Affecting ADHD with Diet Changes

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) now affects between 3-5% of children under the age of 19 worldwide! Although there are still controversies over how it's diagnosed and treated, there have been some successful treatments discovered in recent years when addressing a child's diet. Here are a few ways that have shown potential in easing the effects of ADHD:

-Avoid foods containing artificial
colors like red and yellow

-Avoid MSG, nitrites (think
processed meats like bacon and
deli meats), as well as aspartame
(artificial sweeteners like
NutraSweet and Equal)

- Eat fewer simple carbs such as
candy, soda, white flour products,
white rice, and white potatoes.
These carbs turn into sugar faster
when digested and spikes blood
sugar.

- Eat more complex carbs like fruits
and vegetables such as oranges,
apples, grapefruit and pears a well
as whole grain bread products,
sweet potatoes, brown rice and
broccoli. These types of carbs are
digested and used for furl over a
longer period of time while keeping
blood sugar levels stable. This
allows us to have more sustainable
energy throughout the day.

- Add protein to your meals
including breakfast and snacks.
Good choices include beans, string
cheeses, eggs, nuts and lean
meats.

- Add foods rich in omega-3 fatty
acids such as tuna, salmon,
walnuts, and olive oil.