ADD A to Z: Your Guide to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Download Your Copy Today

When you think of a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, one of the first assumptions is that child is probably on Ritalin or some other type of drug to keep him or her under control. While Ritalin, other drugs, and other forms of treatment are highly beneficial, and in most cases, recommended, other things play an important role in the treatment of this mental disorder. As you will discover in this article, ADHD and diet is also essential. Unfortunately, we still see many parents who have no idea that diet can help the child with this disorder but the hopes of experts is to educate parent and school officials that by feeding this type of child the right types of food, this is one more tool in helping that child live a normal, healthy, and happy life.

Remember, ADHD is caused by the brain not producing enough of certain chemicals that are responsible for thought organization. The great thing about an ADHD diet is that generally speaking, it is not that strict. Because of that, the child is still eating foods he or she enjoys and not feeling isolated or singled out when it comes to good food. In fact, many ADHD doctors will recommend the entire family go on the ADHD diet, which is healthy but also encouraging to the child. While special diet is not a cure-all, studies show that as much as 20% of ADHD children who have tried it actually felt better. The results are usually not overwhelming but you could consider the ADHD diet as one more piece of the puzzle.

Okay, so what does the ADHD diet consist of? First and most importantly, it means eliminating all dairy products from the diet, especially cow’s milk. Instead, you would use rice milk, almond milk, or a product called, “Better than milk”, which is actually very tasty. In addition, drink more water. Since the brain is comprised of 80% water, by increasing your daily intake of water you are benefiting the brain whether ADHD is a problem or not. Next on the list for the ADHD diet is no yellow foods. While that might sound a little funny, this too is important. This means avoiding certain foods such as squash and corn. Now, children can still eat bananas because only the skin is yellow, the actual fruit is white.

The ADHD diet also means staying away from junk food. Of all changes, this one is usually the one met with the most resistance. However, within a few weeks, your child will not even miss the old foods, as long as you provide him or her with other delicious sack options. You also want to eliminate fruit juices, which is usually surprising to parents. The reason is that fruit juices are loaded with sugar and sugar causes hyperactivity. Therefore, the problem is only being perpetuated. If you do offer your child any fruit juice after a few weeks or months, then dilute it 50/50 with water. Chocolate is another huge problem for children with ADHD. Therefore, the ADHD diet consists of cutting chocolate by 90%. Keep in mind that you could let your child have one candy bar a week but not every day. The same is true for sugar of any kind, cut it by 90%.

The ADHD diet also means to stay away from Nutrasweet, avoiding any type of processed meats, choosing only cuts that are made from turkey and water, cutting out fried foods by 90%, no MSG, a chemical used commonly in Asian food, and no food coloring, if possible. If you look at this, the first reaction is “Oh my, gosh!” However, if you look at the ADHD diet a little closer, what you see is that you are providing your child with healthy, whole foods that are good for everyone. Think back to the food pyramid, whole grains, lean meats, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and so on. Yes, this is a change, but one that will help the symptoms of ADHD so worth the sacrifices. Keep in mind that as you stay on the diet, the entire family will begin to feel better, have more energy, meaning the ADHD diet is really no sacrifice at all.
 

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