Do you want an alternative way of treating ADHD? If so, try making simple changes in your diet. Even if there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the claim that simple dietary changes have positive effects on reducing the symptoms of ADHD, many patients, especially parents whose children have been diagnosed with ADHD, have discovered that putting their children on a healthy, balanced diet works in helping them manage their children’s ADHD symptoms. Basically, being on an ADHD diet involves eating meals that are both healthy and balanced. Studies have shown that ADHD symptoms can be worsened by poor nutrition.
Reducing Sugar Intake
Children with adhd can benefit from eating less sugar in their diet. It has been shown that sugar can affect hyperactivity, particularly in children. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD who have high sugar consumption tend to experience fluctuating sugar levels in their body. This fluctuations result in mood swings and irritability. Children with ADHD tend to have outbursts of hyperactivity, aggression, mood swings and irritability when they sugar levels rise and fall. Thus, children with ADHD can develop behavior problems if they continue to be on a high sugar diet.
Cut Back on Refined Carbohydrate
It has been found that a diet low on carbohydrate and high in protein can reduce ADHD symptoms. However, it is advised that carbohydrate not be completely eliminated from an ADHD diet. What is recommended is to cut back on refined carbohydrates. These include white sugar, white flour and processed foods that have artificial coloring and flavoring, and additives. Refined carbohydrates are known to affect blood sugar levels. Excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates in the system can worsen behavior problems in ADHD individuals. Instead of refined carbohydrate, complex carbohydrate should be consumed more in an ADHD diet as this type of carbohydrate helps stabilize the level of blood sugar. Foods rich with complex carbohydrate include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Avoid Trigger Foods
The symptoms of ADHD can be triggered by certain foods. For instance, it has been found that food additives like dyes, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and flavorings cause ADHD behavior problems. Individuals with ADHD should avoid consuming processed foods as these are rife with additives. Instead, an ADHD diet should consist of natural and wholesome foods. In addition, some foods such as wheat, dairy, orange juice, yeast and eggs trigger allergy in ADHD patients. By eliminating these trigger and allergy foods in an ADHD patient’s diet, remarkable improvement will be seen.
Take Supplements
Some supplements have been found to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. For instance, studies have shown that children with ADHD tend to spell, write and read better when they take fish oil. It has been found that fish oil is a rich source of Omega-3, an essential fatty acid which helps reduce hyperactivity. Other sources of Omega-3 include flax seed oil, cod liver oil and evening primrose oil. Magnesium, zinc and vitamin B6 are other supplements that are believed to reduce the ADHD symptoms.
