Toddlers are energetic and demanding under any circumstance. Toddlers with ADHD are unable to focus and pay attention to tasks that other toddlers handle naturally and with ease. If symptoms sufficient to make a diagnosis of ADHD are present during the toddler period, then it is likely that a comprehensive treatment program that includes behavior management, family or parenting effectiveness training and medication is indicated. Notably, a wide variety of medical, dietary and nutritional factors can contribute to the severity of children's attention and behavior problems. Careful management of children's diet and nutrition can be an important component of a comprehensive treatment program.
Obtain a Medical Evaluation
ADHD can be difficult to diagnosis in toddlers, and there are many contributing causes to ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms, so it is critical to obtain a comprehensive medical evaluation and diagnosis. The medical evaluation may also help establish dietary factors that should be incorporated into diet and meal planning. The doctor should rule out food allergies and sensitivities, environmental allergies, heavy metal exposure, metabolic problems such as celiac disease, gluten or casein intolerance, nutritional deficiencies, endocrine disorders and metabolic disorders. It may also be advisable to have a psychologist evaluate for learning or developmental disorders.
Elimination Diet
Many experts, including Phylis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," believe that food or food additive allergies can contribute to the occurrence and severity of ADHD symptoms. In consultation with your pediatrician or an allergist, use an elimination diet to determine if sensitivities or allergies contribute to ADHD in your child. Eliminate potential allergens from their diet for 3 weeks, then one by one reintroduce the potentially offending food into the diet. Carefully monitor your child's behavior. If hyperactivity ensues after you reintroduce the food, eliminate it from the diet. Foods that can contribute to ADHD symptoms in some people include: dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream; gluten products like wheat bread, pasta, and cereal; processed foods; artificial sweeteners like aspartame; and foods with food dye in them.
Low-Sugar Diet
Many sources, including studies described at ADDADHDAdvances.com indicate that simple carbohydrates such as sugars and starches can make ADHD symptoms worse. For example, one study reports that nearly three quarters of the 261 ADHD children in the study had worse ADHD symptoms after consuming sugar. Evidence in this and other studies suggest that some children with ADHD have a crash in their blood sugar and a stress hormone cascade after eating sweets. Avoid sugary and starchy foods including soda, pastry, candy, fried foods, sugary cereal, cakes, fried foods, junk food, white bread, white rice and non-whole grain pasta.
Include Plenty of Protein
Low blood sugar can contribute to ADHD symptoms. Proteins take a long time to be digested and released into the blood stream, stabilizing blood sugars. Feed your child plenty of high-protein foods at every meal including breakfast. Include protein in mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks as well. In addition to stabilizing blood sugars, protein promotes creation of amino acids that are involved in the production of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Foods with protein include meats, poultry, nuts, tofu, legumes and cold water fish and seafood such as bluefish, cod, halibut, herring, mackerel, mullet, salmon, shrimp, trout and tuna. Milk and milk products such as cheese and yogurt also contain protein.
Include Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates such as fresh vegetables and fresh fruits help maintain stable blood sugars that are necessary for the brain and the body's optimal functioning, and thereby can minimize ADHD symptoms. Complex carbohydrates also work with proteins to aid in the creation of neurotransmitters. Other sources of complex carbohydrates include legumes such as split peas, lentils and beans and whole grain foods. Include complex carbohydrates along with protein at every meal and snack.
References
- ADD ADHD Advances: The Role of Sugar in ADHD
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- "Nutritional Healing;" Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
