ADHD -- have been controversial since the 1970s, especially on how to diagnose and treat it. If your children are having a hard time concentrating at school, a natural diet may help their focus and potentially reduce or replace their need for medicine. Consult your physician before stopping medications.
Breakfast
Serve your children a healthy breakfast full of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in reducing ADD or ADHD, according to Women to Women Clinic. Dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble, are helpful in optimizing health. Fiber is abundant in complex carbohydrates like whole grains and fruits. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the intestines, which help calm and regulate the blood sugar levels in your child, relaxing their hyperactivity. You can provide them with oatmeal, 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed and organic berries. If you serve them whole grain cereal, minimize the sugar content to 5g or less or use unrefined sugar like evaporated cane juice, honey or blackstrap molasses.
Lunch
For sandwiches, use whole-grain bread and organic vegetables like romaine lettuce, tomato and your child's favorite condiments. If you use meat or cheese, serve organic to avoid hormones and antibiotics, which may lead to health issues. As an alternative to potato chips, serve sweet potato fries occasionally. Serve sides of fresh vegetables whenever possible, like a salad using their favorite vegetables and dark greens. Also, try broccoli, carrot and celery bites that they can dip into a nut butter or hummus. Use dressings that are low in sugar.
Dinner
Dinner can consist of whole-grain pasta or pizza with a whole-grain crust. There is usually a gluten intolerance found in children with ADHD. If your child is gluten intolerant, choose a grain that is gluten-free like spelt or brown rice. Italian meals are a great way to slip in vegetables if your kids do not enjoy eating them. Serve a fish dinner two to three times per week to add more omega-3 oils. The Perlmutter Health Center recommends using fish that is free of mercury, which is a toxic metal that are found in certain fish and can interfere with a child's ability to concentrate. The EPA reports fish highest in mercury are shark, tilefish, swordfish and king mackerel.
