Nutrition for ADHD
As we have mentioned previously, nutrition for a child with ADHD is of the utmost important. Diets are subtle changes that can have a great impact on an individual’s well-being and mood, so finding the optimum diet for your child can help their day-to-day activities immensely.
Managing a child’s blood sugar levels is extremely important in managing their concentration abilities and impulsive behavior. There are many different foods that can cause blood sugar levels to spike so it is highly advised to avoid such foods and keep to more beneficial food items. Meals high in protein have been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels, which helps children with concentration and other cognitive abilities. There have also been implications that good amounts of protein may naturally help extend the duration of efficacy for ADHD medication. Foods high in protein include eggs, lean meat, and beans.
Other foods that help steady blood sugar are foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and nuts. These foods have been linked with better behavior and focus in children who otherwise struggled with impulse behavior. Complex carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables have also found to allow easier transitions to sleep in children who struggled with sleep.
As for foods to avoid, much of what is detrimental to most individuals is also harmful to children with ADHD. Artificial flavors and colors, high fructose corn syrups, pesticides, and MSG are all linked to greater hyperactivity and restlessness. Unsurprisingly, foods high in sugars and caffeine also have the ability of increasing agitation and jumpiness.
Any recommendations for food and diet are all observations based on general trends found in the public. Although your Child Psychologist or ADD Psychiatrist may be able to make recommendations, it is still important to monitor what effects which food products on your child specifically because every child reacts differently to different foods.