Last week we wrote about certain vitamins and minerals that are often lacking in an ADHD child. This week, we’re giving you the top foods to avoid in their diet! Read on to find out why some of the most common foods our kids consume are also the most detrimental to their health.
Sugar
Sugar has been shown over and over to not be related to chronic hyperactivity (1). However, eating simple sugars does cause blood sugar swings which can impair mental and emotional stability. In addition, sugary processed foods often contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Artificial Colors, Flavors, and Preservatives
Artificial food colors significantly worsen hyperactivity for many people (1 pg 46). The CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest) has asked the FDA to ban the use of dyes linked to hyperactivity, including Blues 1 & 2, Green 3, Orange 8, Reds 3 and 40, Yellows 5 and 6. In studies involving over 1800 children with ADHD, significant improvement in hyperactivity was shown when the flowing were removed from their diets1:
- Benzoate Preservatives (BHA, BHT, and TBHQ -also known carcinogens)
- Artificial Colors (petroleum based D&C and D&C colors, and caramel coloring)
- Artificial flavors
- Artificial sweeteners
Fruit and vegetable food colorings are a much safer option when serving children. They can be found in health food store brands of gummy snacks and candy for the occasional treat at a child’s birthday or school party, so they don’t feel left out.
Food Sensitivities
An estimated 10% of children have allergies or sensitivities to foods. Continually consuming a food the body is sensitive to will create inflammation. The most common sensitivities are wheat, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, tree nuts, shellfish, citrus, and peanuts, although this is by no means a complete list. An IgE allergy test can find a histamine based allergic reaction, but not a neutrophilic or IgG mediated reaction. Neutrophlic and IgG mediated reactions are more likely to cause long-term effects associated with ADHD. These can be tested with food sensitivity tests such as the ALCAT or MRT, or found by keeping a correlating food and symptom diary. Eliminating foods that cause an increase in symptoms can often alleviate depression, hyperactivity, lack of concentration, and aggression in children with ADHD.
Organic vs. Conventional
There has been little evidence to show that organically grown produce contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals than conventionally grown. However, pesticides and agrochemical residues are pro-inflammatory and when consumed, activate inflammatory pathways in the body. Children who eat an organic diet have lower levels of these toxins than do children who eat conventionally grown produce. Eating 100% organic is not always a financially feasible option, but shopping or produce according to the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list can drastically reduce the amount of pesticides consumed.
Other Herbs & Supplements
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. It is also an addictive drug, and should be used with caution. A small cup of green tea in the morning may be helpful for children with ADHD who have trouble controlling impulses while at school. Green tea also contains theanine, which can be calming. Supplements combinations, such as CentraFx or RelaxMax, containing magnesium, myo-inositol, taurine, GABA, and L-theanine have been shown to alleviate symptoms such as restlessness, hyperactivity, lack of impulse control, anxiety, depression, and aggression. This particular combination of supplements helps to reduce the amount of excitatory neurons being produced, and increase the amount of inhibitory neurons, bringing the ADHD brain back into a more balanced state.
In addition to nutrition and exercise, adjuncts such as behavioral therapy, mindful meditation, chiropractic work, massage, acupuncture, and sending time outdoors can help offer relief from symptoms of ADHD. A wonderful book on parenting a child with ADHD is ADHD Alternatives by Aviva Romm, an herbalist and MD who takes natural approaches to illness and behavior disorders.
