ADHD and Diet
ADHD and Diet...
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ADHD is a condition in which children have difficulty paying attention, staying focused and concentrating.
Children with ADHD are impulsive and have a hard time following directions, sharing and waiting for turns; to the point where it affects them socially and academically.
There are a number of treatments available for children with ADHD.
In addition to these treatments many people feel that there is coloration between the behaviours associated with diet and ADHD.
Many parents believe that there is a relation between their children's improved behaviours associated with ADHD and dietary changes made within the family.
But it is advised to check with your family doctor before making any major changes to your child's diet.
ADHD and Diets without Food Additives
Many believe that foods containing unnatural chemicals have adverse affects on the behaviour of any child, but ADHD diets with food additives tend to be an unhealthy combination.
The ADHD diet eliminates food additives, as well as artificial flavouring and processed foods.
ADHD and Diets with Dyes
ADHD diet also eliminates food dyes. Some people also believe that the behaviours associated with ADHD are caused by food allergies.
Many ADHD diets eliminate the foods commonly associated with allergic reactions; such as cow's milk, wheat, chocolate, eggs, yeast, corn, apple juice and orange juice.
ADHD Diets without Sugar or Caffeine
Some children appear to have difficulty metabolizing glucose, so it is believed that sugar can aggravate ADHD behaviour in some children.
The ADHD diet cuts down on sugar, or eliminates sugar all together. It also cuts down on carbohydrates, as simple carbohydrates quickly turn into sugar.
The same rule applies for caffeine.
ADHD Diets high in Minerals
A diet low in magnesium may cause common psychiatric problems like anxiety, depression and irritability.
Some studies have shown ADHD children to be deficient in common minerals; including zinc, iron and magnesium.
An ADHD diet is rich in minerals, and may include dietary supplements to ensure that the child is receiving an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals.
ADHD Diets Containing Essential Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are part of the ADHD diet because they allow the body to make DHA, which is important for brain development.
The best source of essential fatty acids is flax seed and flax oil.
The ideal ADHD diet contains oily fish, like salmon, herring, trout and sardines. But if it is impossible to get children to eat these foods then mineral supplements might be considered.
ADHD Dietary Guidelines
The following ADHD dietary guidelines are healthy guidelines for any ADHD child...
- Allow the child to eat five or six small meals a day instead of three big ones
- Don't allow the child to eat three hours before bedtime
- Limit fruit juices the child takes
- Steer the child clear of simple carbohydrates such as white rice and bread
- Eliminate drinks with caffeine from the child's diet
- Give the child many fresh vegetables as possible.
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