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Diets for ADHD Children

Altering the diets of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can improve the ADHD symptoms in some children. One of the most effective diets for ADHD children is the Feingold Diet. Incorporating some of the elements from the Feingold diet can help a child with ADHD increase his ability to focus and control his hyperactivity.

  1. Artificial Coloring

    • Artificial dyes--particularly the red and yellow dyes--can exacerbate a child's ADHD symptoms. Try removing all artificial coloring from your child's diet.

    Artificial Flavoring

    • The chemicals used to create artificial flavorings can affect ADHD children. Removing all artificial flavorings from an ADHD child's diet can improve his symptoms.

    Artificial Sweeteners

    • Artificial sweeteners, such as Nutrasweet, have been linked to ADHD symptoms. Removing all artificial sweeteners from a child's diet can help an ADHD child have more focus and body control.

    Preservatives

    • Preservatives--such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), which are commonly used to preserve food--can exacerbate a child's ADHD symptoms. Try removing all preservatives from your child's diet.

    Omega-3 Supplements

    • Taking Omega-3 supplements or eating diets rich in Omega-3 (fish oil) can be very effective in helping ADHD children focus and control hyperactivity.

    Fish

    • Because fish is rich in Omega-3, eating lots of fish can help a child manage her ADHD symptoms. The benefits of taking Omega-3 supplements apply to eating a diet with lots of fish.

    Healthy Diet

    • While eating a healthy diet is not going to "cure" a child's ADHD, a healthy diet that is rich in organic fruits and vegetables is beneficial to a child with ADHD.

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