Diet has an effect on many aspects of daily living. Physical health and performance throughout the day are often linked to diet, with poor diet leading to a sluggish, fatigued feeling. Additionally, diet has an effect on a person's ability to focus and concentrate which is one reason why eating breakfast is so important. Maintaining a healthy diet and eating certain foods may improve or eliminate the signs and symptoms of ADHD.
Protein
According to Tina Adler of ADDitude online magazine, using protein to buffer carbohydrate or sugar intake may help people with ADHD manage symptoms by avoiding the spike and subsequently drop in blood sugar after eating carbohydrates. Dr. Vincent J. Monastra, PhD, a child psychologist who heads an ADD clinic in New York, estimates that less than 5 percent of the children he evaluates for attention deficit disorders every year eat the recommended amount of protein at breakfast and lunch. Protein can be found in foods such as eggs, meat and soy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a healthy diet should get 10 to 35 percent of its calories from protein, depending on the size and age of the person.
Fatty Acids
Evidence exists that taking flax seed oil, omega-3 supplements or eating foods containing omega-3 may help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. It is not approved as a replacement for medication, but is considered complementary to a comprehensive treatment plan. According to "Omega-3 Fatty Acids in ADHD and Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders," done by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, while studies were mixed, dietary supplementation of fish oils provided relief for some children with ADHD symptoms. Omega-3 can be found in fish and omega-3 enriched foods such as soy milk, as well as in supplement form as fish oil or flax seed oil.
Caffeine
For people that respond well to stimulant medications, but who want something more mild or inexpensive, caffeine for some has the same effect as prescription ADHD medications. According to OneADDPlace.com, 100 mg of caffeine has about the same effect as taking 5 mg of methylphenidate, the generic form of brand name drugs Ritalin and Concerta. Blending a flavored coffee with protein powder is an alternative for those who don't like the taste of coffee. A 6 ounce cup of coffee is all that is needed to consume 100 mg of caffeine.
