Foods To Avoid For People With Add

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a brain and behavior disorder. Symptoms may include hyperactivity, frequent daydreaming and difficulty paying attention or staying on task. Many people with ADHD function at high levels and live fulfilling, successful lives. Managing your symptoms through behavioral changes, counseling and medications, and eating a healthy diet, can help ensure your own success. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian.

Artificially-Colored Foods

Although artificial food coloring has not been proven to cause ADHD, a report published in "Clinical Pediatrics" in Dec. 2010 and based on 35 years' worth of accumulated data showed that 65 to 89 percent of children with ADHD and suspected food sensitivities experienced heightened symptoms after consuming at least 100 mg of artificial coloring. Food additives that may increase hyperactivity include FD&C Red No.40, or allura red, FD&C Yellow No. 6, or sunset yellow and FD&C Yellow No. 5, or tartrazine. Common sources of artificial coloring include candy, commercially-prepared cakes and cookies, cake toppings and frosting, custard, ice cream and prepared beverages, such as fruit punch.

Enriched Flour

The process used to create enriched flour strips the original grain of valuable nutrients, fiber and protein. As a result, enriched flour products digest less efficiently and have a higher glycemic index -- a greater affect on your blood sugar -- than whole grains. Low glycemic grains have a beneficial impact on the brain and promote stable energy levels, according to registered dietitian and author of "The Everything Glycemic Index Cookbook" LeeAnn Smith. High glycemic foods may pose the opposite effects. Avoid enriched flour products, particularly if you're prone to hyperactivity or mood swings. To lower your glycemic load, replace enriched breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods with 100 percent whole grain equivalents.

Wheat

Some children with ADHD and food sensitivities also experience adverse reactions to wheat, according to the "Clinical Pediatrics" report. If you suspect you are reacting to wheat-containing foods, which include as most breads, cereals, crackers and baked goods, opt instead for wheat-free alternatives. This may help reduce your symptoms. Wheat-free whole grains include brown, wild and basmati rice, air-popped popcorn and gluten-free oats. Baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and corn are naturally wheat-free and nutritious starches.

Dairy Products

Although research is limited, according to the UMMC, avoiding potential food allergens, such as dairy products, may improve behavioral symptoms of ADHD in some people. If this is the case for you, avoid milk, yogurt, cheeses, sour cream and foods and beverages that contain dairy products. These would also include ice cream, cream-based soups and sauces, cheesecake and creamy coffee drinks. If you are highly sensitive to dairy products, examine ingredient lists on breads, cereals and other commercially-prepared foods, as many contain trace amounts of dry milk powder or other dairy derivatives, such as casein -- a protein derived from cow's milk. If you do not have a sensitivity or allergy, dairy products are valuable sources of protein, calcium and vitamin D.