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Diet Plan for Children With ADD

Though there are numerous options for the treatment of children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), enhanced concentration and reduced irritability and hyperactivity can be attained with a healthy diet. Though Dr. Benjamin Feingold's 1973 study was the first conducted on the relationship between ADD and ADHD and diet, many have been conducted since confirming that a diet based on natural and unprocessed foods can be critical in taming symptoms of ADHD.

  1. Changing Eating Habits

    • Poor nutrition, for anyone, not simply children with ADD, has been shown to decrease attention span, the ability and motivation to learn and to exhibit self-control. Implementing a proper diet and healthy relationship with food in your child can aid and even cure symptoms of ADD and ADHD. A 2003 study, published in the Alternative Medicine Review, compared the effect of Ritalin (a common drug prescribed for the treatment of ADD and ADHD) versus the effect of dietary supplements, including, among other things, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and probiotics. The research showed that the food supplements proved just as effective as Ritalin in enhancing attention and self-discipline in children with ADHD.

    Foods to Avoid

    • Risk factors for those with AD/HD include food additive allergies, low-protein/high-carbohydrate diets, fatty acid and mineral imbalances and thyroid disorders. An awareness of your children's food allergies may also be helpful in determining certain foods to be wary of. The Feingold Diet is perhaps the best-known use of dietary changes as a treatment of ADD and ADHD. Based upon the argument that allergies are the root cause of many symptoms of ADD, the program recommends cutting out foods that contain artificial colors and flavors, as well as foods containing natural salicylic acid (such as strawberries peppers and almonds). After a period, the foods with naturally occurring salicylates may be reintroduced.

    Recommended Foods

    • By making whole and natural foods a part of your children's diet, whether on their own or in addition to the use of medication, you can greatly decrease their ADHD symptoms. Supplements that may be helpful in treating symptoms of ADD are B vitamins, vitamins A and C, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Providing a well-balanced, healthful diet for your child should ensure that many of these vitamins are already part of their daily intake. Granted, it's not always easy to take away the chips and packaged cookies. However, an easy way to introduce healthy foods into your children's lives is to make the food exciting and interesting. Try adding hummus, peanut butter or honey to your veggies and fruit to create new and fun menus.

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