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Hi Michelle,

My son, too, was diagnosed with ADHD, and he is now an adult. This happened back in the 70s when it wasn't a popular diagnosis, and the first thing they suggested was changing his diet. Back then it bothered me, like they were blaming what I fed him, but I quickly changed my mind as he showed improvement. I would suggest starting with the items outlined in this article and talking with your doctor. Your child is an individual and it will take trial and error to determine what works and what doesn't.

Donna

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

my son was diagonsed with adhd in 2004 since then we have not put him on medication which has been offered to us but we chose behaviour managment, as problems still occur which they will i would love to re try a diet plan for him, any suggestions

-- Contributed by: michelle

Hi Robyn,

From my understanding diet plays a role with ADD no matter the age. It is worth a try.

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

Thank you so much for this information. I am wondering, though, if this would apply to adult ADD as well. I recently found out that my husband has ADD (he's known for a while). I'm having a lot of difficulty dealing with some things with him because he doesn't seem to do anything. This was before I learned he had ADD. I'm willing to try anything, but I don't want to try to change his diet if this is only applicable to children.

-- Contributed by: Robyn

Hi Rachel,

Very interesting. I appreciate you taking the time to share what you've learned. What kind of proteins are you including in your son's breakfast with his current allergies?

-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

I currently received my degree in Child and Family Studies and am thinking about opening up my own child care facility. I would like to serve only meals and snacks that are recommended for children with ADHD/ADD. Where can I look to find everything I need to know, including many meal options in order to only serve these kinds of meals?

Thank you

-- Contributed by: Kerry

Hi Rachel,

Thanks for sharing your personal experience. Food allergies can play a big role in ADHD symptoms. After reviewing 25 years of study, a non-profit group of scientists concluded that ADHD can be caused by foods and food additives. Reactions observed in children included:

  • hyperactivity
  • trouble sleeping
  • aggressive behavior, screaming, tantrums
  • crying, whining
  • not feeling well
  • poor handwriting
  • tiny handwriting
  • unable to concentrate
  • dyslexia symptoms like mirror writing while reacting
  • bloating, belching, gagging, vomiting, constipation, nausea, gas
  • headaches
  • wheezing, runny or itchy nose, scratchy eyes, coughing
  • depression
  • non-stop, senseless talk
  • recurrent infections: ear, chest, sinus
  • bright red earlobes, red patches on cheeks
  • dark circles, wrinkles and/or bags under the eyes
  • eczema, hives, rashes


-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

I read from a book "Parenting Children with ADHD" by Vincent J. Monstra, PhD, that a sufficient amount of protein (15-20 Gms. suggested) instead of the usual carbohydrate-loaded breakfast (which would make them sleepy & sluggish after insulin surge in 1-3 hours), helps. Dopamine, which is one of primary interest in studies of ADHD, is one of the neurotransmitters in the brain involved in attention, thinking & control of movements & emotions. It is manufactured from proteins & the book claimed the study shows a connection between dietary protein & attention. In my son's case, his allergies to eggs, milks & dairy products & soy worsened the situation. He was testing negative with it all 4 years of his life until he turned 5. It was only last year that his blood test shows he is allergic to the said foods.

-- Contributed by: Rachel

Hi Rebecca,

ADHD has been linked to diet in many people. Change in diet addresses things like food allergies and nutritional deficiencies. It requires eliminating certain foods or adding others. These changes may reduce symptoms or eliminate them. While each person is unique, in general, hyperactive children are especially sensitive to sugar and other stimulants. Paying attention to behavior after certain foods are eaten will help you identify what affect your child. Some nutritional experts suggest buying "certified organic" products because they are grown without potentially harmful pesticides and other toxins.

To start, the AHDD Diet recommends eliminating foods for the first two weeks. Eat no:

  • Dairy products
  • Yellow foods (this includes corn and squash, but bananas are considered white).
  • Junk food
  • Fruit juices
  • Cut sugar by 90 percent—even better eliminate it totally.
  • Chocolate (No more than once piece in a week)
  • Nutrasweet
  • Processed meats
  • MSG
  • Cut fried foods by 90 percent
  • Food colorings

After two weeks of eliminating these foods, start to add foods back into the diet one every other day. To determine if that food is a trigger, eat a lot of it for four days. If it is a problem food, then you'll witness some reaction within four days. Reactions can include things like:

  • Big red splotches on the body
  • Ears turning bright red
  • Explosive temper outbursts
-- Contributed by: Donna Sundblad

i find all this very good but what other foods and info can you give me to make things the best i can.

-- Contributed by: rebecca stockwell
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