How does diet impact ADHD symptoms. What foods should be emphasized or avoided for better focus and attention. Which nutritional approaches show promise for managing ADHD.

The Link Between ADHD and Nutrition: Exploring Dietary Impacts

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions worldwide, prompting researchers to investigate potential connections between diet and symptom management. While no definitive scientific evidence proves that ADHD is directly caused by nutritional factors, emerging research suggests that certain dietary choices may influence symptoms in some individuals.

Can specific foods or nutritional approaches help improve attention, focus, or hyperactivity in those with ADHD? This comprehensive guide explores the current understanding of ADHD and nutrition, examining potential dietary strategies and their efficacy.

Understanding ADHD Diets: Approaches and Philosophies

An “ADHD diet” typically refers to intentional eating habits and nutritional supplementation aimed at optimizing brain function and potentially alleviating ADHD symptoms. These dietary approaches generally fall into three main categories:

1. Overall nutrition focus
2. Supplementation strategies
3. Elimination diets

Each approach has its own rationale and proposed benefits. Let’s examine these dietary philosophies in more detail.

Overall Nutrition for ADHD Management

This approach emphasizes consuming a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients that support brain health and cognitive function. The underlying premise is that certain foods may exacerbate or alleviate ADHD symptoms.

Supplementation Strategies

Supplementation diets involve adding specific vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients to address potential deficiencies that could contribute to ADHD symptoms. Proponents argue that inadequate intake of certain nutrients may exacerbate attention and hyperactivity issues.

Elimination Diets

These diets involve removing specific foods or ingredients suspected of triggering negative behaviors or worsening ADHD symptoms. By systematically eliminating and reintroducing potential trigger foods, individuals aim to identify problematic dietary components.

Nutrient-Dense Foods to Emphasize for ADHD Support

While research on ADHD-specific diets remains limited, many health experts believe that a nutritious diet can positively impact brain function and potentially ease ADHD symptoms. Here are some key dietary recommendations for individuals managing ADHD:

High-Protein Foods

Incorporating protein-rich foods may improve concentration and potentially enhance the efficacy of ADHD medications. Excellent protein sources include:

• Beans
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Lean meats
• Nuts and seeds

Consider emphasizing these foods in morning meals and after-school snacks for optimal benefits.

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy and support brain function. Include plenty of:

• Vegetables (a wide variety)
• Fruits (especially oranges, tangerines, pears, grapefruit, apples, and kiwi)
• Whole grains

Consuming complex carbohydrates in the evening may also promote better sleep, which is crucial for managing ADHD symptoms.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain health and may offer benefits for individuals with ADHD. Rich sources include:

• Cold-water fish (tuna, salmon, sardines)
• Walnuts
• Brazil nuts
• Olive oil
• Canola oil

Some individuals may also consider omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil or the FDA-approved omega compound Vayarin, as part of their ADHD management strategy.

Foods and Ingredients to Limit or Avoid with ADHD

While no foods are universally problematic for all individuals with ADHD, some may find that certain dietary components exacerbate their symptoms. Here are some foods and ingredients that experts often recommend limiting:

Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates can cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar, potentially impacting focus and energy levels. Consider reducing intake of:

• Candy
• Corn syrup
• Honey
• Refined sugar
• White flour products
• White rice
• Potatoes without skins

Artificial Additives

Some studies have suggested a potential link between certain food additives and increased hyperactivity in children. While research is ongoing, some experts recommend avoiding:

• Artificial colors (especially red and yellow)
• Aspartame
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Nitrites
• Sodium benzoate

The American Academy of Pediatrics now considers eliminating preservatives and food colorings a reasonable option for children with ADHD, based on recent studies.

The Role of Nutritional Supplements in ADHD Management

The use of nutritional supplements for ADHD remains a topic of debate among experts. While some recommend daily multivitamin and mineral supplements, others argue that a balanced diet provides sufficient nutrients for most individuals.

Do all people with ADHD benefit from vitamin or mineral supplements? Current scientific evidence does not support universal supplementation for ADHD. However, individuals with specific nutritional deficiencies may experience improvements with targeted supplementation.

Is it safe to take high doses of vitamins for ADHD? Mega-doses of vitamins can be toxic and should be avoided. If considering supplements, it’s crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine appropriate dosages based on individual needs.

Elimination Diets: A Controversial Approach to ADHD Management

Elimination diets involve systematically removing specific foods or ingredients from one’s diet to identify potential triggers for ADHD symptoms. While some individuals report success with this approach, most scientists do not recommend it as a primary ADHD management strategy due to limited and inconclusive research.

How does an elimination diet work for ADHD? The process typically involves:

1. Identifying potential trigger foods
2. Eliminating those foods from the diet for a set period
3. Monitoring symptoms for improvement
4. Gradually reintroducing eliminated foods to confirm any relationship to symptoms

Are elimination diets effective for everyone with ADHD? The efficacy of elimination diets varies greatly among individuals. Some may experience significant symptom improvements, while others may see no change. It’s essential to approach elimination diets cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Sugar and ADHD: Separating Fact from Fiction

The relationship between sugar consumption and ADHD symptoms has been a subject of controversy for decades. Many parents report increased hyperactivity in their children after consuming sugary foods, but scientific evidence supporting a direct causal link remains limited.

Does sugar cause or worsen ADHD symptoms? While some children may be more sensitive to the effects of sugar, current research does not conclusively demonstrate that sugar causes ADHD or directly worsens symptoms in all individuals.

Should people with ADHD avoid sugar entirely? Complete sugar avoidance is generally not necessary for most individuals with ADHD. However, limiting intake of refined sugars and opting for complex carbohydrates may support overall health and stable energy levels.

Implementing Dietary Changes: Practical Tips for ADHD Management

Making significant dietary changes can be challenging, especially for individuals managing ADHD symptoms. Here are some practical strategies for implementing nutrition-based approaches:

• Start small: Begin by incorporating one or two dietary changes at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Plan meals and snacks: Prepare nutrient-dense options in advance to ensure easy access to brain-supporting foods.
• Involve the whole family: Encourage household-wide adoption of healthier eating habits for better support and consistency.
• Keep a food diary: Track meals, snacks, and any noticeable changes in ADHD symptoms to identify potential patterns.
• Work with professionals: Consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist specializing in ADHD for personalized guidance.
• Be patient: Dietary changes may take time to show noticeable effects on ADHD symptoms. Maintain consistency and allow several weeks to evaluate any improvements.

By implementing these strategies, individuals with ADHD can more effectively explore the potential benefits of dietary modifications on their symptoms.

The Future of ADHD and Nutrition Research

As interest in the relationship between diet and ADHD continues to grow, researchers are exploring various avenues to better understand potential connections. Some promising areas of ongoing investigation include:

• The role of gut microbiome in ADHD and potential dietary interventions
• Personalized nutrition approaches based on genetic factors
• Long-term effects of various dietary strategies on ADHD symptom management
• Interactions between nutrition, ADHD medications, and overall treatment efficacy

What advancements can we expect in ADHD nutrition research? As technology and scientific understanding evolve, we may see more targeted nutritional interventions and a clearer picture of how individual dietary needs relate to ADHD symptoms. Future studies may also provide stronger evidence for or against specific dietary approaches, helping to refine nutrition-based strategies for ADHD management.

While nutrition alone is unlikely to be a cure-all for ADHD, ongoing research may reveal valuable insights into how dietary choices can complement other treatment modalities and support overall brain health in individuals with ADHD.

In conclusion, the relationship between ADHD and nutrition is complex and highly individualized. While certain dietary approaches show promise in supporting symptom management, it’s essential to approach nutritional strategies as part of a comprehensive ADHD treatment plan. By working closely with healthcare providers and remaining open to emerging research, individuals with ADHD can make informed decisions about incorporating dietary modifications into their symptom management toolkit.

