ADHD Meal Plan

If your child is suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, his diet may be partly to blame, according to a 2010 Australian study 2. ADHD can be a challenge for children and their parents, and without treatment, it may affect a child’s learning ability and social interaction. Diet, along with conventional treatment, may help some children control the symptoms of ADHD and enjoy a healthy and successful life. (Reference 1)

History

The idea of reducing the symptoms of ADHD through meal planning isn’t a new one. Dr. Ben Feingold (1900-1982), author of the 1975 book, “Why Your Child is Hyperactive,” introduced families to meal planning designed to control hyperactivity. Feingold’s research laid the groundwork for today’s studies that address the role a child’s diet plays in ADHD, according to the “Gale Encyclopedia of Diets.”

Theory

Aggressive Behavior in Children & Nutrition

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A child with ADHD may be exhibiting an allergic reaction to certain substances in his food, according to Feingold. By eliminating the offending food substances, which include:

• all artificial colors
  
• additives
  
• flavorings
  
• preservatives
  
• the child’s symptoms may improve

Studies

The Australian study examined the diets of 115 children diagnosed with ADHD. Wendy Oddy, Associate Professor at Perth’s Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, concluded that children who eat a “Western style” diet were more than twice as likely to suffer from ADHD. Oddy describes a Western diet as one high in processed foods, sweets, salt, fried foods and refined grains. Further studies are necessary to confirm Oddy’s findings.

Specifics

Inattentive ADD Diet

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MayoClinic.com advises parents of ADHD kids to eliminate foods that contain sodium benzoate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Red No. 40 from their child’s diet. While the Mayo Clinic does not claim that these additives cause ADHD, they report that the presence of these substances in a child’s diet may make ADHD symptoms worse.

After the child’s symptoms eased, Feingold suggested re-introducing the substances one at a time to determine which additives were the triggers for ADHD symptoms. Parents choose from a list of acceptable foods and not all processed foods are eliminated, according to the Feingold Association 4.

Adult ADHD Diet Tips

Adults with ADHD may benefit from advance menu planning in addition to following the same dietary restrictions suggested for children. HelpGuide.org recommends eating small meals throughout the day and reducing sugar consumption. Include plenty of lean protein in your diet and eat fewer carbohydrates. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages in the evening, which may prevent a good night’s sleep. Use meal planning and diet restrictions to control ADHD under the supervision of a doctor.