ADHD is a behavioral disorder that is characterized by hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsiveness. A majority of adults and children who are officially diagnosed with ADHD take a prescription medication, usually some type of stimulant, to help alleviate the troublesome symptoms. Many ADHD sufferers have discovered that following a strict diet can also help control the symptoms of the disorder. Some adults with ADHD and parents of ADHD children find that dietary changes can make a big difference in behavior.
High Protein and Complex Carbohydrates
Some ADHD sufferers have had favorable results following a high-protein and low- or complex-carbohydrate diet. Some medical researchers suggest that eating a diet high in protein actually triggers the neurotransmitter dopamine, which helps increase alertness. Eating complex carbohydrates stimulates the production of serotonin, which can cause drowsiness. Eating proteins and complex carbohydrates together seems to help balance the blood sugar and neurotransmitter levels that help ADHD patients remain calm and focused. Healthy meals and snacks could include an apple with peanut butter or cheese, a hard-boiled egg and wheat crackers or a muffin with a glass of milk.
Sugar-Free Diet
Sugar's effect on ADHD patients has caused much controversy among medical researchers. Some scientists believe that sugar has absolutely no effect on ADHD symptoms. Many others believe that consuming refined sugar disrupts the balance of flora in the intestines and increases the production of inflammatory reactions, both of which can trigger hyperactivity, impulsiveness and lack of focus. Sugary foods are also full of empty calories containing no nutritional value, which means individuals who eat a lot of high-sugar foods might be missing the essential nutrients that keep them calm and focused.
The Feingold Diet
Back in the 1970s, Benjamin Feingold, M.D., an allergist and pediatrician in San Francisco, California, first suggested that ADHD was caused and aggravated by an intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods. He suggested a special diet to give ADHD sufferers some relief from the symptoms (see Resources). The Feingold diet advises patients to avoid all artificial sweeteners, flavorings, food colorings, additives and preservatives. He also advised ADHD patients to avoid foods that contain salicylates, a natural compound found in some veggies and fruits, including peaches, oranges, tomatoes, cucumbers and most berries. Although the traditional medical community originally scoffed at Dr. Feingold's theories, recent research has determined that the Feingold diet is beneficial to ADHD sufferers with chemical sensitivities.
Elimination Diet
Because food sensitivities can trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms, many alternative health care professionals suggest that sufferers follow an elimination diet. The goal of an elimination diet is to determine which foods trigger hyperactive, impulsive and unfocused behavior. These diets typically start by eliminating all common allergens, including wheat, corn, peanuts, milk, eggs and chocolate. People are advised to eat only the foods that rarely cause reactions for a week or two. These foods include cabbage, bananas, rice, lamb, broccoli and cauliflower. Individuals should then add other foods one at a time and decide whether the new food is causing a reaction. ADHD sufferers should avoid all of the foods that caused a reaction.
Intestinal Dysbiosis Diet
Another possible diet treatment for ADHD patients involves restoring the balance of flora in the intestines. Intestinal dysbiosis includes candidiasis, pathogenic bacteria and parasites, all of which are living organisms that are producing and eliminating various waste products into our bodies. In vulnerable people, these waste products might have a toxic effect that triggers hyperactive behavior and concentration problems. Nutritionists and alternative health care practitioners typically recommend individuals control intestinal dysbiosis by avoiding any foods containing yeast, white sugar and refined wheat. Individuals should also take a yeast- or bacterial-inhibiting supplement, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, oregano oil, grapefruit seed extract, Pau d' Arco extract or tea, peppermint oil or tea tree oil.
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