ADHD Diet

Can You Really Control ADHD With Diet?

There are several people that claim that the ADHD Diet can really help those who suffer from the disorder. I have not found this to always be the truth. Many of the foods and drinks the diet claims to be off limits to ADHD sufferers, are actually food that can truly benefit them in many cases.

There are several studies out now that tell people that foods can actually work as treatment for many ADHD people. If fact, many foods are ones that in the past were said to be off limits.

I have tried several of the diets that claim to help and have not found one that has worked. Personally, I found the opposite to be true. Foods claiming to over stimulate always seemed to have a calming effect on those with ADHD (attention, deficit, hyperactivity, disorder).

The first foods and drinks the ADHD Diet tells you to avoid or restrict are those with caffeine. Supposedly it makes the disorder worse. The fact is that caffeine usually has a sedating effect on those with ADHD. This is opposite of what this diet claims.

Stimulants like caffeine, according to this diet, should be completely avoided. They are claimed to make the hyperactivity of ADHD worse. I have found that giving a few cups of caffeinated drinks to those with this disorder, hyperactivity has diminished and the person has a better time concentrating. This stimulant has the opposite effect on those with ADHD. It seems to calm the sufferer, rather than work as a pick me up, as in other people.

Sugar is another ADHD Diet no-no. According to this diet you are not eat refined sugars, as they can cause hyperactivity in children and adults. This means you should avoid all sugar drinks, foods, candies, etc. I do not believe this is the truth. I have seen many children without ADHD eat plenty of junk and become extremely hyper, while those with the disorder actually fall asleep after eating it.

Sugar does not affect every person, with or without ADHD, the same way. It really depends on the individual how they will react. For some children with ADHD, fruits can cause more issues than chocolate. You will have to go through a trial and error period to figure out what types of sugars affect you or your children.

While many people swear by the ADHD Diet, I do not really think it does anything. This is one diet I would not waist my time on. I have seen so many people react adversely to their suggestions, while others benefit tremendously. This goes to show that it is not the diet; it is different foods for different people.

The best way to find out which food make you or your loved one’s ADHD better or worse is to keep a food journal. Writing down what food make it worse or better will help you to know what to avoid and what just needs to be in moderation.

Review by Allister Neale