Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is characterized by inattentiveness, impulsiveness and hyperactive behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, scientists are still puzzling out its causes. Diet may play a role, but ADHD may also involve environmental and genetic factors. Untreated ADHD can wreak havoc at home, school and in social relationships. Consult a qualified health care professional if you suspect your child may have ADHD.
Boost Protein
An article in "Additude," an ADHD magazine, noted that eating protein stimulates the production of alertness-inducing brain chemicals, while carbohydrate consumption triggers drowsiness. This fact is important to remember when preparing children for school in the morning. A protein-rich breakfast instead of sugar-sweetened cereal may be the boost your child needs to stay on track. According to Vincent J. Monastra, a child psychiatrist quoted in the "Additude" article, the irritability and restlessness that are occasional side effects of ADHD medication may diminish when children eat adequate amounts of protein during the day. Most children require 24 to 30 g of protein daily.
Cut Down on Additives
According to Mayo Clinic child psychiatrist John E. Huxsahl, some preservatives and food colorings may cause or exacerbate hyperactivity. Additives implicated in hyperactive behavior include sodium benzoate, a frequently used preservative, and the food dyes FD&C Yellow No. 5, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Yellow No. 10 and FD&C Red No. 40. Huxsahl states that FD&C Yellow No. 5 may be the additive most likely to trigger ADHD symptoms. More research is needed to determine the role of additives in ADHD; however, because the listed additives add no nutritive value, parents can try cutting down on the processed foods that contain them and observing their children for any improvements.
Elimination Diets
Dr. Eugene Arnold, professor emeritus of psychiatry at Ohio State University, told "Additude" that up to 30 percent of toddlers and preschoolers can benefit from special elimination diets designed to pinpoint foods that may be triggering their symptoms. In an elimination diet, children begin by eating only a few foods. Potential ADHD food triggers are omitted, but gradually added back in one by one. If a reintroduced food causes a behavioral reaction, it can be cut from the child's diet entirely. Elimination diets can be nutritionally deficient in their early stages, and should only be undertaken under the supervision of a physician or a nutritionist.
Nutrients
Natalie Sinn of the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Australia writes that ADHD symptoms often correlate with deficiencies in certain nutrients. Suboptimal magnesium levels, deficiencies in zinc, and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream have been observed in children with hyperactivity and other symptoms of ADHD. In some small clinical trials, supplementing these nutrients improved children's behavior and ability to concentrate. A balanced, healthy diet abundant in fruits, vegetables and nutritious proteins will provide optimal nutrition for health, but dietary supplements may be appropriate for some children whose diets are inadequate. Use supplements under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Nutritional and Dietary Influences on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; N. Sinn; October 2008
- Additude: Alternative ADHD Treatment: Can Diet Ease Symptoms?
