ADHD is a major neurodevelopmental disorder that also affects physical traits. Persons with ADHD seem restless and unconscious. Moreover, they exhibit the major symptoms of hyperactivity and inattentiveness. However, if we talk about diet, then yes there is a strong correlation between ADHD and diet, What you eat in ADHD matters a lot. Furthermore, your normal eating patterns also cause the onset of this disorder. If you want to know more about how diet is linked with ADHD, then read this article in a detailed manner. In addition, you will also get familiar with the ADHD diet for adults. Secondly, you will also get a clear idea of which foods to avoid with ADHD. So what are you waiting for? Read the entire article and grab the best knowledge regarding ADHD and diet as well as the best diet for ADHD adults.
ADHD
ADHD is a complex mental health issue that adversely affects cognitive functioning. Among all neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD poses major health risks. Individuals with ADHD face difficulty in paying attention to significant life aspects. In addition, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior are also common. ADHD can affect equally to both men and women. However, females are more susceptible to this neurodevelopmental disorder. Likewise, children also acquire various negative alterations in their behavior. Teenagers can easily overcome their ADHD symptoms as compared to children. The onset of this disorder occurs in childhood. However, the disorder can persist to adulthood stages without any appropriate therapeutic strategy.
Learn More: ADHD Burnout: Signs, Causes, and Treatment
Symptoms of ADHD
The severity of symptoms in adults is greater than in children. However, teenagers are capable of overcoming rapidly with age. All the symptoms of ADHD specifically interrupt personal life activities. The symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the underlying physiological conditions.
Some common symptoms of ADHD include:
- Inappropriate management skills
- Extreme impulsivity
- Most often mood swings
- Restlessness
- Aggressive or hostile behavior
- Abnormality in sleep-wake cycle
- Reduced self-esteem
- Lack of focus
- Social isolation
- Prone to distraction
- Daydreaming
- Forgetfulness
- Intrusive thoughts
- Squirming
- Talkative behavior
- Anxiety
- Depression
Common types of ADHD
Inattentive ADHD
Inattentiveness is one of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Persons with ADHD feel more distracted. They are unable to pay attention in their academic and professional life.
Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD
This type of ADHD involves more hyperactivity. Moreover, excessive impulsive behavior is also common.
Combine type ADHD
Persons with combined type ADHD usually exhibit the symptoms of both types.
Causes of ADHD
There are different causes of ADHD in different individuals. In addition, different factors establish a link between ADHD and diet. The most common causes of ADHD include:
Brain injury
Any injury or head trauma can also cause the onset of ADHD.
Genetic factors
ADHD tends to run over generations. A child can acquire the ADHD genes from the parents. The dopamine D5 receptor gene is majorly involved in ADHD. However, some studies have also reported the association of the dopamine D4 receptor gene with ADHD patients.
Nutrition Challenges Associated with ADHD
In addition, persons with ADHD face numerous challenges in their nutritional lives. Therefore the link between ADHD and diet can be explained through the following factors such as:
- Food intolerance
- Emotional disturbance during food intake
- Reduced appetite levels
- Binge eating episodes
- Overeating at night times
- Gastrointestinal tract issues
- Selective in terms of food selection
ADHD and diet
Different studies have reported a strong correlation between ADHD and diet. Some researchers believe that diet does not cause any ADHD symptoms. However, some think that significant dietary changes can improve ADHD symptoms.
Various food products can elevate the extent of ADHD symptoms. You should consider the ADHD diet for adults and ADHD foods to avoid.
Caffeine is responsible for the alertness situation. If the person is experiencing mood swings, then sweet products can do better for them. Likewise, cookies or chocolates can lessen hypersensitivity. Moreover, alcohol and different beverages can also alter their behavior.
If you have ADHD, avoid taking soda or other carbonated drinks. The presence of high fructose corn syrup and caffeine in food products can cause the rapid onset of this disorder.
Fruits and vegetables
Healthy fruits and vegetables are also responsible for improved development and behavior. They are the best foods for ADHD. If fresh fruits and vegetables are added to the children’s diet, ADHD and diet symptoms can be reduced.
Sugar and ADHD
The presence of sugar in food products can intensify ADHD symptoms. Specifically, it increases the intensity of hyperactivity because sugar products provide double energy. However, excess intake of sugary foods can elevate the risk of various disorders.
Proteinaceous food products
Protein is a major component of the human body. It is present in the body in different forms. Moreover, it is also taken from outside the body. Protein-rich foods are effective for the effective functioning of neurotransmitters. Furthermore, diet experts mostly recommend a few protein-rich foods such as eggs, meat, dairy, and poultry products. If the ADHD person takes protein-rich foods regularly, ADHD can diminish. Moreover, protein-rich foods also regulate blood glucose levels.
