ADHD Diet: Treating ADHD Naturally

If you are looking for an alternative treatment to ADHD,
you may want to consider making dietary changes. Dietary
changes have been effective in controlling the symptoms of
ADHD in some children and adult.

Essentially, an adhd diet is about eating a healthy and
balanced diet. Poor nutrition can exacerbate the symptoms
of ADHD.

Sugar Intake
Reducing sugar intake can certainly help to reduce
hyperactivity in children with ADHD. High sugar consumption
leads to fluctuation in the body's sugar levels, thus
resulting in irritability and mood swings in almost
everyone. For children with ADHD, the rise and fall in
blood sugar level can cause outbursts of hyperactivity,
mood swings, aggression and irritability. A high sugar diet
can worsen the symptoms of ADHD in children and contribute
to more behaviour problems.

Refined Carbohydrate
Although a low carbohydrate and high protein diet can
reduce the symptoms of ADHD, one should never cut out
carbohydrates completely from his or her diet. Nowadays, we
tend to consume excessive refined carbohydrates such as
white flour and white sugar, and processed foods that
contain addictives, artificial flavouring and colouring.
Refined carbohydrates tend to cause fluctuations in blood
sugar levels, which can exacerbate behaviour problems in
ADHD sufferers. Instead, aim to consume more whole grains,
vegetables and fruits containing complex carbohydrates that
help to stabilise blood sugar levels.

Trigger Foods
There are certain foods that may trigger ADHD symptoms.
Food addictives such preservatives, dyes, artificial
flavouring and sweetener have been known to cause ADHD
behaviour problems. Avoid processed foods as they tend to
contain these addictives. It's best to eat natural and
wholesome foods. There are some foods that tend to cause
allergy such as dairy products, wheat, eggs, yeast and
orange juice. You can expect to see remarkable improvement
in your child when allergy causing foods are eliminated
from your diet.

Supplements
Certain supplements can help to alleviate ADHD symptoms. It
has been proven that ADHD children who take fish oil are
able to spell, write and read better. Fish oil contains
essential fatty acids (omega-3) that can reduce
hyperactivity. Cod liver oil, flax seed oil and evening
primrose oil are also good sources of essential fatty
acids. Other supplements which may help with ADHD symptoms
are vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc.

Despite the lack of scientific evidence to support dietary
changes having a positive effect on ADHD symptoms, many
parents have found that diet does indeed play a role in
managing the symptoms of ADHD in their children.

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Find excellent resources on ADHD diet, herbal remedies and
other natural treatments for ADHD at
http://www.guidetoadhd.com/prd-diet