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ADHD

FOODS THAT HARM

  • Some children with ADHD may be sensitive to foods containing salicylates, including:
  • Processed foods
  • Foods containing dyes, paricularly red or orange dyes Dried fruits

    FOODS THAT HEAL

  • Salicylate-free foods, such as:
  • Bananas
  • Pears
  • Lentils
  • Whole grain breads and cereals
  • Fish
  • Lean meat and poultry
  • Milk and cheese
  • Eggs

    FOODS TO LIMIT

  • Sugary foods, such as cookies and soft drinks

    WHO’S AFFECTED

  • Children, ages 4 to 17
  • Adults can also be affected, and parents of children with ADHD are two to eight times more likely to have
  • ADHD themselves
  • As of 2007, some 5
    4 million children ages 4 to 17 were diagnosed with ADHD—that’s nearly one in 10 children
    And a growing number of adults are also being diagnosed
  • An ADHD diagnosis means someone has six or more symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity or impulsivity
    Symptoms must have lasted at least 6 months in at least two different settings, such as home and school
    Symptoms might include: making careless mistakes; being easily distracted and forgetful; talking excessively; interrupting others; and fidgeting

    WHAT ABOUT CAFFEINET

    The jury is still out as to whether caffeine improves or worsens ADHD symptoms
    Because it’s a stimulant, it makes sense to think caffeine might help ADHD symptoms, just as stimulant drugs can
    Researchers support this theory and say that caffeine can lessen impulsiveness and hyperactivity
    But if children drink caffeine late enough in the day so that it affects their sleep, it could worsen symptoms
    At least one study suggests that women who drink caffeinated soft drinks during pregnancy are more likely to have children who, at 18 months old, have ADHD symptoms (interestingly, coffee didn’t have the same effects)

    Nutrition Connection

    In a 2012 paper in Pediatrics, researchers at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago studied the diet factor in ADHD
    They concluded that some children with ADHD do respond to strict elimination diets such as the Feingold diet, which removes many foods with salicylates from the diet
    But these diets are time-consuming and disruptive to the entire family—and they’re hard to implement, especially as kids get older
    For most kids, simply avoiding junk food and processed foods is enough to ease ADHD symptoms; instead, focus on a diet rich in whole grains, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins, especially fish
    Here’s how: Nix simple carbs
    Candy and fruit drinks, soft drinks, and foods sweetened with corn syrup, honey, and sugar can raise blood sugar levels and may contribute to attention problems
    Eat complex carbs
    Especially later in the day, offering kids a complex carb–rich snack can promote relaxation and sleep
    Good choices include whole-grain breads and cereals
    Focus on protein
    Choose foods like beans, eggs, low-fat cheese, fish, and lean meat for breakfast and for after-school snacks
    Protein foods may improve concentration
    Avoid foods that contain salicylates
    Some children with ADHD may be sensitive to salicylates, chemicals that occur naturally in many fruits and vegetables (especially dried fruits) as well as in processed foods, foods containing dyes, and many medications and household products
    If you think certain foods affect your child’s behavior, eliminate them over time to see if symptoms approve

    Beyond the Diet

    Your doctor will likely suggest behavioral strategies to help your child manage his or her attention problems
    Beyond following that advice, try these tactics
    Stick to a medication schedule
    If your doctor prescribes medication for your child, makes sure it is taken as directed and at the same time every day
    Limit TV and electronic games at night
    These can overstimulate children before bed and make it harder for them to get the 7 to 8 hours of sleep they need
    Play, preferably outdoors
    Encourage your kids to be active for at least 20 to 30 minutes most days of the week
    Do some deep breathing
    Teach your kids to stop what they’re doing and take slow deep breaths for a few minutes, whenever they feel angry or stressed
    • Importance of well balance diet