Diet for ADD Children
Children with ADD and ADHD typically have inadequate levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps promote mental alertness and attention span. Children with ADD/ADHD can help counteract these symptoms by consuming foods that provide optimal brain fuel and by avoiding foods that make symptoms worse. There is also some evidence that neurotransmitter activity can be improved through dietary intervention.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to brain development and function and may even help improve neurotransmitter activity. One study, reported in Better Nutrition, found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements helped alleviate symptoms of ADHD and depression in children. Both disorders involve problems with neurotransmitters. Another study, reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry, showed similar results. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, walnuts, tofu and flaxseed meal. Fish oil and flaxseed supplements are also widely available.
Iron
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Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body--including the brain. Iron-rich foods include red meat, beans, pumpkin seeds, soy products, leafy greens and black strap molasses. Consuming vitamin C with a high-iron meal helps boost iron absorption.
Fresh Produce
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Antioxidant-rich foods improve circulation, which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. All fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, but berries, beets and dark leafy greens are especially potent sources. These foods are also rich in fiber and other nutrients your child needs.
Preservatives
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A widely reported study out of the University of Southampton found that hyperactivity in children increased after they consumed drinks containing artificial colors and sodium benzoate. Sodium benzoate is a preservative frequently added to soft drinks and juices. The FDA requires companies to list preservatives and additives on the nutritional label.
Blood Sugar Stability
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Maintaining blood sugar levels is especially important for children with ADD. Hunger can break the concentration of even the most highly-focused students. Additionally, blood sugar spikes and crashes, caused by meals high in simple carbohydrates and low in protein, can lead to behavioral or mood swings that can make your child's performance inconsistent--a difficult foundation from which to face the challenges of attention deficit. Try to serve protein and healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil) with every meal to ensure a slow and steady delivery of glucose to the blood.
Casein- and Gluten-Free Diet
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The gluten- and casein-free diet is based on the "opiate excess theory," according to Exceptional Parent. This theory hypothesizes that certain physical conditions cause the body to transform gluten and casein into opiates. These opiates disrupt neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which can result in ADD or autism. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Casein is the protein found in milk and milk products. Sticking to this diet is not as hard as it sounds. Natural grocery stores now carry a wide variety of wheat and dairy substitutes.
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