Foods To Eat & Foods to Avoid

Can what you eat help attention, focus, or hyperactivity? There’s no clear scientific evidence that ADHD is caused by diet or nutritional problems. But certain foods may play at least some role in affecting symptoms in a small group of people, research suggests.

So are there certain things you shouldn’t eat if you have the condition? Or if your child has it, should you change what they eat?

Here are answers to questions about elimination diets, supplements, and foods that may ease symptoms of the disorder.

What Is an ADHD diet?

It may include the foods you eat and any nutritional supplements you may take. Ideally, your eating habits would help the brain work better and lessen symptoms, such as restlessness or lack of focus. You may hear about these choices that you could focus on:

• Overall nutrition: The assumption is that some foods you eat may make your symptoms better or worse. You might also not be eating some things that could help make symptoms better.
• Supplementation diet: With this plan, you add vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients. The idea is that it could help you make up for not getting enough of these through what you eat. Supporters of these diets think that if you don’t get enough of certain nutrients, it may add to your symptoms.
• Elimination diets: These involve not eating foods or ingredients that you think might be triggering certain behaviors or making your symptoms worse.

Eat Nutritious Food

ADHD diets haven’t been researched a lot. Data is limited, and results are mixed. Many health experts, though, think that what you eat and drink may help ease symptoms.

Experts say that whatever is good for the brain is likely to be good for ADHD. You may want to eat:

• A high-protein diet. Beans, cheese, eggs, meat, and nuts can be good sources of protein. Eat these kinds of foods in the morning and for after-school snacks. It may improve concentration and possibly make ADHD medications work longer.
• More complex carbohydrates. These are the good guys. Load up on vegetables and some fruits, including oranges, tangerines, pears, grapefruit, apples, and kiwi. Eat this type of food in the evening, and it may help you sleep.
• More omega-3 fatty acids. You can find these in tuna, salmon, and other cold-water white fish. Walnuts, Brazil nuts, and olive and canola oils are other foods with these in them. You could also take an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. The FDA approved an omega compound called Vayarin as part of an ADHD management strategy.

Foods to Avoid With ADHD

Simple carbohydrates. Cut down on how many of these you eat:

• Candy
• Corn syrup
• Honey
• Sugar
• Products made from white flour
• White rice
• Potatoes without the skins.

Learn More: What to Eat (and Avoid) for Improved ADHD Symptoms

Nutritional Supplements for ADHD

Some experts recommend that people with ADHD take a 100% vitamin and mineral supplement each day. Other nutrition experts, though, think that people who eat a normal, balanced diet don’t need vitamin or micronutrient supplements. They say there’s no scientific evidence that vitamin or mineral supplements help all children who have the disorder.

While a multivitamin may be OK when children, teens, and adults don’t eat balanced diets, mega-doses of vitamins can be toxic. Avoid them.

ADHD symptoms vary from person to person. Work with your doctor closely if you’re considering taking a supplement.

Elimination Diets for ADHD

To follow one of these, you pick a particular food or ingredient you think might be making your symptoms worse. Then you don’t eat anything with that in it. If the symptoms get better or go away, then you keep avoiding that food.

If you cut a food from your diet, can it improve your symptoms? Research in all these areas is ongoing and the results are not clear-cut. Most scientists don’t recommend this approach for managing ADHD, though. Still, here are some common areas of concern and what the experts suggest:

Food additives: In 1975, an allergist first proposed that artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives might lead to hyperactivity in some children. Since then, researchers and child behavior experts have hotly debated this issue.

Some say the idea of cutting all those things out of a diet is unfounded and unsupported by science. But one study has shown that some food coloring and one preservative did make some children more hyperactive. But the effects varied according to age and additive.

Based on this and other recent studies, the American Academy of Pediatrics now agrees that eliminating preservatives and food colorings from the diet is a reasonable option for children with ADHD. Some experts recommend that people with ADHD avoid these substances:

• Artificial colors, especially red and yellow
• Food additives such as aspartame, MSG (monosodium glutamate), and nitrites. Some studies have linked hyperactivity to the preservative sodium benzoate.

Sugar: Some children become hyperactive after eating candy or other sugary foods. No evidence suggests that this is a cause of ADHD, though. For the best overall nutrition, sugary foods should be a small part of anyone’s diet. But you can try cutting them to see if symptoms improve.

Caffeine: Small amounts of it may help with some ADHD symptoms in children, studies have shown. But the side effects of caffeine may outweigh any potential benefit. Most experts recommend that people eat or drink less caffeine or just avoid it. It you take medication for ADHD, caffeine can make some side effects worse.

Later Diagnosis, Risk-Taking and Overwhelm

A girl with ADHD may be labeled Chatty Cathy — the enthusiastic school-aged girl who is always telling stories to friends. Or she could be the daydreamer — the smart, shy teenager with the disorganized locker.

But what happens when she grows up? Or when her ADHD isn’t diagnosed until she’s a woman? Is her experience different from what men with ADHD go through?

ADHD has not been widely researched in women. Much more is known about how it affects children. But there seem to be some patterns that differ between men and women with ADHD.

Women, Men, and ADHD

The issues adults with ADHD have mirror those in the population as a whole, says Stephanie Sarkis, PhD, a psychotherapist in Boca Raton, Fla.

For example, she says men with ADHD tend to have more car accidents, suspensions in school, substance abuse, and anger and behavioral issues, compared to women with ADHD. But men are more prone to these kinds of issues in general, regardless of ADHD.

Women with ADHD are more prone to eating disorders, obesity, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. But they do in the general population, as well.

These challenges also often play out in different areas of their lives. Men with ADHD may have problems at work, unable to complete their tasks or getting mad too easily at subordinates, says Anthony Rostain, MD, professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Women, on the other hand, are more likely to see conflicts at home. Kathleen Nadeau, PhD, a clinical psychologist and director of the Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland in Silver Spring, says her female ADHD patients, especially mothers, come to her in a “constant state of overwhelm.”

“Society has a certain set of expectations we place on women and ADHD often makes them harder to accomplish,” Nadeau says. She points to women’s traditional societal roles. “They are supposed to be the organizer, planner, and primary parent at home. Women are expected to remember birthdays and anniversaries and do laundry and keep track of events. That is all hard for someone with ADHD.”

Roots in Childhood

Many women with ADHD remember having these issues for a long time. “A lot of women tell me that (in school) they would look straight at the teacher so they wouldn’t get in trouble, but had no idea what was going on,” Nadeau says. “They are underfunctioning, but bright … their symptoms are more subtle.”

ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorders in children, and it is a chronic, often lifelong condition. It affects an estimated 3% to 9% of U.S. children.

The hallmarks of ADHD are hyperactivity, lack of focus, and impulsive behavior.

But there are different shades of ADHD. The most pronounced is the hyperactive-impulsive form, where children have trouble sitting still and completing tasks like school work. They may be overly emotional or randomly blurt out inappropriate comments. Another type of ADHD is inattentive, with symptoms like lack of focus, forgetfulness, boredom, difficulty with organization, and daydreaming.

Though there are always exceptions to the rule, many experts say boys tend more toward hyperactive-impulsive and girls toward inattentive symptoms. “Females tend to be more the inattentive type and internally distracted by thoughts and guys tend to be more hyperactive,” says Fran Walfish, PsyD, child and adult psychotherapist in Beverly Hills, Calif. “I have seen boys who are dreamy and some girls who are hyperactive, but those are the exceptions.”

Later Diagnosis

Women’s ADHD sometimes gets overlooked until college, when they begin to show a lack of self-regulation and self-management, Rostain says.

“Risks for them include things like being influenced by a sorority or the recreational drug scene,” he says. “And they are not as wild as the guys [with ADHD], but compared to other girls, they are more risk-taking.”

The underlying mechanisms of ADHD are the same in males and females. Both have difficulties with planning, organization, recalling details, and paying attention.

