Commonly known as ADD, the diagnostic label of Attention Deficit Disorder covers a lot of ground. Patients exhibit prolonged hyperactivity and irritability and are often distraction-prone, combined with learning difficulties. Wary about the health warnings associated with ADD medications, some parents are exploring alternative treatments, such as how to treat ADD with diet. Commonly prescribed to control ADD, methylphenidate, better known as Ritalin, Concerta or Metadate, list side effects such as stroke, heart attack and worsening of psychological symptoms. An effective ADD diet is highly individual; what works for one person may not work for another.
The ADD Diet
Step 1
Limit or stop consuming foods with coloring as these additives may worsen the ADD. The Food and Drug Administration mandates that all products must list these dyes on the label. Reading the label is essential as many foods and products -- even toothpastes -- contain food coloring that can be ingested and will effect the ADD sufferer. Dyes will list their color, number and whether they are approved for food or cosmetics. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, all artificial food colorings should be avoided due to their potential for toxicity.
Step 2
Reduce synthetic preservative and MSG consumption. These chemicals are little more than toxins that trigger an immune response, which can increase irritability and excitability -- two of the classic ADD symptoms. The preservatives listed as BHA, BHT and TBHQ alter the way signals travel through the brain and can create static out of otherwise normal signals. MSG, or monosodium glutamate, can exacerbate ADD and is found in a plethora of foods and may simply be listed as glutamate.
Step 3
Take a daily multiple vitamin, preferably one containing zinc and vitamin B-6. A deficiency of these micronutrients has demonstrated the effect of inducing ADD symptoms or worsening them. Fortified products, such as grains, cereals and dairy, frequently contain both zinc and vitamin B-6.
Step 4
Choose safe and natural preservatives. It is unrealistic to make the assumption that one could remove all preservatives from a diet, as even bread contains a layer of preservative to hinder mold. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, many safe preservatives come from natural sources such as acetic acid, ascorbic acid and calcium propionate. If ADD exacerbation occurs with re-introduction of any preservative, remove the offending substance from the diet and try another. The key to ADD diet success is reading the labels.
Tips and Warnings
- Maintain a dietary journal where foods, additives and symptoms are recorded daily. As additives and substances are removed from the diet, compare daily symptom histories to see if progress is being made.
