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Attention Deficit Disorder And Diet

By Tess Thompson

Though there has been no research that proves the positive role that diet plays in managing ADD symptoms, many parents and practitioners swear that removal of certain elements in the diet can reduce the ADD symptoms to a large extent. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry also believes that removal of certain food colors can actually alleviate symptoms.

The most important aspect of trying out the diet therapy is the fact that child ADHD treatment is not free from side effects and before adopting an ADD treatment that may contain toxins and material that can cause other issues, it is recommended that abstinence from certain foods be tried out.

Yes, there are many alternate routes of ADD treatment like herbal remedy for ADD or naturopathic treatment for ADD but a healthy diet does not harm anyone. It may actually lead the entire family to eat better and healthier.

You need to understand the kind of foods that you need to avoid to help reduce the symptoms of ADD in your child. You could try organic foods that are grown without the use of any pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. There are also foods available in the markets that are specifically certified as not grown from genetically modified seeds and those that do not use contaminated water for irrigation.

Specifically speaking, you should use the method of trial and error to figure out the specific foods that cause a higher level of ADD symptoms in your child. Generally, the foods that should be avoided are those that contain high levels of sugar. Dairy products, especially milk should be avoided at all cost.

Avoid processed foods completely but in case you have to eat them, use those that contain no MSG. Reduce the intake of fried food and keep junk food at bay. Avoiding food coloring may be difficult but you need to ensure that you stay clear of it as much as you can.

Make the healthy choice and eat foods that are grown organically and those that are wholesome. Opt for a high protein diet and supplement it with protein supplements. A diet rich in omega oils is recommended and is sure to show some positive effects. Fruits and vegetables are also a good choice for an ADD diet.

Over time you can identify the most disruptive foods and can work towards avoiding them completely. But this will take time and patience. Remember that though a diet will help you relieve some symptoms of ADD; you may still need to make efforts to ensure that your child obtains all round development. This may include consulting a behaviorist or ensuring that your child receives special attention and care in the school that he goes to.