But how ADHD plays out in symptoms is where the gender differences often lie. And the reason for that is likely social.

Because inattention is much more subtle than hyperactivity, this may be why boys are almost three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD. By the time they reach adulthood however, that gap shrinks to two to one. This is likely because girls are often diagnosed later in life, compared to boys.

Girls may “slip through the cracks” and get diagnosed later, Walfish says, because they may be able to cover up their ADHD symptoms.

Women With ADHD: When Life Overwhelms

For women, responsibilities including family and work can make it difficult to cover up or manage ADHD. But there are some things women can do to cope with life’s demands.

Nadeau recommends making sure family and friends understand ADHD so they will be more supportive and have realistic expectations. Women should also simplify wherever possible: Reduce unnecessary stresses and commitments and negotiate with their family and partner to take over tasks that challenge them most.

It may also help to hire a professional organizer or work with a coach to develop good organizational habits and systems. One of things Sarkis recommends is hiring an assistant who can come in for 6 to 8 hours a week to do light cleaning, go through papers, and help organize things.

“I have people tell me that it will be too expensive, and it may be, but people with ADHD can’t afford not to have help,” Sarkis says.

Neurodiversity: What Is It?

There’s a growing push to focus on our brain differences, not deficits. This wider view of “normal” is a big part of something called neurodiversity. Advocates hope the idea expands how we think of developmental disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

If the concept goes mainstream, it could lead to big changes in education and workplace norms, says Alecia Santuzzi, PhD, an associate professor at Northern Illinois University who specializes in social-industrial and organizational psychology.

“It does make people take a few steps back to think more creatively about all the different ways work or school tasks can be done,” Santuzzi says.

What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent?

Judy Singer, a sociologist who has autism, started using the term “neurodiversity” in the late 1990s. It refers to the concept that certain developmental disorders are normal variations in the brain. And people who have these features also have certain strengths.

For example, people with ADHD may have trouble with time management. But they often show high levels of passion, drive, and creative thinking.

“Even their impulsivity can be an advantage,” says Sarah Cussler, assistant director of Undergraduate Writing and Academic Strategies at Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning. “Because they’ll say things other people are afraid to say.”

Neurodiversity isn’t the same thing as disability. Though, people who have neurodivergent features may need accommodations at work or school.

“Neurodiverse students are wonderful students,” Cussler says. “They can be really creative, big-picture, out-of-the box thinkers. But with some classic kinds of assessments, they have more difficulty.”

Besides ADHD, neurodiversity commonly refers to people with:

The Neurodiverse Student

Whether it’s elementary school or college, Cussler says it’s important to think about a student’s learning profile. That’s the idea that people process information in different ways.

But some kids can fall through the cracks when it comes to getting academic support.

Cussler says the neurodiversity approach casts a wide net that “catches all of them.”

“On campus now, there’s a shift toward the term neurodiversity as opposed to the term disability,” Cussler says. “There’s some value in that because we don’t just want to focus on the legal definitions of disability, but to include larger groups.

“That includes people with or without a documented learning disability or difference.”

Neurodiversity at Work

People with neurodivergent features may spend a lot of time trying to adjust to their work environment. They may need to manage their social impressions or find ways to block out distractions.

Over time, Santuzzi says this extra effort can take a toll on work performance and physical and mental health.

“It really sets up an unfair situation for the worker,” she says.

If the modern workplace adopts the concept of neurodiversity, Santuzzi thinks that could ease some of the stigma and stress that affects these workers. That includes people who shy away from help because they fear judgment from their co-workers or boss.

“They don’t want people to think they’re trying to game the system,” Santuzzi says.

If you’re an employer, here are a few tips on how to adjust:

• Create jobs for different kinds of workers.
• Allow for different work schedules and environments.
• Make a flexible work design (when, where, and how work happens) that welcomes people.

Focus on the Positive

Neurodiversity advocates suggest there’s too much attention on the impairments that come with conditions like ADHD. They think a better approach is to focus on what someone’s good at, not what they lack.

For example, there’s some evidence that:

People with ADHD have high levels of spontaneity, courage, and empathy. They can hyper-focus on certain tasks.

Those with autism pay attention to complex details, have good memories, and show certain “specialty” skills. Experts think this can be an asset in certain jobs, such as computer programming or music. As noted by one researcher, Wolfgang Mozart had strong music memory and absolute pitch.

People with dyslexia can perceive certain kinds of visual information better than those without the condition. This skill can be useful in jobs like engineering and computer graphics.

We need more research, but experts think the genes for these developmental “disorders” stick around because they come with evolutionary advantages. For example, behaviors like hyperactivity and impulsivity might have helped our ancestors find food or move way from danger. And strong nonsocial skills, like the kind some people with autism have, were good for our prehistoric ancestors who lived out in nature.

Challenges Around Neurodiversity

Medical experts and people with neurodiverse features don’t always agree on what neurodiversity means. Some think conditions like autism are always

disabling. And people vary greatly in how they want to self-identify. Some prefer identity-first language while others don’t.

“There are workers with autism and there are autistic workers,” Santuzzi says.

And while there’s a distinction between neurodiversity and disability, right now, “some people want to hold on to the identity of disability to acknowledge that the workplace and school settings haven’t adjusted yet,” Santuzzi says. “And they’re still at a disadvantage.”

Diet in the treatment of ADHD in children – a systematic review of the literature

Background:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric conditions in childhood. Dietary changes have been suggested as a way of reducing ADHD symptoms.

Aims:

To provide an overview of the evidence available on dietary interventions in children with ADHD, a systematic review was carried out of all dietary intervention studies in children with ADHD.

Methods:

Relevant databases were searched in October 2011, with an update search in March 2013. The studies included describe diet interventions in children with ADHD or equivalent diagnoses measuring possible changes in core ADHD symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Results:

A total of 52 studies were identified, some investigating whether ADHD symptoms can improve by avoiding certain food elements (20 studies), and some whether certain food elements may reduce ADHD symptoms (32 studies).

Conclusion:

Elimination diets and fish oil supplementation seem to be the most promising dietary interventions for a reduction in ADHD symptoms in children. However, the studies on both treatments have shortcomings, and more thorough investigations will be necessary to decide whether they are recommendable as part of ADHD treatment.

Keywords:

ADHD; Dietary intervention; Review.

ADHD diet: Do food additives cause hyperactivity?

What does the research say about the relationship between food additives and ADHD?

Answer From David C. Agerter, M.D

Food additives include artificial colors, artificial sweeteners and preservatives. There’s no solid evidence that food additives cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the topic of food additives and their possible effects is controversial.

Some studies indicate that certain food colorings and preservatives may increase hyperactive behavior in some children. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Advisory Committee determined that studies to date have not proved there’s a link between food colorings and hyperactivity.

Countries differ on which food color additives, sometimes called food dyes, they’ll allow in food and drinks and how they’re labeled. For example, the European Union (EU) requires that foods containing certain food color additives include a statement on the label that this color “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.” The FDA only requires that FDA-certified color additives be listed on the food label.

Better research is needed to find out if limiting certain foods or food additives will help reduce hyperactivity and ADHD symptoms.

Talk with your child’s doctor about the pros and cons of trying a diet that eliminates food additives to see if it makes a difference in your child’s behavior. Make sure your doctor or a dietitian helps supervise the diet plan. A diet that eliminates too many foods can be unhealthy because it may lack necessary vitamins and nutrients.

The best approach for overall health and nutrition is a diet that limits sugary and processed foods and is rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids found in certain types of fish, flaxseed and other foods.

