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Avoid these foods to help manage ADHD in children

Avoid these foods to help manage ADHD in children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders among children. Its symptoms range from focus and attention problems to troubling behaviors depending on the severity of the condition. ADHD cannot be cured. But, it is possible to manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening during adulthood. Doctors can suggest changes in daily nutrition to eliminate certain foods to better cope with symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Sweets
Refined sugar is one of the primary ingredients to avoid as it is excessively used for making all sweets, candies, baked goods, confectioneries, frosting, and whipped cream. This list also includes artificial sweeteners used in beverages like colas, sodas, and store-bought fruit juices. Basically, anything that is artificially sweet will contain excessive refined sugars, causing inflammation of vital brain cells. Several studies have been done in this regard, with results pointing to the consumption of refined sugars as triggers hyperactivity among children. However, sugar is not a direct cause or trigger. Overconsumption mainly triggers problems with anxiety, depression, memory, and focus in general, all difficulties that are associated with neurological problems like ADHD. Limiting or eliminating sugars helps improve the overall outlook with ongoing treatment.

Store-bought processed foods
Many foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain some form of additive or preservative added to improve its shelf life. For example, salad dressings, ketchup, mustard, condiments, and even packaged drinks contain sodium benzoate, one of the most commonly used preservatives. Studies show sodium benzoate potentially triggers hyperactivity among very young children. Such synthetic food dyes, artificial flavoring added to enhance the flavors, and chemical preservatives, all have a negative impact on neural pathways that control brain function. The intensity of hyperactivity will depend on the quantity of these foods consumed.

Foods that can trigger an allergic reaction
Milk, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, fish, and even shellfish are commonly consumed as part of daily nutrition. However, these foods and beverages contain proteins and compounds that can also trigger an allergic reaction. The reaction mainly happens due to the body’s immune or digestive intolerance. Consuming these foods or beverages can trigger either inattentiveness or hyperactivity among children with ADHD. The severity of the symptoms will vary depending on the food intolerance and allergen sensitivity.

Apples, frozen fruits, and vegetables
Apples, tomatoes, cranberries, and grapes contain salicylates, a type of plant-based compound that most people can easily digest. If the child is already sensitive to this naturally-occurring chemical, it can trigger an allergic reaction, causing ADHD symptoms to flare up. Frozen fruits and vegetables contain food dyes and preservatives that trigger an adverse reaction linked to hyperactivity. Such foods can also be laced with pesticide compounds like organophosphates to prevent a pest problem. However, the compounds worsen behavioral problems among children who are already struggling with ADHD.

Seafood
Shark, gemfish, swordfish, barramundi, and southern bluefin tuna are seafood options rich in mercury, a compound that has been linked to inattention and hyperactivity triggers among children who have ADHD. This type of metal is hard to digest and can trigger a neurological reaction due to its chemical composition.

Note that these are merely suggestions, and it is important to discuss nutrition with a certified healthcare professional before making any changes.

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