Diet Choices For ADHD Kids

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed disorder among American kids. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5 million, or 9 percent of children aged 3 to 7 years have ADHD.

Children with ADHD have a combination of three behavioral characteristics: hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention — which parents find challenging to handle. Although these children may seem to be out of control, some experts suggest that they know and understand the rules, but find it difficult to follow them. A diet modification is believed to alleviate hyperactive behavior.

Supplemental Diets
We all have nutritional requirements to function properly. If children lack the necessary nutrients in their diet, it will be difficult for them to behave appropriately. Children who have protein or caloric deficiencies are often hyperactive and inattentive. Treating hyperactivity now includes giving a child a complete diet that includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.

Food Additive Elimination
Food additives do not necessarily cause hyperactivity, but scientists believe that eliminating them from children’s diets may help in controlling hyperactivity. The Mayo Clinic recommends voiding foods that use too many additives. These additives include sodium benzoate, FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 5, and FD&C Red No. 40.  Also, stay away from artificially colored foods and note which foods cause a reaction so they can be avoided in the future.

Food Exclusion Diets
Unfortunately to the Average American diet, With the food exclusions diets a child refrains from eating most foods except the very bland. The usual diet only includes water, pear juice, unseasoned meat, and preservative-free bread. When improvement is noted, more foods are reintroduced back to the child’s diet a little at a time. Foods that contribute to the child’s hyperactivity are eliminated from the diet. The most common foods that are eliminated are those that include salicylates, which are naturally found in foods such as strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, and pineapples; and amines, found in foods such as chocolate, yeast, cheese, fish products, bananas, and avocados.

Parents of children with ADHD may want to contact their health insurance company to see if their health insurance plan offers specific programs designed for children diagnosed with ADHD. Having health insurance is another crucial safety net to secure good health, ensuring access to the necessary resources and support for managing ADHD effectively.