With

David C. Agerter, M.D

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Show references

1. Food colours and hyperactivity. NHS Choices. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-additive-intolerance/Pages/Introduction.aspx. Accessed Sept. 18, 2017.
2. Pelsser LM, et al. Diet and ADHD, reviewing the evidence: A systematic review of meta-analyses of double-blind placebo-controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of diet interventions on the behavior of children with ADHD. PLOS One. 2017;12:e0169277.
3. Ghanizadeh A, et al. The effect of dietary education on ADHD, a randomized controlled clinical trial. Annals of General Psychiatry. 2015;14:12.
4. Overview of food ingredients, additives and colors. International Food Information Council Foundation and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/foodadditivesingredients/ucm094211.htm. Accessed Sept. 17, 2017.
5. Krull KR. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: Epidemiology and pathogenesis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 18, 2017.
6. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): The basics. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-the-basics/index.shtml#pub5. Accessed Sept. 17, 2017.
7. 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U. S. Department of Agriculture. https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines. Accessed Sept. 18, 2017.
8. Krull KR. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: Overview of treatment and prognosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 18, 2017.
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Food Sensitivities and ADHD – Diagnosis Diet

So, what if you already avoid refined carbs, eat the right kinds of fats, and still have ADHD symptoms? Perhaps you eat a Paleo diet, or a low-carb Paleo diet, or even a ketogenic diet, and are still troubled by ADHD .  . . what then?

Food sensitivities can cause ADHD symptoms

In my work with children and adults with ADHD, I have seen some patients reduce or even cure their ADHD symptoms simply by removing certain foods from their diet. People are often completely unaware that they have a food sensitivity, especially if the food that bothers them is something they eat every day, like wheat or dairy products. Everybody is different, so food that is the culprit for one person may not bother another person at all. While any food can be problematic, the ones that have been shown by researchers to be the most commonly associated with ADHD symptoms are:

• Gluten (from wheat and related grains)*
• Dairy products (usually due to casein, a dairy protein)
• Soy
• Corn
• Legumes
• Oats
• Eggs
• Nuts and peanuts
• Citrus
• Chocolate
• Tomato
• Yeast
• Fish
• Shellfish

*People with Celiac Disease (an autoimmune disease associated with gluten) are more likely to have ADHD symptoms, and these symptoms usually improve on a gluten-free diet. However, people with ADHD are at no higher risk for Celiac Disease than people without ADHD.

Simplified diets shown to cure ADHD

Dietary studies have found a strong connection between food and ADHD symptoms. These studies are small and have their limitations, as most nutrition studies do, but they all produce remarkable results. These studies compared a standard diet to a special limited diet and found that the special diet resulted in a dramatic reduction in ADHD symptoms. Most people with ADHD are not aware of these studies (notice that all of them were conducted in Europe):

Egger 1985 (London)

Carter 1993 (London)

Diet:	Lamb, turkey, rice, potato, banana, pear, vegetables, sunflower oil, margarine for 3-4 weeks.
Subjects:	78 children with ADHD (hyperactive type), ages 3 to 12
Results:	59 children (76%) improved. 2 children (3%) got worse

Schmidt 1997 (Germany)

Pelsser 2002 (Netherlands)

Pelsser 2009 (Netherlands)

What was so magical about these diets? These simple diets removed all of the common food culprits listed above, as well as sugar and processed foods. These diets have a lot in common with whole-foods, hunter-gatherer diets of meats, fruits, and vegetables. I personally believe the studies may have worked even better if researchers had also removed the fruit juice (high in sugars), margarine (high in omega-6 and trans fats), and white rice (high glycemic index), but nevertheless, these diets worked very well. 62% to 82% response rates in outpatients and a 24% response rate in inpatients—pretty impressive.

The Feingold Diet?

Ben Feingold, MD was a pediatric allergy specialist who wrote a book in 1975 called Why Your Child Is Hyperactive. He recommended a diet free of artificial flavors and colors, and advised avoiding foods containing salicylate, a naturally occurring plant chemical found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices. He claimed that his special diet was effective for 50% of children with ADHD. This diet is referred to as the Feingold Diet, or as the “K-P Diet” (K-P for Kaiser-Permanente, the name of the medical center where he worked).

Plants use salicylates as signaling compounds and to protect themselves from infection and insects. Aspirin is a famous salicylate originally extracted from willow bark. Below are the foods Dr. Feingold thought to be high in salicylates, and therefore advised eliminating from the diet:

Improved food testing methods have since determined that the following foods contain the highest amounts of salicylates [Wood 2011]:

• Fruits: red grapes, lemons, peaches, pears, cherries. dried fruits typically much higher.
• Vegetables: asparagus, eggplant, broccoli, mushrooms, onions, green peppers
• Beverages: coffee, tea, beer, pineapple juice, tomato juice
• Herbs/Spices: All tested were extremely high, with exception of garlic which was extremely low

Legumes and grains are very low in salicylates. All animal foods, including meats, organ meats, and dairy products, contain little to no salicylate.

Does the Feingold Diet really work?

None of the studies of this diet were able to generate the impressive 50% cure rate that Feingold reported. However, some of the studies did find that a small number of children (11% to 33%) were significantly less hyperactive on his diet.

ADHD and artificial colors

An analysis [Schab 2004] of the 15 best studies done on food coloring and ADHD found a clear connection between artificial food colorings and hyperactivity in children with ADHD. A review of all studies [Stevens 2011] concluded that artificial food colorings can result in significant changes in behavior in people with ADHD, and two studies found that artificial colorings can even cause hyperactivity in people who do not have a history of ADHD. The vast majority of studies tested complicated mixtures of artificial colors rather than single additives, often in combination with sodium benzoate, a popular preservative. The artificial colors used in experiments are listed below. Those in italics are no longer approved for use in foods in the United States:

Tartrazine (Yellow #5)
Sunset Yellow (Yellow #6)
Quinoline Yellow (Yellow #10)
Allura Red (Red #40)
Erythrosine (Red #3)
Carmoisine (Red #10)
Ponceau 4R (a red dye)
Brilliant Blue (Blue #1)
Indigotine (Blue #2)
Fast Green (Green #3)
Orange B

Are people with ADHD more sensitive?

In my clinical experience I have found that many of my ADHD patients are more sensitive in general, not only to foods and medications, but also to other stimuli, such as scents and sounds. They can also be more socially sensitive, particularly to perceived judgment, exclusion, or rejection. The European studies detailed above make it clear that many children have food sensitivities that manifest themselves as ADHD symptoms. Could it be that some people with ADHD are simply reacting badly to certain foods? I know for myself that changing my diet significantly improved my concentration, productivity, motivation and energy, and eliminated my dependence on caffeine to get things done.

Your own body of evidence

While there are good medical tests available for true food allergies, there are no medical tests for food sensitivities. So how do you know if your ADHD symptoms are being caused by food sensitivities? There are many other bodily clues to food issues, such as asthma, eczema, fatigue, fluid retention, frequent headaches, or digestive problems. One possible sign of food sensitivity that is easy to recognize is the presence of dark circles under the eyes, which allergy specialists call “allergic shiners. ” People often mistake dark circles for signs of poor sleep or fatigue, but dark circles are most often a sign of allergy or sensitivity.

An example from my own personal experience: I underwent complete food allergy (skin) testing and was found to have no allergies to any of the foods included in the panel, including nuts. However, whenever I ate something that contained small amounts of nuts, the next morning I would see dark circles under my eyes (along with a variety of other unhappy symptoms), which I did not normally have. 24% of people who do not have allergies have allergic shiners—how many of these non-allergic people have food sensitivities?

Unfortunately, the only way for you to discover whether or not your ADHD symptoms are due to a food sensitivity is to do your own dietary experiment. There are many ways to do this, but the two most popular are the all-at-once approach and the one-at-a-time approach. You may prefer to remove all of the most common culprits for two weeks and see if you feel better. If you do, then reintroduce one food at a time for at least three days in a row to try to identify the guilty food (or foods). Others prefer to remove one culprit at a time for two weeks to see if that single food is causing the problem. If it is not, that food can be added back, and the next suspect can be removed for two weeks, and so on. This approach takes much more time, but some people find it easier than removing so many culprits all at once.

