ADHD Diet Foods

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that causes both children and adults to be inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive. Those suffering from the condition can be overly restless, overly talkative, forgetful, disorganized and disruptive. While there are medications prescribed for ADHD, the side effects can outweigh the benefits. As a result, many adult sufferers or parents of children with the disorder choose to try alternative therapies or dietary changes first.

Detoxification

• Before beginning a regimen of foods helpful in treating ADHD, the affected person should eliminate certain foods from his current diet to rid the body of the offending foods. During this time period, nutritionists recommend eating natural, unprocessed foods and drinking lots of water. Chocolate, artificial sweeteners, sugars, starchy foods, and processed meats and dairy are to be avoided.

  Once the 2-week detoxification period is up, the sufferer is advised to add each of the previously forbidden foods at the rate of one per day to watch for negative reactions. Reactions may include changes in behavior, blotchy skin or other allergic-type responses. Food that causes these reactions should be completely eliminated from the diet. Those that don't cause a problem can be eaten in moderation.

Diet

• Those with ADHD should avoid high-carbohydrate morning meals, opting for breakfasts containing 60 percent protein instead with the remainder reserved for complex carbohydrates. Other meals should consist of half protein and half carbohydrate. High-quality fruits and vegetables in large amounts are also recommended.

  To treat ADHD, nutritionists also recommend small doses of caffeine, a daily mineral supplement, a vitamin designed specifically for those who have trouble with focus, a dose of flaxseed oil or primrose oil daily and protein supplements as needed.

Other Recommendations

• Nutritionists also recommend eliminating aluminum as much as possible from the diet. This means avoiding drinks in cans as well as aluminum foil and finding alternatives to cooking foods in or on aluminum pots or pans.