While there may be no medical link between the cause of ADHD and diet, some foods have been proven to affect the experience of symptoms in the ADHD-diagnosed person.
Some foods can lessen the severity of symptoms, while others may seem to aggravate them. Certain foods have the ability to help the brain work better, which is why brain-friendly foods are at the top of the list.
Feed your kid brain-friendly foods
- Protein – Foods that are high in protein are said to help improve concentration. If your kid is on medication, it is also believed that protein-rich foods could help the prescribed medication work longer. Try to include chicken, meat, cheese, beans, eggs and nuts in the morning for breakfast or as an after-school snack to prepare them for doing their homework.
- Complex carbs – Complex carbs can really help if your little one has trouble sleeping. Feed them some oranges, tangerines, kiwi or grapefruit to enjoy their benefits.
- Omega-3 fatty acids – According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the USA, an omega compound called Vayarin is part of the ADHD management strategy. This compound can be found in any omega-3-rich foods such as tuna, salmon, and other cold-water white fish. As a snack, be sure to include walnuts, and Brazil nuts. You can also incorporate omega-3-rich oils into your meal prep by cooking with or drizzling over oils like olive and canola.
Foods that a kid with ADHD should avoid
- Carbs (the simple kind as opposed to the complex ones)
- Sugar
- White flour
- White rice
- Peeled potatoes
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Also see: Side effects of a vegan diet