Supplements
Nutrient deficiencies are more common in persons with ADHD and diet. Children usually experience the co-occurrence of ADHD and nutrient deficiency. Moreover, supplements are used to treat nutrient deficiencies. Supplements are also used in the ADHD diet for adults. Intake of supplements that can reduce impulsivity and inattention includes magnesium, zinc, iron, omega fatty acids, etc.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are sugar molecules. They are also found in various food products. However, their major concentration is present in fruits, leguminous plants, and whole grains. They also perform various functions in the body. If you are feeling hungry but you are striving for any food that keeps you feeling fuller for longer, you can eat them. You will get the instant energy. Moreover, your ability to focus and concentrate will also be improved. Therefore, carbohydrates are also recommended for ADHD patients.
Healthy fats
Just like proteins and carbohydrates, fats are also important for the entire body. Not all the fats are harmful to the body. Some good fats can support your health. The cognitive function of your brain will also be improved. Foods that are rich in healthy fats include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Soybean, avocados, soybeans, and flaxseeds are enriched with healthy fats.
Food additives
Food additives can worsen ADHD and diet symptoms in children. Parents usually try to protect their kid’s diet from food additives. Yellow and red dyes can affect mental stability. Ultimately, children’s behavior is also affected. Among all dyes, blue dye exhibits more toxicity for ADHD symptoms. Artificial food colors delay the release of neurotransmitters in the body.
Dairy foods
Dairy foods are richly filled with calcium. Moreover, different proteins are also present in the milk and dairy products. Casein is the major milk protein that is associated with reduced symptoms of ADHD.
Elimination diets
There is no evidence for the effectiveness of an elimination diet for ADHD. However, some healthcare professionals also suggest considering the diet after identifying the insensitivity or food tolerance. Most of the person remove certain foods from their diet. After skipping their food product, they reanalyze their symptoms. If the positive changes occur, they keep the continuity in their routine. However, they prefer to skip those food products. Some common elimination diets for ADHD include
- Gluten
- Eggs
- Some sugary products
- Soy
- Dairy products
Feingold diet
Some researchers think that the Feingold diet can effectively manage ADHD symptoms. Moreover, various other behavioral disorders can also be treated. Feingold’s diet is also an elimination diet.
The best diet for ADHD adults
The diet plan for kids and adults is based on the person’s physiological condition. Healthcare experts prefer minerals and omega-3 fatty acids for children. While the diet of adults should contain some essential vitamins such as vitamin b2, vitamin b9, and some other essential vitamins.
Other tips for ADHD treatment
If the ADHD symptoms are severe, you can also employ psychiatric medication management. Moreover, child and adolescent psychiatry is also preferred.
Learn More: What Is A Medication Management Psychiatrist’s Role?
Praising your children
Children with ADHD have reduced self-esteem. In addition, they always get criticized by others due to their aggressive behavior. Therefore, both parents and children should praise their children on an occasional basis. Psychologists always guide the parents to praise their good behavior five times a day. Furthermore, parents should avoid criticizing their bad behavior in front of others.
Healthy habits
Make sure that your child is following a healthy routine. Take care of their diet and sleep. Moreover, if your child is taking some medicines related to ADHD, also consider their suitable dosage. However, if you find any difficulty, you can consult your child’s healthcare provider.
Assist your child in social life
Children with ADHD prefer isolation. They usually avoid social activities due to decreased confidence. So parents should act as a role model for their children. Organize some useful activities for them, so they can participate and boost their confidence. Ultimately, they will adapt to the environment in a better way.
Counseling & Therapies
Different types of therapies are helpful for ADHD. Some major therapies include family therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, talk therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.
Cognitive therapy
The main goal of cognitive therapy is to train the children to manage their thinking skills better. They can better manage their daily chores without any distractions. Moreover, they also learn different anger management skills.
Family Counseling
Family members can better understand the nature of ADHD persons. In addition, they can cope better with their child’s hostile behavior.
ADHD and diet support groups
Individuals with ADHD can also acquire assistance from support groups. Various support groups provide education and support. Getting moral support is also beneficial for treating ADHD symptoms.
Regular exercise
A daily workout schedule can also manage ADHD symptoms. Moreover, exercise can regulate the nervous system and associated functions.
Last thoughts
ADHD is a cognitive disorder that affects the normal behavior of a person. ADHD can affect both men and women. However, children are mostly affected by this disorder. Affected person face certain difficulties in paying attention to their essential tasks. Moreover, hyperactivity and impulsivity are also common in this disorder. To prevent this disorder, it is extremely significant to know what you eat in a day. You should have sound knowledge regarding ADHD and diet if you want to cherish your life. Your diet matters a lot so you should know that what are the types of foods that help with ADHD.
Furthermore, you should use foods good for ADHD. You can also take recommendations from our experts regarding the best foods for ADHD. Experts at the Brainpower Wellness Institute not only provide the best mental health services, but they also give the best advice. You can also ask certain questions regarding ADHD and diet. Furthermore, you can also ask for ADHD foods to avoid. Brainpower ensures that you live a healthy life with sound mental and physical health.
