Controlling ADHD With Diet

Controlling ADHD the traditional way, with pharmaceutical medications, can temporarily alleviate the symptoms of ADHD. When taking a medication to treat ADHD, there can also be unwanted and devastating side effects as a result, such as permanent facial tics or long-term insomnia. Fortunately, ADHD can effectively be controlled using specific dietary changes.

Increasing Whole Foods

• Whole foods are rich in nutrients, such as minerals, vitamins and amino acids that can improve health and make the systems in the body work properly. Whole foods can be described as foods that are eaten as close to their natural state as possible. These include seeds and nuts, meats that are unprocessed, fresh fruits and vegetables, and grains that are whole and unaltered. Increasing whole foods in the diet can help the nervous and muscular systems function at their best, allowing the body to relax and gain better control over itself.

Adding Omega Fatty Acids

• Omega fatty acids have been seen to help alleviate many of the symptoms of ADHD when taken over time. Many foods contain omega fatty acids naturally, such as hempseed oil, flaxseed oil and fish oils. Typically taken in their natural oil state, oils that contain omega fatty acids can be bought in the refrigerated section of any health food store or natural foods market. Take one tablespoon of these oils, or as directed, once per day.

Removing Additives

• Certain additives can increase ADHD behaviors in children and adults. These additives are usually seen in packaged or processed foods and include artificial sugars, artificial fats, nitrites and nitrates, preservatives, fillers and artificial coloring. Additives such as these can negatively effect a person with ADHD very quickly, so eliminating these additives form the diet is important when treating ADHD through diet. Always read food labels before buying or eating packaged foods to make sure that they do not contain additives.