Most people agree that a diet for ADHD does contribute and play an important role in controlling ADHD. Because of an ADHD diet many children are no longer dependent on prescription drugs such as Adderall, Metadate.

More than likely you will have to use the process of elimination to actually determine which foods are the triggers for the negative behavior of ADHD. Some of the foods that are likely culprits include;

1. Packaged foods in a can, jar or bag. Fresh is best
2. Chemical additives, artificial dyes, and flavors
3. Refined sugars, caffeine
4. Salicylate sensitivity or salicylate intolerance
5. Dairy

The first item that should be eliminated from the ADHD diet is any refined sugar. Hyperactivity is increased and sugar robs the body of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It doesn’t matter what type of sugar you use even though some sugars have added benefits. Honey, for example, contains pollen which helps allergies or metabolizes in the body at a slower rate and Sucanat is pressed cane juice so you get some minerals from the plant. The hidden sugars in foods such as breakfast cereals, energy bars, sweetened drinks, even children’s vitamins should be avoided or eliminated. A diet for ADHD avoids all artificial sweeteners and foods that contain corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose and fructose. Read the labels.

Artificial dyes and flavors are in everything from crackers to snacks. Red and yellow food coloring, and monosodium glutamate, (MSG) also have shown negative reactions in children with ADHD.

An ADHD child who’s consuming too much caffeine which is found in chocolates, desserts, and carbonated beverages might be losing the minerals to support nerve function. Sodium acts similar to caffeine, so be sure and check labels.

Salicylate sensitivity, or salicylate intolerance, is any adverse effect that occurs when a normal amount of salicylate (salicylic acid) is introduced into a person’s body. Salicylates can be found in food, medication and cosmetics, check labels carefully.

After eliminating the offending foods make sure you include the following to the diet for ADHD:

Vitamin B Complex has been shown to improve brain activity. Whole grain cereals, breads, rice milk, eggs, fish, nuts, soy and leafy green vegetables.

Children should eat small meals which include a protein at each meal. String cheeses are low in fat, eggs, low-fat yogurt with fruit are a better alternative to sugary snacks.

Calcium builds strong bones, but it also supports cell membranes and aids the nervous system, especially in impulse transmission, which could improve a child’s behavior on the adhd diet.

Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to maintain normal muscle and nerve function and is found naturally in green veggies such as spinach, beans, peas, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Since Dairy can be a trigger for negative behavior calcium supplements can be an alternative to milk or cheese. Green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and collard greens, and whole grains and cereals are high in calcium.

Trace minerals that would help an ADHD child include zinc and iron. Studies have shown that children with ADHD have low levels of zinc in their bodies compared to children without ADHD. Trace minerals are found in fruits, vegetables, and animal products, but many nutritionists recommend supplementing with a sugar-free multivitamin.

Studies have found that children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders often have an Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) deficiency. I started including this supplement for my son and the difference is amazing. Fish, nuts and flax seeds are good sources of EFA’s as are omega-3 eggs which have DHA added. The best source of Omega-3 EFA is DHA which is found in fish. There are many chewable forms available for children.

Healthy oils include flaxseed, canola and olive oils. The wrong kinds of fats are the Hydrogenated oils, Trans fats and saturated fats, generally the ones that are hard at room temperature.

Just imagine if you didn’t have to give your child strong prescription drugs! Put this to the test right away and try the diet for ADHD. Try eliminating the negative foods and adding the positive foods. The difference in concentration, behavior and his happiness will delight you.

By: Rebecca Shelly

About the Author: