ADHD in Children: Foods to Avoid

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects an estimated 2 million school-aged American children, making it the most common of diagnosed behavioral disorders for that demographic. Children with ADHD exhibit symptoms that interfere with their school work and interpersonal relationships such as fidgeting, inability to follow directions, being unable to finish one task, excessive talking, inattention, and impulsivity.

While many parents and doctors solely choose medication to treat this disorder, many physicians also recommend changing a child's diet to help lessen ADHD symptoms. Even though there is much debate as to what causes ADHD and what can make it worse, here are some common foods or additives that have been shown to increase ADHD symptoms in some children.

Sugar is one item that should be limited for children who have ADHD. Both Yale University and the University of South Carolina have conducted studies which showed a possible correlation between sugar consumption and increased restlessness and lack of concentration in some children. Many children are filled with excess sugars in products that are cheap or where the sugars are "hidden"-meaning that many parents don't know the various names that sugars go by. Many breakfast cereals, drinks, juices, and processed snack foods contain sugars. When checking labels, remember that dextrose, sucrose, and corn syrup are all forms of sugar. Artificial sweeteners should also be limited.

Additives in food can also lead to increased ADHD symptoms in children. These are chemicals added to foods to make them colorful, to preserve them, or to make foods taste better. Sodium benzoate, a common preservative, is found in many soft drinks, some cough syrups, and many processed foods. Other additives that can make ADHD symptoms worse include artificial dyes, and MSG (monosodium glutamate).

Cutting back on artificial sweeteners, sugars, and certain additives doesn't mean that your child is doomed to a fate filled with boring, tasteless snacks. Raw fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals and contain less calories than a bag of potato chips or cookies. String cheese and organic peanut butter contain protein, which will even out energy levels. Low-fat yogurt, protein smoothies, and unsalted peanuts are other options. While this article was written with a child who has ADHD in mind, any child could benefit from a switch to more healthy food options.

Remember that this advice is not meant to take the place of a proper diet plan outlined by a physician.

Sources:
Additude
NIMH