Diet for ADHD Treatment
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is also known as ADHD, is neurological disorder that affects nearly 1 in 10 children and 1 in 20 adults in the United States. Though there is no “cure” there are many treatments available, including following a proper diet that can help reduce the negative effects of ADHD. The Feingold diet, which was named for famous pediatrician and allergist Ben Feingold, is the most common diet used to treat ADHD sufferers.
ADHD diets all require the restriction of several foods in the first two weeks. Some are then reintroduced one at a time to determine if the patient has an adverse reaction. Milk and other dairy products are to be avoided for two weeks because according to the American Pediatric Association, many children are allergic to milk. As an alternative, drink rice or soy milk. Processed meats and foods containing MSG are forbidden. Read the labels and if there are any ingredients other than the actual meat and water, do not buy.
Food containing dyes should also be eliminated from any diet for ADHD treatment. This includes basically all types of junk foods and is especially common in foods targeted for children such as cereal and sweets. Sugar intake should be reduced significantly but do not replace sugar with Nutrasweet or any other artificial sweetener containing Aspartame. Since fruit juices are high in sugar, they should also be avoided. Even naturally yellow foods like corn and squash should be eliminated for the first two weeks since foods yellow in color have been shown to cause reactions.
After the first two weeks, reintroduce each forbidden items one at a time over four to five days. Eat a concentrated amount during those four to five days so any adverse reaction will be noticeable. If a reaction does occur then the patient has a sensitivity to that item an should no longer consume it.
In addition to foods that should be avoided, there are also many that should be consumed to promote brain health. Foods in their raw form like fruits and vegetables are desirable. Also meats that have not been subjected to chemicals or steroids should also be consumed. Significant amounts of water are needed to flush any toxins from the patient’s system but should not come in the form of juices, teas or soft drinks. A good quality multivitamin or other supplements may also be used to ensure all the necessary minerals are being consumed.
Proper diet can significantly affect the treatment of ADHD.
