Dietary Tips for ADHD

Dietary Tips for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition in which the brain and its functioning get affected. Though there is no cure for this, by following certain dietary tips for managing ADHD, one can handle the symptoms better. Diet and nutrition play a very important role when it comes to managing the diseases that the body suffers from. And this is no different for ADHD. Some dietary tips for managing ADHD are mentioned herein.

Consume more protein-rich foods
Protein is very important for the proper functioning and development of your brain. It plays a key role in producing neurotransmitters that are brain chemicals. If you are suffering from ADHD, you can consume protein-rich foods like fish, meat, eggs, beans, and nuts.

Include more complex carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates can help prevent blood sugar spikes and also ensure good sound sleep. Food items that can be included in your diet to prevent ADHD are vegetables, fruits, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, and whole-grain bread. On the other hand, foods rich in simple carbohydrates like white bread, candy, white pasta, potatoes, and sodas should be avoided.

Eat food items rich in omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids improve the functioning of your brain and also make ADHD symptoms milder. One of the important dietary tips for managing ADHD is to eat food items rich in omega-3 like tuna, salmon, walnuts, olive oil, canola oil, and Brazil nuts.

Eat more vitamins and minerals
Sometimes, ADHD is linked to low levels of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. If one is suffering from ADHD, they should include certain vitamins and minerals in their diet. One can also eat iron-rich foods like beef, liver, and kidney beans, zinc-rich foods like beans and nuts, vitamin-D-rich foods like fatty liver and eggs, and vitamin B6 rich foods like peanuts and fish.

Avoid excessive sugars
Eating sugary foods can cause fluctuation of glucose level in the blood. This affects energy levels and affects the functioning of the brain. Consumption of soft drinks, sodas, chips, candies, and processed foods should be avoided.

Artificial food additives should also be avoided
One of the important dietary tips for managing ADHD is to cut down on food additives because these artificial additives interfere with your growth, development, and hormones. Therefore, pre-packed foods and processed foods like cookies, candies, soft drinks, and fruit punches should be avoided.

For an ADHD patient, it is very important to follow a balanced diet that contains a mix of vegetables, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and whole grains. One shouldn’t skip meals and schedule mealtimes in such a way that the body’s requirements of minerals and vitamins are met on time. Excessive consumption of sugar, caffeine, and processed food should be avoided if one is suffering from ADHD. By following the above mentioned dietary tips for managing ADHD, one can surely lead a better life.