Nutrition & ADHD

ADHD is the acronym for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, a behavioral disorder that first emerges in childhood. Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty sustaining attention, poor impulse control, and hyperactivity. However, studies have shown that proper nutrition can help control these symptoms.

Prevalence

• Experts estimate that 3 to 5 percent of children have ADHD. Between 30 and 70 percent of children with ADHD have symptoms that persist into adulthood.

Causes

• Hereditary factors, environmental factors such as lead and heavy metal poisoning, allergies, smoking during pregnancy, prenatal trauma, and oxygen deprivation during childbirth are linked to ADHD.

Protein

• High protein diets can help minimize the possible role of hypoglycemia in ADHD symptoms. Include cold water fish (e.g., tuna, salmon) to provide DHA, a fatty acid that is often deficient in people with ADHD.

Complex Carbohydrates

• Certain foods aid metabolic regulation and minimize ADHD symptoms. Diets should include complex carbohydrates such as those found in fresh vegetables, fruit, beans and whole grain foods.

Foods to Avoid

• Avoid carbonated beverages, fatty foods, refined sugar, glucose, fructose, and junk foods.

Sugar Controversy

• Experts disagree on the effect of sugar on ADHD. A review of research conducted by the NIH indicates that only around 5 percent of children with ADHD---those that are very young or have food allergies---benefit from restricted diets. On the other hand, a well controlled study of 261 hyperactive children showed a strong link between hyperactivity and sugar consumption for 74 percent of the children.