Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is a disorder that many children and some adults have, which causes them to have a difficult time concentrating. ADD can be a difficult problem to deal with, especially in children because trouble focusing often results in poor school performance and low grades. The Center for Science in the Public Interest estimates that three to five percent of all school-age children suffer from ADD. Recent science is showing a link between diet and ADD, which may lead to a possible treatment through dietary change.
The Feingold Diet
Dr. Ben F. Feingold, a pediatrician and allergist, discovered that children with ADD seem to have more behavioral and concentration problems when they eat certain foods and food additives. He then created the Feingold diet, which recommends that children who suffer from attention deficit disorder eat a diet where all food additives, artificial colorings, preservatives and artificial flavors are eliminated. The diet created by Dr. Ben F. Fiengold advocates eating all natural foods such as vegetables, fruits and hormone-free meats. Several studies back up Dr. Feingold's diet, including one study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, which found that many children show increased irritability and restlessness when they ingest food additives.
Food Additives
The Annals of Allergy report that the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder were significantly decreased in 19 children after 26 children with ADD were given diets without any food additives. The food additives which were taken from their diet included food colorings and flavorings as well as preservatives such as BHT. Removing all food additives from a child's diet may be a difficult thing to do because additives are present in so many packaged foods, but it may ameliorate the child's concentration levels.
Salicylates
Salicylates are a compound found in many foods which are known to cause problems in people with allergies and sensitivities. The Center for Science in the Public Interest reports that these plant chemicals are naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Apricots, berries and tomatoes have very high levels of salicylates. Dr. Feingold, along with many other medical professionals, believes that salicylates in the diet may worsen ADD symptoms and that following a low-salicylate or salicylate-free diet may decrease the symptoms of ADD.
Gluten
The ADHD Awareness website states that many children with attention deficit disorder may benefit from a diet which is completely free of gluten. Gluten is considered to be an allergen to some people, which may lead to difficulty concentrating. Gluten is the protein-containing portion of wheat and it is used in many different types of foods, not just wheat breads. Baked goods, cereals, pasta, crackers and soy sauce all contain gluten.
Casein
Children with attention deficit disorder may also have improved symptoms if they cut all casein from their diet, according to ADHD Awareness. Casein is a protein component of milk which is found in milk, yogurt, cheese and cottage cheese. Casein is often listed as sodium caseinate or calcium caseinate on food labels like puddings, custards, smoothies, drinks and energy bars so achieving a casein-free diet may be a difficult and time-consuming task.
