ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a chronic condition that usually surfaces in childhood and may continue into adulthood. It is characterized by impulsive behavior, the inability to sustain concentration and hyperactivity. Both inherited traits and environmental factors contribute to the condition.
Elimination
Many parents successfully treat their ADHD children with special diets derived from a process of elimination, reports the Mayo Clinic. While no single diet is recommended for everyone with the condition, eliminating various foods may help relieve symptoms in your child. For example, allergens such as wheat, eggs or milk may exacerbate symptoms. By eliminating each substance for a period of time, you may find that your child's behavior calms down when he doesn't eat a specific food product. Eliminating sugar usually does not have an effect on ADHD, however.
Yeast
Yeast contains bacteria, which can slow down brain functioning, according to the Wisconsin Institute of Nutrition. Barley malt, which is one of the main ingredients in beer, is a food that is high in yeast and may provide an inordinate amount of yeast in the body that affects the brain. If you are an adult with ADHD, you should avoid large amounts of beer to reduce the symptoms of the condition and help you function without the use of drugs. Other foods that you should avoid to prevent a buildup of yeast in the body include chocolate, vinegar and pickles. Aged cheese and non-alcoholic beer also contain yeast.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Taking medication to treat ADHD is an option -- one that you should discuss with your doctor and family. While a healthy diet is important whether you take medication or not, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, children with ADHD may have unhealthy low levels of the omega-3 fatty acids. Your body does not inherently produce omega-3 fatty acids, so you need to obtain them from your diet. Nut oils and cold-water fish are the most effective sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Good sources include flaxseeds, canola oil, walnuts, salmon, herring, sardines and tuna.
Minerals
Zinc, magnesium and iron are important nutrients for healthy brain function. These essential nutrients play a vital role in cognitive functions, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mental functions, such as memory and concentration, are supported by the nutrients in your diet. A decrease in iron is directly related to attention span. Low zinc levels are associated with faulty memory abilities. Magnesium is an important carrier to ensure proper absorption of vital nutrients.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Feb. 10, 2011; June 6, 2009
- Wisconsin Institute of Nutrition; Yeast, ADHD and Learning Disabilities; Bruce Semon, MD
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; June 25, 2009
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Food for Thought
