How to manage ADHD in children with diet
ADHD (Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) is an increasing problem amongst children and research has shown links to diet and nutritional deficiencies as a potential cause. Dietary changes have a tremendous impact on how our bodies and brains function and is an essential part of normal, healthy development in children.
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Things You'll Need
- Fresh, unprocessed foods
- Time for meal preparation
- Multi Vitamin
- Fish oil supplement
- DHA supplement
Instructions
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Start fresh, literally. Rid your pantry and fridge of all processed and refined foods. Recently, The McCann Study showed the common food additive Sodium Benzoate to cause hyperactivity not only in ADHD children but "normal" children as well. Similarly, this study found artificial food coloring to also cause hyperactivity in children.(The Lancet September 6, 2007)
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Drastically reduce the amount of refined and natural sugars. Spikes in blood glucose, especially in children with ADD, lead to overall inattentiveness when insulin levels plummet. Fruit juices, soda, children's cereals, flour, white rice, potatoes and sweets need to be avoided.
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Eliminate saturated and hydrogenated fats. Levels of unhealthy fats (omega 6 fatty acids) have been found in far greater quantities in children with ADD/ADHD and depression. Simple changes like replacing corn oil with olive oil at home can have a large impact.
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Choose a multi vitamin containing DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) or ask your Pediatrician for a prescription for one. DHA is the primary component of developing brain tissue and children with ADHD have shown significant fatty acid deficiency.
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Add foods and supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids. Various fish, flax oil, and fish oil can greatly improve brain function. Deficiency in Omega 3's is proving to be the largest common link amongst children with ADHD and will work with DHA to correct deficiency.
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Replace the highly non-nutritional cafeteria school lunches with bag lunches. Include a lean protein like a turkey whole wheat wrap, a piece of fruit, and a bottle of water or low fat milk.
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Provide 2-3 healthy snacks for your child to eat during the day. Small, frequent meals can sustain blood glucose levels, increasing concentration. Healthy trail mix with nuts and dried berries, walnut butter and pears, a banana, hard boiled egg, pumpkin seeds, low fat tuna salad, veggies and low fat ranch dressing all make for great snacks.
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Eliminate gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. An array of learning disabilities, mainly ADHD, have been linked to gluten sensitivity and intolerance. This is the most difficult dietary change to make and can be done last. Try following a celiac diet for 3 weeks. If there is no change in behavior, gluten is not the culprit.
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Tips & Warnings
Make your child's teacher informed of your plans to treat your child. They may be able to provide an area and times for your child to snack, take test, or suggest other changes that need to be made.
Examples of grains that do not have gluten include wild rice, corn, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, quinoa, teff, oats, soybeans, and sunflower seeds.
Diet changes are not a replacement for medication.
Fish is often contaminated with mercury, a neurotoxin. Check with the FDA and CDC often for advisory on fish consumption.
Supplements may also contain mercury or other hazardous ingredients. Ask your Pediatrician for brand recommendations.
Resources
- Photo Credit flixer