The hypo-allergenic Paleo diet

When people ask me what diet I recommend to identify if food sensitivities may be causing ADHD, I recommend what I call a “hypo-allergenic” Paleo diet for two weeks. This diet consists of:

• Chicken, turkey, duck and/or lamb and their organ meats (no sauces or marinades)
• Any fresh/frozen vegetables you like (except for green beans, wax beans, sprouts, beets and white potato)
• Any whole fresh/frozen fruits you like except for citrus and tomato.
• Water, seltzer

No dairy, nuts, soy, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, beef, pork, chocolate, eggs, yeast, coffee, tea, sugar, juices, processed foods, artificial ingredients, gum, sweeteners (whether natural or artificial), or cold cuts at first. Avoid preserved, fermented, canned, dried, smoked, pickled, and excessively salty foods.

After two weeks if you are feeling better, you can try adding back beef, pork, fish, citrus, tomato, coffee, tea, etc. one at a time for three days each to see if they bother you.

Keep in mind that any food can be a culprit, including any food on my hypo-allergenic Paleo diet, so some people may need to explore further, but the above diet removes all of the most common culprits.

These dietary experiments can be frustrating and difficult, but they can also be very illuminating. Once you have figured out your food sensitivities, it does not mean you can never eat that food again—that’s completely up to you—but at least you’ll have more control over how you feel from day to day if you want to!

What about you?

Have you been able to reduce your ADHD symptoms by making dietary changes? What has or has not worked for you?

If you are want to learn more more about ADHD and diet, you may be interested in my articles “Sugar and ADHD” and “Attention! Is Your Diet Causing ADHD?”

References

Carter CM et al. Effects of a few food diet in attention deficit disorder. Arch Dis Child. 1993;69:564-568.

Egger J et al. Controlled trial of oligoantigenic treatment in the hyperkinetic syndrome. Lancet. 1985;1(8428):540-545.

Güngör S et al. The frequency of Celiac disease in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2012 [ePub ahead of print].

Kanarek RB. Artificial food dyes and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Nutr Rev. 2011;69(7):385-91.

Kelso JM. How allergic are “allergic shiners?” J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;125(1):276.

Millichap JG and Yee MM. The diet factor in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics. 2012;129:1-8.

Niederhofer H and Pittschieler K. A preliminary investigation of ADHD symptoms in persons with Celiac disease. J Atten Disord. 2006;10(2):200-204.

Pelsser LM and Buitelaar JK. [Favourable effect of a standard elimination diet on the behavior of young children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a pilot study. ] Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2002;146(52):2543-2547.

Pelsser LM et al. A randomized controlled trial into the effects of food on ADHD. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2009;18:12-19.

Pelsser LM et al. Effects of food on physical and sleep complaints in children with ADHD: a randomized controlled pilot study. Eur J Pediatr. 2010;169:1129-1138.

Rapp DJ. Does diet affect hyperactivity? J Learn Disabil. 1978;11(6):56-62.

Rimland B. The Feingold Diet: an assessment of the reviews by Mattes, by Kavale, and Forness and others. J Learn Disabil. 1983;16(6):331-333.

Schab D and Trinh NT. Do artificial food colors promote hyperactivity in children with hyperactive syndromes? A meta-analysis of double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Dev Behav Ped. 2004;25(6):423-434.

Schmidt MH et al. Does oligoantigenic diet influence hyperactive/conduct-disordered children—a controlled trial. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1997;6:88-95.

Stevens, LJ et al. Dietary sensitivities and ADHD symptoms: thirty-five years of research. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2011;50(4):279-293.

Wood A et al. A systematic review of salicylates in foods: estimated daily intake of a Scottish population. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2011;55:S7-S14.

ADHD Diet and Nutrition: Foods To Eat & Foods to Avoid

Eating well is essential for everyone’s health! But for people with ADHD, learning disabilities and autism symptoms, a healthy diet is especially important.

Good nutrition helps them feel energized, protecting them from feeling tired and unable to concentrate. Healthy, protein-rich food is important for building their brains’ neurotransmitters. On the other hand, certain foods, like sugar, artificial food coloring food can have a negative impact. 

Making sure you’re getting good, nutritious food and avoiding problematic ones will ensure your immune system is getting the help it needs.

And it’s not hard, either! You don’t need to be a nutritionist to understand how to keep up with a good basic healthy diet.

Video: Learn how a good diet can improve ADHD

Many adults and children with ADHD take Ritalin and Adderall for their ADHD, and these drugs are helpful. Unfortunately, they can also have side effects like suppressing their appetite and disturbing their sleep patterns. If you’re finding you’re not eating enough and , it can be a good idea to eat several smaller meals during the day, instead of just three big ones.

For instance, have protein bars or protein shakes in between larger meals — you can keep a few protein bars or some shake mix in your bag so you can have something on the fly if need be.

Further Reading: What can I do if my ADHD medication causes loss of appetite?

Testing and detecting food sensitivities and allergies will help you improve your diet overall, which will improve some of your symptoms.

Podcast: How Diet, Sleep, Exercise & Behavioral Interventions Can Reduce ADHD Symptoms in Children. 
by Sandy Newmark, M.D.

Food Sensitivities, Allergies and ADHD 

There are a number of foods ADHD people should avoid, as they can aggravate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. In general, avoid food with simple carbs, especially sugar, corn sugar, and high fructose corn sugar, which is often used as an additive in processed food.

Avoid sugary sodas! Avoid foods with artificial ingredients and artificial dyes. Some have been found to worsen ADHD symptoms.

Individuals with ADHD should also be aware of any food sensitivities and allergies they may have, as they can worsen ADHD symptoms. In fact, having both ADHD and food sensitivities is common. Learn what your problem foods might be, and learn to steer clear of them.

A food sensitivity is rarely as serious as the worst allergies, but it can cause various negative physical problems like bloating and nausea. It is something you can often determine by yourself. If eating a certain food is followed by unpleasant feelings in your digestive system, it is possible that you have a sensitivity to it. Try cutting it out from your diet and see if the problem clears up. 

Dairy: Some people are sensitive to lactose, which is found in dairy products like milk and cheese. If you need to avoid lactose, there are many options these days:  Lactaid milk (also Lactaid cheeses), almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, and soy milk.

Wheat /Gluten: Some people may have mild sensitivities to wheat. Others have severe allergic reactions. Some children that do often outgrow them by the age of 16 according to the Mayo Clinic.

An allergy is when your body over-reacts to certain substances that are normally not a problem. Some allergic reactions are relatively mild and may involve nothing more than a runny nose or a rash. Others, however, can be life-threatening, as they constrict breathing and create other serious problems.

Some people have severe reactions to such ordinarily harmless foods as peanuts and shellfish. Work with your doctor or allergist to determine if you have any allergies and adjust your diet accordingly.

By the way, in these stressful times, it’s worth noting that stress makes allergic responses worse! 

Podcast: The Latest Science on ADHD and Food Dyes, Nutrition, and Supplements. 
By: Dr. Joel T. Nigg 

Supplementing a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy food , well-rounded elimination diets is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.
In addition, some supplements can be helpful and managing adhd some of which we describe below. Be sure to let your doctor know if you’re taking supplements as they might interact with other medications you are taking.

Video: How to Start Eating Well When You Have ADHD

Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine and helps boost the immune system.  

Zinc is necessary for the immune system and is helpful for individuals with ADHD. A zinc deficiency can increase your risk of fighting infection. Some research shows zinc can improve learning memory. 

Green tea can help the immune system and has EGcG, an anti-inflammatory. Green tea is high in caffeine though, so consume in moderation.

Magnesium helps relaxation by supporting the nervous system, improves brain energy and supports serotonin Magnesium benefits research. Spinach is rich in magnesium.

