Hyperactivity is a hallmark symptom of the neurological disorder attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, a chronic condition generally diagnosed in childhood and characterized by physical hyperactivity as well as inattention, poor concentration and impulsive behavior. While there is no cure for ADHD, many different treatments are utilized to treat its symptoms, including medication, behavioral therapy and dietary interventions. Harvard Medical School says diet alone probably isn't the main factor in hyperactivity and other ADHD symptoms. However, some parents report good results with dietary interventions for hyperactivity. For safety reasons, always consult your child's pediatrician before instituting a dietary treatment for hyperactivity.
Step 1
Avoid artificial colors. According to MayoClinic.com, artificial colors added to packaged foods seem to worsen hyperactivity in some children. Artificial colors are typically found in candy, beverages, ice cream and any brightly-colored processed foods, so try eliminating these foods from your child's diet if you are concerned about hyperactive behavior.
Step 2
Cut out foods that are common allergens, such as dairy products, wheat, chocolate and eggs. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, reports that, while research is not fully conclusive, these foods might be implicated in some children's hyperactivity. Because it can be difficult to eliminate so many food products, you might wish to cut out one food group at a time and watch for hyperactivity improvement with each diet change to determine which, if any, affects behavior.
Step 3
Avoid foods containing salicylates, certain chemicals found naturally in various plants and plant-based foods, including all berries, chili powder, apples and apple cider, cloves, grapes, oranges, peaches, chili peppers, bell peppers, plums, prunes and tomatoes. A popular diet for the treatment of ADHD, called the Feingold diet, restricts salicylates and food additives and is very successful for some children with hyperactivity, says UMMC. However, this diet change is challenging to impose, given the range of foods that must be avoided.
Step 4
Include omega-3 fatty acids in your child's diet. While more research is needed, Harvard Medical School advises that omega-3 fatty acids might be beneficial to children with hyperactivity problems. These heart-healthy fats are found in salmon, tuna, mackerel, almonds, walnuts, olive oil, olives, canola oil, peanut butter and avocados. Because there are no medically agreed-upon dosage guidelines for omega-3 fatty acids in relation to hyperactivity, and because omega-3's are considered healthy and desirable for everyone as part of a healthy diet, freely include these foods in your child's diet as often as you can.
References
- Harvard Medical School Health Publications: Jury Still Out on Foods, Additives and ADHD
- MayoClinic.com: ADHD Diet--Do Food Additives Cause Hyperactivity?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder--Other Treatments
- Harvard Medical School Health Publications: Diet and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
