Healthy Eating Habits For Children With Attention-deficit Disorder

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a brain disorder characterized by impulsivity, inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders diagnosed among children. In many cases, symptoms persist into adulthood. In addition to conventional treatments, such as individual counseling and medications, a healthy dietary lifestyle may improve your child's symptoms and overall wellness.

Emphasize Protein

Protein-rich foods provide amino acids, which help your brain chemicals function normally, and zinc -- a mineral linked with positive brain function. Advocates of dietary intervention for ADHD suggest incorporating protein-rich foods into your child's breakfast meals for sustained medication benefits, according to "The Everything Parents' Guide to ADHD in Children" by Carole Jacobs and Isadore Wendel. Protein-rich foods also support blood sugar balance, which is important for preventing mood swings and impulsive or hyperactive behavior. Since high-fat protein sources, such as fried foods and red meat, may worsen your child's cardiovascular health, opt for skinless white-meat poultry, low-fat dairy products, legumes or fish most often.

Cut Back on Sugar

Sugar remains controversial in regard to its effects on ADHD. While sugar has not been proven to cause ADHD, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some parents blame sugar-rich foods for worsened symptoms. Sugar may offset your child's blood sugar levels and moods, particularly when consumed in excess, and leave lesser room for healthier foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Rather than eliminate sugar completely, teach your child that sugar is an occasional "treat." Serving sugary foods with fiber or protein-rich foods may help prevent adverse blood sugar and energy consequences. Foods and beverages particularly high in sugar include candy, milk chocolate, pancake syrup, jelly, regular soft drinks, frosting, frozen desserts and commercially-prepared cakes, cookies, pies and pastries.

Choose Healthy Fats

Fats are essential to human health. They help your body absorb certain nutrients and promote healthy skin tissue and positive brain function. The healthy fats known as omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce ADHD symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Valuable sources of omega-3 fats include fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, flounder, mackerel and sardines; ground flaxseed; walnuts; and canola oil. Replace butter, margarine and fatty meats with canola oil, walnuts or fatty fish in your child's meals regularly for heightened benefits.

Choose Natural Foods

Natural foods -- such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes -- provide rich amounts of nutrients that promote your child's immune system and overall health. While additional research is needed, according to child psychiatrist Dr. John E. Huxsahl, artificial colorings and flavorings in processed foods may exacerbate ADHD symptoms in children. Thus, replacing processed foods with whole, natural foods most often may benefit your child's condition in multiple ways. Creating flavorful meals based upon natural foods and involving your child in the shopping and cooking process can help prevent feelings of deprivation and make the process of eating healthfully an enjoyable experience for your entire family.