Nutrition and ADHD – There is a connection

Just like calcium requires vitamin D to build strong bones, or B vitamins help your body make protein and energy, nutrition and ADHD go hand in hand.

Many children with hyperactivity, disruptive behavior, depression, or many other symptoms are often the result of a nutritional imbalance. Lack of the right nutrients or too many of the wrong foods can contribute to ADHD.

It is very difficult for the body to metabolize carbohydrates if it is constantly exposed to sugar and other over-processed refined foods, especially if it is deficient in vitamins and minerals. Food allergies and even sensitivities alone can cause a lot of problems. An example is gluten sensitivity or celiac disease in which certain grains such as wheat, barley and rye cause pain, gas and painful bloating as a result of damage to the lining of the small intestine. The intestine will return to normal but gluten should not be consumed.

A healthy program that implements nutrition and ADHD can be started right away. This is how to start;

–Keep in weight.
–Try to eat lots of green vegetables.
–Give your child, or if he or she is an adult with ADHD, a multivitamin along with extra minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
–Use good oils like olive oil and omega 3 found in fish oil. There are even special brands for kids now that have lemonade or strawberry flavors.
–Keep away from refined sugar and flour.
–Get an allergy test to eliminate foods that can cause hyperactivity. These could be many different foods, but the main culprits are dairy, wheat, yeast, soy, egg, peanuts, and even chocolate.
–Stay away from artificial colors and dyes in food. These are pure chemicals that a body cannot use or recognize. This also applies to condoms.

There have been many studies linking all of the above to irritability, concentration, overexcitability, inappropriate or disruptive behavior, to name a few. Clinical trials have been conducted that have improved attention span and concentration using diet and alternatives to medication.