B Complex vitamins offer a combination of 8 different vitamins that are important for our body. They are responsible for converting food to energy. You can take B complex or you can take the specific vitamins separately. 

B-12 and B-6 are helpful for ADHD. B-12 helps with iron deficiency. Often people with ADHD suffer from a B-12 deficiency. B- 6 can improve fatigue and can increase alertness best taken as B6 with Magnesium.

Studies have shown it to improve ADHD symptoms.

D3 — Very helpful for ADHD and many human biology including immune system How Does Vitamin D Help ADHD

Ginko can improve ADHD cognitive function.

Ginger–Turmeric is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory improves the immune system. You can add it to your food and add to your smoothies etc. It best to use organic.

Fatty acid omega 3 — either from supplements or from natural foods — will help increase brain function. Good natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids are wild-caught fish like salmon and mackerel, and from vegetable sources like avocado, walnuts, and almonds. They can also be taken in capsule forms, such as fish oil and flax oil capsules.

Probiotics — Recent studies show probiotics (those with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG)  to improve cognitive function in ADHD.  

Water  — Water is not just a supplement, obviously, but an essential part of one’s daily diet. Make sure to drink enough water!  Water transports nutrients and oxygen to our cells. It prevents dehydration, especially in warm weather.

Video:  7 Strategies to Reverse ADHD
By Mark Hyman, MD

Summary: A Good Diet and a Healthy Lifestyle Offers Positive Benefits for Everyone

Simple changes to your diet can help improve your overall health and help maintain your energy level and improve your immune system. Eating a poor diet reduces physical and mental health. Eating a nutritious diet filled with fruits and vegetables.

Eat good quality proteins that will help you maintain a healthy body, maintain your weight, and prevent obesity, which can cause diabetes. So eat well! 

References

Effects of a few food diets in attention deficit disorder.
C.M. Carter, M. Urbanowicz, R. Hemsley, L. Mantilla, S. Strobel, E. Taylor
Download

Stress on Disease
Dr. Sheldon Cohen Carnegie Mellon university 

Lead Photo by Magalie DePreux

Zahavit Paz is a co-founder of LD Resources Foundation. She’s a graduate of CUNY Graduate disabilities study program. She is often a presenter on Assistive Technology at professional conferences in schools and colleges and has written extensively on her personal struggle with Dyslexia and ADHD.  She is an advocate for individuals with LD and provides resources and information through the LDRFA website. More info about Zahavit Paz.

90,000 Improved appetite in children with ADHD

April 5, 2011

Many

Children with ADHD

lose your appetite as a side effect of them

ADHD Medicines

Withdrawal For parents, this loss of appetite is frustrating as you want your child to get good nutrition, but you also want to get it out.

Adhd

medicines. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage both ADHD and ADHD and Appetite damage.

“A Select Group Adhd Medications has named stimulants – usually methylphenidate – or amphetamine – that cause appetite suppression in about 10 percent of all children receiving,” explains

psychiatrist

Floyd Sallee, MD, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati at Ohio.

All children differ in their response to

medication

Appetite withdrawal can affect how often your child takes ADHD medication and how strong the dose is.Many children with ADHD experience only mild or temporary loss of appetite due to drugs.

However, Dr. Sallee recommends calling your child’s doctor if the loss of appetite persists for more than two weeks – or results in a loss of 5 to 10 pounds (or more) over a 30-day period. Your child may need a change in prescription, dosage, or medication schedule. Since persistent severe loss of appetite has resulted in some children with ADHD not growing as tall or gaining weight at the same rate as their peers, it is important that you do not ignore this side effect of the ADHD drug.

If the damage to your child’s appetite is mild, it means that it is just accidental or not causing any weight loss or other signs of ill health.

diet

not ADHD medications can help.

Children with ADHD who have appetite problems often do well with small, frequent meals instead of the usual three large meals a day. Sallee advises adjusting meal times and making sure every small meal and snack is packed with nutrients to make up for any meals you might miss during the day.Experiment with new flavors and food combinations to find the most attractive little bites.

Food planning for ADHD and appetite loss

Whether children with ADHD due to a certain type of diet

Hot discussion

, but there are certain guidelines to help you make the healthiest options overall for your child:

• 
  Know your daily calorie recommendations.
  If you are not sure how many calories your child needs per day,

  Dietary Advice for Americans

  is a great source of information. The site allows you to create a personalized diet for your child based on age, gender and activity level. For example, according to

  Interactive scheduler

  , a six-year-old boy who gets 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day should consume about 1,600 calories per day. The site also breaks down food group recommendations to help you decide how much fruits, vegetables, meats, and whole grains to give your child each day.

• 
  Choose a whole meal.
  
  As dietary guidelines for Americans and research on the effects of diet on children with ADHD, whole foods — fresh vegetables and fruits — and homemade meals — are emphasized over foods with added preservatives, salt, sugar, or fats. Offer whole grains instead of refined flour and sugar to make even small meals more of a nutritional powerhouse for ADHD kids who are dealing with loss of appetite.In addition, children with ADHD can benefit from a diet free of artificial coloring and other additives. So opt for Natural Peanut Butter Apple Slices instead of the prepaid snack bag.
• 
  Consider omega-3 fatty acids.
  
  Omega-3 Fatty Acids can be used by children with ADHD, as the goal is to include these healthy fats in your child’s diet whenever possible. They are found in oily fish like salmon,
  
  flax-seed
  
  and certain types of nuts and nut oils such as walnuts.
• 
  Add food rich in iron products.
  
  Research shows that children who are low in iron are prone to deterioration
  
  ADHD symptoms
  
  Disclaimer While the data is inconclusive, iron-rich foods such as meats, eggs, and fortified grains can play a role in any healthy diet. If you are concerned about iron intake, talk with your child’s doctor about
  
  blood test
  
  To find out if your child needs more iron.
• 
  Reduce sugar.
  
  Research has not indicated that cutting added sugar from the diet reduces ADHD symptoms. However, all children, even those without ADHD, seem to pay attention better if they are skipped.

  sugar

  Disclaimer: Instead of sugary sodas or juices, encourage your child to drink small milk for more nutrition. Be careful when trying to make every meal or snack of calories that you do not choose foods with added sugar.According to the dietary guidelines for Americans, the average six-year-old boy should have no more than 130 calories per day from added sugars or fats.

All parents struggle to make sure their child’s diet is balanced and healthy. This can be especially challenging for parents of children with ADHD. Experimenting with new foods, serving sizes, and meals can be a fun and successful way to solve the problem and bond with your child.

90,000 9 ways to move – WellOnward Russia / Russia

February 25, 2013

People with

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

(

Adhd

), as a rule, there is a meal. Indeed, obesity is five times more prevalent among

People with ADHD

than those who do not have this state. “Many factors play a role in why,” said Roberto Olivardia, PhD, clinical psychologist and clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. One reason is that people with ADHD tend to be impulsive.“And food is one of the many things they can be impulsive with,” Olivardia said.

Another reason is to eat healthy and in moderation, you need to pay attention to your hunger and feeding signals. Often times, people with adult ADHD misunderstand what their bodies are telling them. They are mistaken by feelings of boredom or worry about hunger, and therefore they overeat. When you do this – especially if you choose the wrong food – it’s easy to serve it reliably, said Jessica Crandall, RD, CDE, Program Director for WADEXO Wellness and Dution Services and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

Another reason obesity is a problem among people with

ADHD symptoms

The message that their brains have a glitch in the executive activity needed to plan and prepare healthy meals, Olivardia said. “So eating ready meals or fast food becomes the norm, and they end up eating more fat and calories than they need, which leads to weight gain,” he said.

