You've probably heard the adage that sugar causes hyperactivity in children. Whether it's true is debatable, but if you have a child with ADHD -- attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- such notions take on new importance. ADHD is a chronic, developmental, neuropsychological disorder that is usually diagnosed in childhood and involves behavioral problems such as inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, poor concentration and poor school performance, says MayoClinic.com. Medication and behavioral counseling are generally necessary to treat and manage ADHD, but certain dietary adjustments may be helpful as well.
Step 1
Avoid artificial colorings. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that foods containing artificial colors -- especially red, yellow and green -- are often reported by parents as increasing ADHD symptoms in their children. While more research is needed, it's worth a try to eliminate artificial color additives from your child's diet to see if his ADHD symptoms improve. Check food packages and remove any items with artificial colors in the ingredients list from your child's diet.
Step 2
Cut out salicylates. Salicylates are compounds found in certain foods, including berries, chili powder, apples, apple cider, grapes, oranges, peaches, peppers, plums, prunes and tomatoes. According to the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, some children are extra-sensitive to salicylates. One ADHD-treatment diet, the Feingold diet, is a salicylate-free diet purported to lessen ADHD symptoms. However, because salicylates are in so many foods, this treatment requires significant vigilance.
Step 3
Add more omega-3 fatty acids to your child's diet. Essential fatty acids may help with ADHD because of their role in healthy brain functioning, says MayoClinic.com. These healthy fats are found in fatty fish -- such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, lake trout, herring and sardines -- as well as almonds, walnuts, peanut butter, avocados, olive oil and canola oil. Research is limited, so there are no firm guidelines on how much of these foods is helpful; consult your child's pediatrician or neurologist in charge of her ADHD treatment for a recommendation.
Step 4
Eliminate common food allergens, such as wheat, eggs, chocolate and dairy products. Some parents report that cutting these foods from their children's diets is beneficial for their ADHD symptoms. To determine which, if any, of these foods are problematic, eliminate all allergens from your child's diet initially and look for improvement; then gradually add each food allergen back into the diet one at a time, watching for adverse reactions.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children Definition
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder -- Other Treatments
- Canadian College of Naturpathic Medicine Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic: ADD/ADHD
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity (ADHD) in Children Alternative Medicine
