ADHD affects about 5 percent of American children between the ages of 6 and 17, and its causes are, as yet, generally speculative. We do know, however, that while ADHD is not caused by diet, certain foods can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and others actually work to help calm children. While every child is different and will respond differently to dietary interventions, here are some basic nutritional guidelines to help you figure out what to feed a child with ADHD.
Remember, though, that you should always consult your child's physician before adding or eliminating foods from your child's diet, including vitamins and other supplements.
Complex Carbohydrates
All carbohydrates are broken down by your body into glucose (sugar), but complex carbohydrates take longer to break down and are used more efficiently by the body. Many pediatricians recommend eating more complex carbohydrates and avoiding the simple carbohydrates, like cakes and white bread.
Examples of complex carbohydrates to incorporate into your child's diet are: wheat bread, oatmeal, potatoes, brown rice, macaroni and spaghetti, and pretty much all fruits and vegetables. Additionally, avoid refined sugars, such as soda, candy and snack cakes, since this is practically all glucose already and is processed by the body too quickly, resulting in a "sugar rush" that can make your child irritable and even less able to focus.
Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of the body, helping cells and tissues to regenerate and repair themselves. Thus, a diet rich in good proteins can assist overall functioning and help your child feel better.
Good proteins can be found in eggs, meats, poultry, fish, beans, peanut butter and cheese. Some physicians suggest adding proteins in the morning and for afternoon snacks, as they assist concentration and can help lengthen the time medications work.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids---DHA, EPA and ALA---that have been identified as essential to good brain function. Increasing the amount your child gets of these nutrients can significantly improve focus and assist your child in actively controlling his behaviors.
Good dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish---like salmon, herring, anchovies and sardines---ground flax meal or flaxseed oil (also known as linseed), walnuts, and poultry and meat or their byproducts (eggs, milk, cheese) from animals that have been fed a diet of lots of leafy greens.
However, omega-3 fatty acids are also commonly available in supplement form, and are now carried in the "gummy" vitamins that are popular with kids. These can also provide a good balance of other vitamins and minerals your child needs. Consult your doctor regarding the recommended dosage for your child.
Foods to Avoid
Often there are hidden elements in our food that can have a significant impact on children with ADHD. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children with ADHD avoid foods with artificial colors---especially red and yellow---and some common preservatives like MSG (monosodium glutamate), aspartame, and nitrates. While you don't have to be militant about this, cutting back on foods that have these ingredients, and trying to eat more unprocessed, natural foods could help. Fortunately, many of the foods that contain these products are sugary snacks and candies that you are probably eliminating anyway.
Tags: your child, that have, child diet, children with, , complex carbohydrates, foods that