Strategies to Avoid Weight Gain

Just because you have adult ADHD doesn’t mean you are destined to gain weight.Here are nine tips you can use to combat obesity:

1. 
   Plan ahead.
   
   “Take an hour or so on Sunday night and try to plan your meals for the week as best you can,” Olivardia suggested. “It might feel laborious for someone with ADHD – or anyone else for it, but it’s definitely worth it.” Once your work thread starts, it gets much more difficult. When planning meals you can enlist the help of dietitians or nutritionists if you need to, Crandall added.
2. 
   Don’t shop when you’re hungry.
   
   Go to the supermarket after breakfast or lunch, not straight ahead. If you’re starving when you walk into a store and see all the tempting items on display, it’s much more difficult to control your impulse purchases, Olivadia said. Instead, those foods that are not good foods, high in fat, and sugar, are likely to find their way into your basket.
3. 
   Avoid unhealthy “deal” food.
   Yes, this packet of 50 $ 4 cookie butter is a bargain – especially compared to 50 cents for one
   
   kiwi
   
   or $ 3.50 per pint
   
   blueberry
   
   Disclaimer “But when you consider that you are also buying more pounds on your body, a larger package is not always the best value,” Olivadia said. Don’t do yourself, he said. If you buy it, you will eat it.
4. 
   Know your trigger foods.
   
   If you know you can’t resist peanut butter cookies, don’t keep them in the house.You can indulge yourself from time to time, but if you have a few bags sitting on your pantry shelves, it will be harder to say no when you’re looking for something to eat. Try to avoid buying foods high in sodium,
   
   saturated fat
   
   And said sugar, Olivardia said, and instead stock for healthy staples like egg whites, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, and nuts like unsalted
   
   almond
   
   Refusal
5. 
   There is breakfast.
   “Mom was right: breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” Olivadia said. “It sets your metabolism for the day.” People with ADHD, in particular, need to avoid sugar and lows. And Crandall pointed out that if you turn protein and high
   
   Fiber Products
   
   In your breakfast, you will feel longer and less joyful before dinner.
6. 
   Sleep
   
   Denial It may seem like an odd diet, Olivadia said, but people with ADHD usually have
   
   insomnia
   
   or other
   
   sleep disorders
   
   Disclaimer “Sleep deprivation and obesity go into the arm,” he said.“However we sleep, the less our bodies want to burn fat. This is the mother’s way of conserving energy. Plus, our bodies are actually designed to crave all the fat and sugar when we’re impressed, and also not feel like we should be. ”
7. 
   Eat throughout the day.
   This advice might seem out of place, too, Olivardia said. “But research shows that eating four to five small meals or snacks a day is better for energy, focus and metabolism than eating three square meals.”To stay on track, you may need to schedule your meal and set a timer so you know when it’s time to eat.
8. 
   Be kind to yourself
   
   Refusal If you are eating, do not take yourself. If you overeat and feel hopeless about it, it will be harder to change. “You’ll just feel more hopeless,” Olivardia said. “You can make a difference when you recognize the pattern that led you to overeat in the first place.”
9. 
   Divert your energy.
   People with ADHD tend to have a lot of energy. So put this energy into good use. Instead of sitting in front of the TV and grabbing a bite of peanuts or ice cream, call a friend and go for a bustling walk around the area. Enlisting a friend or exercise buddy will make you more likely to get off the couch. The more you move, the more calories you burn. And the more calories you burn, the less weight you gain.

ADHD and obesity

Easy to pack in pounds as you get older and more sedentary – and even more so for those with adult ADHD because you have a tendency to be impulsive, which can lead to your overeating

Unhealthy foods

Waiver You don’t need a constant diet, Olivardia said. “Drop that word out of your dictionary,” he said. Instead, make these simple lifestyle adjustments, and you will find you can control your diet and your weight.

90,000 FISH FAT CHILDREN’S N100 CAPS 200MG

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos

Eye tracking data from three Cantonese speakers children (with ASD, with ASD-ADHD and control) between ages 7 and 9, three social videos using the above paradigm are presented here ( Table 1 ).

The first fixation time (over 500 ms target AOI) was longer for a neurotypical child (150 ms) than for ASD and ASD-ADHD children (both 110 ms). The duration of total fixation (at 500 ms target AOI) was shorter for the ASD-ADHD child (120 ms) than for the neurotypical child (170 MS) and ASD of the child (180 MS). The total fixation counts (per 500 ms target AOI) were largest for the child’s ASD (4.62), second for the neurotypical child (4.09), and the shortest for the child’s ASD-ADHD (3.19).

Scanpath plot captures, visually scan multiple AOIs in a social scene.An example of the look of three children for one 10 s episode in the first video is shown in figure 4 and video 1 – 3 .

Video 1: Element View p. Please click here to watch this video. (Right click to download.)

Video 2: Scanpath of Children with ASD. Please click here to watch this video. (Right click to download.)

Video 3: Scanpath of Children with ASD-ADHD. Please click here to watch this video.(Right click to download.)

Figure 1: An example of the main social scenes in video 1. In the first scene, a boy is waiting to receive his food from the cafeteria staff. On the second scene, he looks for a place near the lady who is on the phone. In the third scene, he asks the lady if he can sit on an empty chair next to her. In the last scene, the lady does not notice his request and puts on an unoccupied chair bag. The boy is disappointed because he cannot find a place to sit.Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.

Figure 2: Eye Tracking experimental set-up. Research Investigator gave instructions to the child about watching video on a monitor on one side of the eye tracking experiment room. The video display was monitored by another investigator, using a different computer on the other side of the same room, separated by a partition. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.

Figure 3: example of target AOIs in video 1. Colored ovals are AOIs ( i.e. , face, eyes, mouth, hands, mobile phone and lady’s bag) that show the first moments in one of the scenes in video 1 . Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.

Figure 4: View of a control (top), children with ASD (middle) and children with ASD-ADHD (bottom). Taking the social scene in video 1 as an example, blue gaze traces for a neurotypical control child, green dots for a child’s ASD, and red dots for a child’s ASD-ADHD.The dots in the figure indicate the location of the visual records. The more points, the longer the child visits this special place for a visual stimulus. The dotted numbers represent the sequence of visual recordings within 500ms of the video scene. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.

Table 1: Descriptive statistics of measurements of the eye tracker of three children.

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Vayarin • wikiwand

Vayarin , a prescription medical food for the clinical dietary management of specific lipid imbalances associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Vayarin contains Lipirinen ™, a proprietary compound containing phosphatidylserine omega 3, EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) fortified. Vayarin was developed by VAYA Pharma (a division of Enzymotec LTD), a specialized pharmaceutical products company.Vayarin presents a new approach to help manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children. This is a medical food, regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Rare Disease Act, and is intended for the excellent nutritional need of children under medical supervision and prescription only.

Background

Phosphatidylserine and omega 3 fatty acids

Phospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine (PS), are a class of lipids that serve as the main building blocks of all cell membranes.PS, a vital phospholipid, plays an important role in the normal functioning of brain cells. The cell membranes of the human brain are highly enriched in PS compared to other tissues. Nerve cells in particular depend on healthy membrane function for normal neurotransmitter metabolism and nerve signaling. PS levels in these tissues ensure membrane fluidity and structure. In addition, maintenance of brain PS levels has been found to be associated with normal and efficient signal transduction processes, efficient glucose uptake, and other biological pathways that are critical for normal and healthy cognitive and mental functions.Chemically, the PS molecule is composed of a phosphate base of glycerol, serine and two fatty acids. It is an amphiphilic molecule due to its negatively charged main group (soft contact lens) and its fat-soluble (lipophilic) fatty acid tails. The fatty acid composition of endogenous PS depends on its location and function in the cell. For example, brain and ocular PS are highly enriched with Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that have been found to have unique and important health benefits.Epidemiological studies suggest that dietary intake of Omega 3 LC-PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA, affect neuropsychiatric disorders, presumably due to their structural and neurochemical involvement in pathophysiological processes.

