Attention Deficit Disorder & Diet in Children

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is marked by impulsive behavior, lack of attention and hyperactivity. Children are often diagnosed after other conditions are ruled out. Medical and psychological evaluations are often performed, and interviews are conducted to discuss the child's behavior with the parents or guardian and teachers and other school staff in order to correctly diagnose ADHD.

Considerations

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in children is being diagnosed at an increasing rate. What has changed in the last 50 years that has increased the number of children diagnosed with ADHD? We have an increased number of toxins in our environment, and our society has become more fast paced, focusing on meals that are convenient.

ADHD in Children : Food Allergies and Nutrional Problems

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is often believed to be caused by diet, including food allergies and nutritional problems. Much of our diet has become deficient in essential nutrients. By eliminating foods such as dairy, junk food, fruit juice, sugar, chocolate, processed meats and fried foods from your family's diet, it may soon become evident what was causing your child's symptoms. You can slowly add these foods back in and monitor your child's behavior to see if there is an increase in symptoms. Symptoms are often decreased by reducing stimulants in one's diet. Avoiding foods with high levels of sugar and carbohydrates can stabilize activity in the brain.

What to Include in an ADHD Diet

• Imagine if a child with ADHD could concentrate better, learn more and exhibit more self control--all by a change in eating habits. You can include a high protein, low carbohydrate breakfast in your child's diet to provide food for the brain. It is important that your child consume a lot of water, fruits and vegetables while avoiding exposure to metals in the diet, from aluminum to heavy metals. Adding flax seed or flax oil to a diet can increase fatty acids and create a stable metabolism. Although fatty acids are found in seafood, contaminants like mercury act as a neurotoxin that can affect brain function.

Cost Concerns with an ADHD Diet

• You do not need to buy expensive foods or supplements for a child with ADHD. By choosing the right types of foods with appropriate serving amounts and changing how your food is cooked, a child can become less hyperactive. There are simple, cost-effective ways of making improvements in your child's diet. Buying fresh foods and unprocessed meat, and avoiding fried foods help reduce food budget costs. Try to go back to the basics and avoid food dyes and other additives.

Reinforcing Healthy Eating Habits

• It is important that the changes occur for the entire family, so that each member encourages the child to establish healthy eating habits. When the whole family makes a change, the child will know that there is family support, even though it may not be an easy transition at first. A healthy diet will help a child with ADHD and create positive changes in behavior and outlook.