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Can diet make a difference to ADHD?

ADHD diet

ADHD is a problem that affects kids as well as adults. While it is immediately recognizable in kids with hyper activity and restlessness as its core symptoms, the symptoms in adults are almost always misunderstood and never related to ADHD. Most adults who have ADHD, create a whole lot of problems around them and this can even lead to troubled relationships. Studies about ADHD has resulted in contradictory results and researchers who have been talking about ADHD and its relation to diet too have statements that do not in any way blend together. But the general consensus seems to be that diet does play an important role in maintaining a physical as well as mental balance in our body.

Why we are asking this now?

In today’s world, the number of parents visiting psychiatrists to tame their troubled kids and the number of marital relationships that fizzle out due to ADHD are increasing day by day. People are generally unaware as to the problem and many are not willing to waste their lives for the sake of others, even if it is their better half. These issues have really prompted us to look back and churn out the real reason that causes ADHD and if there is a safe and sure way to treat it.

Many researchers have differential views about how diet may affect ADHD. But most of them are of the opinion that ADHD has some connection to diet as nutritional deficiencies and food allergies can finally take a toll on your body and resurface as ADHD. Elimination of certain foods may help in reducing and in some cases completely removing the symptoms of ADHD.

What research says?

Several studies point to the fact that children who are generally hyper active are susceptible to ADHD. These children are extremely sensitive to sugar and other stimulant foods. Many parents must have noticed how their kid’s get excited and hyper after consuming a sugary drink or a chocolate. These symptoms must be taken as a cue and the root of the problem addressed before we go after medications that can be again harmful to their bodies and do nothing but mask the symptoms for a certain period of time.

If nutrition can make a difference to ADHD, it is worth considering a diet plan that not only helps in treating the root cause, but also in developing your children as healthy individuals and preventing future illnesses as well.

A well researched study by a British group, known as Southampton study finds that additives in the form of food colour and preservatives made children more hyper. Further study on these kids revealed that those that showed hyper behaviour also had certain problems with their genes that regulated the histamine system. The study also revealed that ADHD in some children comes out in the form of food allergy.

ADHD diet you can follow

A. Recommended nutrition and diet

a. Include more of protein

An ADHD diet must consist of a high protein diet, especially the breakfast which helps in awakening the brain from lethargy. Cereals and milk must be avoided as much as possible.

b. Include less of simple carbohydrates

Carbohydrates must be reduced as you increase the intake of protein. 40 percent of your breakfast can be simple carbohydrates.

c. Include more of complex carbohydrates

Other meals can be broken into equal halves of proteins and carbohydrates. You can add fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes etc. which are complex carbohydrates.

d. Increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega three fatty acids help in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. Good sources are fish oils, flax seeds, evening primrose oil etc. Flax seeds can be added to your food or salads every day. Make sure that you chew them well while consuming to get the full benefit.

B. Vitamin and mineral supplements

Everyone with ADHD is recommended a 100 percent vitamin and mineral supplement daily. Lack of balanced diet can aggravate ADHD and lead to other diseases and conditions as well.

C. Foods to avoid

Care must be taken to avoid certain foods that can again cause ADHD or aggravate the condition. These foods must be carefully assessed and the reactions noted before entirely stopping them.

a. Food additives

Preservatives, artificial colours and additives can lead to hyperactivity in children. Artificial colours like yellow and red and additives such as aspartame, MSG and nitrites must be avoided in children’s diet.

b. Sugar

Sugary foods, candies and chocolates can make some kid hyperactive. Though they cannot be entirely avoided, especially for kids, they must consist only of a small portion of your overall diet.

c. Caffeine

While small amounts of caffeine is known to improve the symptoms of ADHD, it is better to avoid caffeine fROm the diet as the side effects can far outweigh the benefits.

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