Decreased levels of omega 3 fatty acids are associated with ADHD

Several studies indicate that decreased levels of omega 3 fatty acids have been associated with several neuropsychiatric conditions, including, attention deficit schizophrenia, depression and ADHD.Poor metabolism of Omega 3 LC-PUFA has been suspected to be associated with ADHD since the 1980s. Plasma and erythrocyte levels of EPA and DHA were reported to be significantly lower in ADHD patients compared to control groups. Similar observations have also been reported in adult ADHD. Accordingly, it has been suggested that supplementation with LC-PUFAs, like EPA and DHA, may lead to improved symptoms of ADHD. However, the results of supplementing these LC-PUFAs with or without vitamins have been inconclusive. Recently, it has been reported that PS containing omega 3 LC-PUFAs can reduce ADHD related symptoms in children.

Composition

Two Vayarin capsules provide:

Dosage and Administration

Vayarin is specially formulated for infant consumption, it is available as hard shell capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food. It is not a stimulant or controlled substance and has no potential for abuse or dependence.

Vayarin recommended that the dose be two capsules once daily or as directed by a physician.

Clinical Data

Vayarin was evaluated in a 30-week clinical trial. The first phase of the study consisted of a 15-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of 200 ADHD children. Significant differences were observed between the Vayarin and placebo groups on the Conners rating scales and scores on the child health questionnaire. In addition, analysis of a subgroup of children with hyperactive / impulsive behavior, as well as mood and behavior dysregulation, showed a more pronounced reduction in ADHD scores.The double-blind phase was followed by an extension of the open label for an additional 15 weeks, during which time all children received Vayarin. Safety data from both the double-blind study and open label expansion showed that Vayarin was well tolerated without significant side effects. These results are consistent with previously reported beneficial effects of the omega-3 phosphatidylserine 3 compound in ADHD children.

See also

How to Cure Hyperactivity | Russian Bazaar

Ordered to survive.Issue No. 92

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10% of minors and 4% of American adults have attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

These forms of behavioral disorder are a specific form of mental disorder that has not yet been fully investigated. However, today we can state that life with ADHD does not bode well.The progressive disorder leads to depression, anxiety attacks, reckless behavior, and a sense of constant anxiety.

It must be admitted that ADHD is a very profitable business for the healthcare industry. Getting rid of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can sometimes cost people tens of thousands of dollars. At the same time, no one can guarantee a positive result.

Official treatment is more experimental in nature, so many skeptics accuse doctors of a banal desire to earn extra money by intimidating sick children and adults.

To begin with, let’s dwell on the main symptoms of the disorder (carefully analyze whether you or those around you have them):

– A person does not ponder the meaning of the words that are spoken to him. He constantly shifts his attention, asks the same questions several times, thinks about something else, starts talking on completely extraneous topics.

– A person cannot do one routine task for more than half an hour.This applies to both work and play.

ADHD sufferers cannot sit in front of the TV in one position, concentrate on the work that requires increased accuracy. They need to constantly walk, be distracted, eat, talk on the phone, move objects from place to place.

– Restless limb movements. Unreasonable shaking (tapping) of the leg or hand. “Shaking” is one of the most common symptoms of ADHD.If a person “shakes” more than four times a week, he needs help.

– Too emotional facial expressions with frequent exclamations, laughter, deep sighs. People around them often think that people with the disorder are grimacing at them.

– Interrupting another person, striving to answer a question without listening to it to the end. Many will consider this as bad upbringing and ignorance of elementary tact, but in reality, the cause is often ADHD.

– Anxiety during sleep. People with the disorder often wake up with a pillow at their feet, a blanket on the floor, and a sheet over their head. At the same time, they claim that they slept very soundly and do not remember at what moment they threw the bed linen.

– Abrupt changes in mood and physical activity. ADHD sufferers can move a lot and talk emotionally, and then, within 2-3 minutes, fall into apathy and lock themselves in their room.

Modern medicine claims that it is impossible to get rid of ADHD without pills. In this case, most drugs in their action resemble stimulants or pain relievers. If a person is too active, then the pill corny “slows down” his physical movements.

In a similar way, the pharmaceutical industry is fighting depression. If a person is feeling bad, then he needs to be given a drug that improves mood.

Representatives of alternative medicine believe that influencing ADHD sufferers is necessary mainly through psychological methods.

For example, Chinese monks fifteen hundred years ago found a way to achieve the highest concentration of attention in people suffering from hyperactivity. Sometimes, however, it took them many years, but the result never deceived expectations.

So, there are currently six “popular” ways to get rid of ADHD, or at least reduce the symptoms of the disorder.

First way: don’t waste your physical energy.

It is common for hyperactive people to jump, run, and fool around when they are in a good mood. They feel happy and ready to “get the moon from the sky.”

Set yourself the task of pouring out energy into some kind of monotonous and monotonous business.

For example: walk a few miles along the promenade, work out for 40-60 minutes on a bike simulator in a fitness club, wash all the floors in an apartment, or put old things in garbage bags.

This way of dealing with ADHD is disciplinary and channeling the energy that is bursting out in a positive direction. Treat your physical strength like money. There is no point in throwing it into the wind. Better to “buy” (that is, make) something useful. Like money, strength must be conserved.

Second way: take any expectation as a test of strength.

ADHD sufferers don’t accept queues.For example, people with a chronic form of the disorder would rather stay hungry than eat for 20 minutes.

Think of each turn as the next step on the path to spiritual and physical development. Tell yourself:

“Strong expectation and patience make me stronger.” Look at other people waiting and notice signs of nervousness. Many of them get angry, clench their fists, curse the slow sellers.Against their background, you should look as cool and calm as possible.

The third way: savor any long-awaited moment.

If you are sitting hungry in a restaurant and they brought you a long-awaited dish, then you should not immediately pounce on it. Look at it, smell it, think about how you will taste it. Sometimes this “savoring” takes only 60-120 seconds, but this behavior perfectly strengthens willpower.You should take the last step towards an already achieved goal as long as possible.

Fourth way: listen to music constantly.

The term “relaxing music” characterizes melodic and calm compositions for yoga, meditation, house cleaning, walks, reflections, etc. In recent years, even such a subtype of relaxing music as “relaxing music for studying” has become popular. She creates a good background for reading textbooks, writing essays, solving tests, etc.p.

You will be surprised, but for ADHD sufferers silence is much more dangerous than relaxing music. Therefore, download harmonious songs more often from online stores like iTunes.

Fifth way: order yourself to do something unquestioningly.

This method of dealing with disorders was developed by army psychologists.

He disciplines and keeps a person in a state of constant combat readiness.

For example, you tell yourself that you will eat a green apple every morning at 6 am sharp, watch the news on your smartphone at noon, and do 10 squats at 7 pm.

At first glance, these tasks may seem absurd. In reality, they train memory well, make a person more patient.

It is best to set yourself 3 – 5 tasks in an orderly manner every day.The main thing is that they are performed strictly at the same time (for this you can set an alarm in the same smartphone).

Method 6: Draw a hard line between your work / education and play.

Some psychologists believe that the large number of children with ADHD is the result of parental negligence who mixes popular culture of entertainment with education. Today, children can simultaneously do homework and watch cartoons, send SMS messages and listen to the teacher.Therefore, it is necessary to very strictly distinguish between the necessary activities and the rest of the minor.

It is scientifically proven that if you read a textbook lying on the couch and with a plate of chips by your side, the material will be absorbed poorly. But if you turn off all devices and sit down at your desk with a firm intention to learn a lesson, then everything will definitely work out.

The environment is very important for both work and relaxation.

Finally, it’s worth saying that CDC experts predict an increase in the number of ADHD sufferers in all age categories.

Today, this disorder is as dangerous to America’s future as Alzheimer’s or autism. Therefore, you should not hesitate with the treatment (self-medication) of hyperactivity and attention deficit.

Reading about ADHD – Change of fate – LiveJournal