Can Diet Be a Treatment for ADD and ADHD Related Symptoms?
 It has been long believed that a properly balanced diet can help aid in the management of ADD related symptoms by providing the body with necessary nutrients it may be lacking that add to the severity of some symptoms. While diet and nutrient balance is not a complete treatment for ADD, it is often used in conjunction with other conventional treatments and therapies.
When considering diet changes for treatment of ADD symptoms, there are three main areas on which you can focus your efforts:
- Overall Nutrition – a change in overall daily diet may assist in the management of ADD/ADHD related symptoms. Changes in diet should include:
- High protein – lots of eggs, meats, cheese, beans, and nuts. Diets high in protein are thought to help improve concentration in ADD patients and extend the working time of prescription medications.
- Fewer Simple Carbohydrates – such as sugars and candy, white flour and white rice, skinless potatoes, and other foods.
- More Complex Carbohydrates – like vegetables and fruits such as citrus, apples, berries, and other fruits.
- Omgea-3 Fatty Acids – found in cold water fish like tuna and salmon, nuts, olive and canola oils.
- Supplementation – the addition of other minerals and vitamins to an otherwise balanced diet.
- Vitamins and minerals can be added to supplement diets that are lacking due to food allergies and other complications.
- Many nutritionists recommend a 100% vitamin and mineral supplement daily.
- Elimination – the removal of certain food and ingredients from an otherwise balanced diet.
- Many supporters believe that eliminating food coloring, especially red and yellow, as well as other preservatives from a child’s diet can help in the management of ADD symptoms.
- Sugar and caffeine should be eliminated or used in extreme moderation in order to promote a healthy developmental diet and reduce hyperactive behavior.
For more adhd diet information on the alternative treatment of ADD / ADHD symptoms and how a balanced diet can help to manage and improve quality of life, consult with your physician and feel free to browse our other informative articles.
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