Parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, often struggle to find ways to manage their kids' symptoms. Some people believe that certain foods influence hyperactivity, attentiveness and mood. Following a strict diet plan may help your child cope with his symptoms. Before beginning a new diet for kids with ADHD, talk to your child's pediatrician for more information.
Food Additives
Some scientific evidence suggests that certain children with ADHD may be affected by food additives and preservatives. To make healthy dietary choices for your child, carefully check the ingredient labels of all foods. Avoid foods that contain sodium benzoate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Red No. 40. These additives are used to color candy, beverages, ice cream and other foods. They may increase hyperactivity in some children with ADHD. Parents should try to eliminate processed foods with additives and preservatives that may exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Sugar and Caffeine
For some children with ADHD, eating sugar can cause hyperactive behaviors. Caffeine acts as a stimulant, causing hyperactivity in certain people. In general, children with ADHD should avoid eating foods or drinking beverages with caffeine or high sugar content. In practice, limiting sugar intake can be challenging. Try diluting juices, buying juices with no added sugar, limiting portions of candy or treats and making homemade desserts with little or no sugar.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Several types of fatty acids are important for appropriate development. According to the website Every Diet, the ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids affects brain functioning. Some children with ADHD may benefit from receiving more omega-3 fatty acids. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, fresh tuna, sardines, herring, walnuts or ground flaxseeds. If your child does not like the taste of fish, find bread, milk or other products enriched with omega-3 fatty acids.
Expert Insight
Although some evidence suggests that making careful dietary choices improves symptoms of ADHD, not all medical professionals agree that there is a link between ADHD and diet. Physician Jaswinder Kaur Ghuman of the University of Arizona in Tucson notes that not all children with ADHD respond to dietary modifications. More research is necessary before scientists can make definitive statements about the efficacy of limiting caffeine, sugar and food additives and increasing omega-3 fatty acid consumption in reducing symptoms of ADHD.
References
- Every Diet: ADHD Diet
- OneADDPlace.com: ADHD Diet
- MayoClinic.com; ADHD Diet: Do Food Additives Cause Hyperactivity?; John Huxsahl; Nov. 2009
- Medpage Today: ADHD Diet Plan Gets Mixed Reviews; Kristina Fiore; Feb. 2011
- "The Lancet"; Restricted Elimination Diet for ADHD: The INCA Study; Jaswinder Kaur Ghuman; Feb. 5, 2011
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