ADHD Diets For Children - Why They Work

For most children suffering with ADHD or ADD the introduction of a nutritional diet supports better brain function. ADHD and diets has been proven to be very effective in treating this disorder. The old motto " you are what you eat" is certainly true and we do function based upon what we eat, so a child will be more efficient if he or she has a balanced healthy food plan.

There are foods that can be a poison to some children and cause a higher degree of food sensitivity that may lead to allergic reactions that can cause Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms.

Food substances that are more likely to cause the most problems are more commonly found in:-

• Artificial colours or food dyes and preservatives are one of the leading culprits in creating Attention Deficit Disorder. These include both red and yellow food colourings that are used in cherries and other fruits. The preservative that causes symptoms are sodium, formaldehyde (in Mexican beer), pickles, and brine ( such as salt)
• Processed milk and milk products
• Wheat products such as breads and cereals that are whole grain
• Sugar found in most processed foods, both being artificial as well as natural
• Some fruits such as oranges and grapefruits have also been implicated as being a possible cause for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms

Our bodies were certainly not designed to handle large amounts of processed and greasy foods. By incorporating an eating plan that has more raw and natural foods, children with ADHD symptoms will have fewer behaviour problems.

Eating more lean proteins (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and tofu) and fresh fruits and vegetables, replacing milk with rice milk and including whole grain breads and cereals, also including essential fats such as Omega 3 and 6 that will benefit your child's healthy brain. This should be either taken by a supplement or eaten via fatty fish such as tuna or salmon.

Here is an example of an ADHD Diet Plan:-

Breakfast
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal
1 cup rice milk
1 banana

Snack
Baby carrots Crackers (2) with natural cottage cheese or cheese slices

Lunch
Tuna salad (2oz tuna mixed with a little natural mayonnaise on two slices of whole grain bread)
1/2 cup vegetable soup

Afternoon Snack
1/2 cup sugar free yogurt with 1/2 piece of fresh pear

Dinner
2 oz chicken
1/2 cup green beans
1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup sugar free ice cream

By following a diet plan that is similar to the one above and incorporating your own and making the meals fun, healthy and interesting to eat, then your child will not only benefit from the health advantages, but will also be more pleasurable to be around. For any diet to work, there must first be a lifestyle change that the whole family is happy to commit to, and ultimately be rewarded for.

It may take some time and persistence, but a diet that is healthy and free from dangerous drugs will be a more permanent solution than one that is easy and only requires medication. Remember with any change to think of the long term benefits you are looking to achieve both for yourself and your child!

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