Doctors specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have not yet determined the real culprit behind the disorder. However, they have found out that some foods have a contributory effect to the onset of the symptoms. Consequently, an Attention Deficit Disorder diet has been made, restricting some foods that may be harmful to ADD patients.
Some foods believed to have behavioral effects on children are:
• Sugar
• Foods with additives, preservatives, and coloring
• Dairy products
• Fish with high levels of mercury
• Yellow foods
• Fruit juices (particularly concentrated juices)
• Chocolate
• Fried foods
• Junk foods
• Caffeinated beverages
Most of these foods, if not all, have a negative effect not only to children with ADD/ADHD but also to people without these disorders. Restriction of these foods in the diet of children with ADD can help improve the symptoms of the disorder.
You might wonder why sugar or foods containing sugar such as chocolates, junk foods, and candies should be restricted on an Attention Deficit Disorder diet. According to studies, there are a lot of problems that can arise from too much intake of sugar. One of these problems is the onset of symptoms related to ADD in children. It is believed that sugar can cause exaggerated excitement in an ADD child, leading to hyperactive behavior. Studies, though, have yet to confirm this belief.
Foods containing additives, preservatives, and coloring are basically not good for everybody especially when taken in large amounts. Children with ADD are even more prone to the effects that may be brought about by these kinds of foods. Restricting these kinds of foods in the diet for Attention Deficit Disorder medications can help greatly in alleviating the symptoms of ADD.
Several research have shown that some children have low tolerance over dairy products such as cow’s milk. This low tolerance can lead to ADD symptoms. For this reason, it is advised not to give dairy products to children with ADD.
Fish are a source of omega-3 fatty acids that may be good for children with ADD. In fact, it is recommended to include fish in an ADD child’s diet. However, fish with high levels of toxins such as mercury are not good at all. They might only aggravate the symptoms of ADD. Before including fish in the diet for ADD, it has to be made sure that the fish do not contain high levels of toxins and are therefore safe to eat.
Yellow foods can also aggravate the symptoms of ADD. This is why they are restricted in the ADD diet.
Fruit juices and chocolates contain sugar. For this reason, they should be avoided.
Fried foods may be given to children with ADD; however, they should be maintained at a low level. Too much intake of fried foods can aggravate ADD symptoms.
Junk foods do not contain any nutrients at all. In fact, they may only contain unwanted sugar.
Caffeinated beverages are likewise restricted on an ADHD diet. This is because caffeinated drinks such as soft drinks have stimulant properties which may not be healthy for children with ADD.
Restricting these foods on the Attention Deficit Disorder diet has been shown to have wonderful effects on ADD patients. Results may not be noticeable overnight but in the long run, improvements can occur.
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