ADHD And Your Diet

Chronic daydreaming...forgetting things...losing or misplacing things...uncontrollable chatter...fidgeting and restlessness...difficulty working with or getting along with others...taking unnecessary risks - these behaviors are classic symptoms of a neurodevelopmental syndrome known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 11 percent of children between 4 and 17 years of age will be diagnosed with ADHD; and the majority of these cases are boys. Four percent of adults are also diagnosed with the disorder.

While there are medical treatments and behavioral regimens to manage this condition, dietary adjustments may be equally therapeutic. Foods do not cause ADHD, but eating some foods can exacerbate the symptoms of the disorder.

For example, to a child with ADHD, candy is a witch's brew of sugar, artificial coloring, preservatives, and flavors that can poison his or her system. Fruits and vegetables treated with insecticides can have serious neurological effects on the brain.

Sugary fruit juices, sodas, and other drinks heavily laden with caffeine, high fructose syrup, or artificial sweeteners are also unhealthy for both children and adults with ADHD. Overloading the brain cells with these chemicals can trigger hyperactivity and make it hard for adults and kids to focus on any one thing because they're so easily distracted.

The most vibrant and inviting birthday cake may appeal to the eye, but its more likely to be loaded with artificial sweeteners, coloring, white flour, and white sugar. This is a recipe for disaster for anyone with ADHD, not to mention those who are at risk for obesity or diabetes.

A recent study conducted by the Yale School of Public Health found a correlation between the consumption of energy drinks among middle school students and the development of ADHD. As boys consume energy drinks more frequently than girls, it was determined that they are at greater risk for their ADHD symptoms to be intensified by energy drinks than their female counterparts.

Mercury sensitivity in ADHD sufferers means that some fish and other seafoods are also risky food choices.

If you or your child are sensitive or allergic to milk, chocolate, oranges, grapes, eggs, soy, tomatoes, corn, or wheat, these foods may not be causing ADHD, but may contribute to the severity of your symptoms.

Fidgeting and daydreaming are not necessarily indicators of ADHD. Most children and lots of adults are restless, inattentive, and easily distracted. If you're concerned about your child's behavior, have a qualified medical practitioner who specializes in this mysterious malady screen him or her.

The diagnostic process will involve medical examinations, brain scans, and a comprehensive medical history per guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This will take time, but ultimately your specialist should be able to tell you if your child has ADHD and provide advice and guidance customized to their specific needs. 

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Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.