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Diet For ADHD - Foods to Avoid For Children and Adults With ADHD
In the US alone, approximately 9% of children have been diagnosed to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Most symptoms of ADHD start to be noticeable when the child is a toddler and becomes more apparent before the child turns seven. The disorder may stay with the child until he grows into adulthood. Consequently, even adults may suffer from the condition. Children, teens, or adults with ADHD usually have significant problems with hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, resulting to difficulty or trouble in the home, school, work, play, and marriages.
Although the cause of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder still remains unknown, different forms of treatment have been made to treat the disorder or at least relieve the discomfort brought about by its symptoms. Some of the ADHD treatments are special medications, therapy, and alternative medicines or natural treatment. However, none of these treatments will work if the patient is eating a bunch of junk. Diet is important, as specific types of ADHD diets can boost the effectiveness of treatments for the disorder.
Eating the right diet for ADHD can optimize the performance of the brain. Therefore, it may be helpful for the patient - whether a child or an adult - to follow an ADHD diet program. Diets in the sense that we commonly understand them restrict the consumption of some foods, and this is so for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. But why not apply the diet to all members of the family, so your afflicted child does not feel he is missing out. In fact, diets recommended for people with Attention Deficit Disorders are similar types of diet program to those recommended for athletes to help them perform better.
Below are the foods that ADHD patients must avoid eating or taking in large amounts.
1. Dairy products, particularly cow's milk. Allergies are thought to be a contributory factor in the occurrence of ADHD in children and adults. It has been reported by the American Pediatric Association that an approximate percentage of children may be allergic to dairy products such as cow's milk. Avoiding the intake of dairy products even for a short period only may help lessen the occurrence of symptoms.
2. Caffeinated products. People who are hyperactive should restrict the intake of caffeinated products such as coke and other energy drinks. This is because caffeinated products have stimulant properties that may not be good for ADHD patients.
3. Junk foods. Junk foods are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Junk foods are thought to have properties that may keep the brain from functioning better.
4. Sugar. Although studies have not yet proven that sugar indeed plays a role in the onset of ADHD in patients, it is still thought that too high an intake of sugar can affect a child's behavior. A diet with less sugar may help suppress symptoms.
5. Fish. There are many benefits of eating fish. However, fish to be included in the diet for ADHD sufferers may not be a good idea at all. This is because fish these days may contain high levels of mercury which is not safe or healthy. Deep ocean fish are an exception to this. These fish are good brain food (for everyone).
6. Foods with additives and food coloring. Some are trying to link the possibility of additives and food coloring as a contributory factor to ADHD.
There are many foods that are thought to be connected to the onset of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However, there are also many kinds of food that can be eaten which may help suppress the occurrence of symptoms. Whatever may be the cause of ADHD in your child or in an adult, the best thing to do is to give a diet for ADHD sufferers which can help optimize brain performance. This way, symptoms may be lessened.
written by expert - Jennifer Kaplan
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