Understanding how our diet affects our mental functions may help in controlling some aspects of ADHD. An increasing number of studies in area of complementary medicine show that nutritional components both artificial and natural can affect the structure and functions of brain neurons. Our brain has much higher metabolism rate than rest of the body, thus it requires a constant stream of nutrients to function at its best level. These nutrients may include vitamin, glucose, certain amino acids etc. These are the building block for the neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that help neurons communicate)

BALANCED BLOOD SUGAR

Children who have ADHD may be particularly sensitive to blood sugar levels and may experience a quick fall in blood sugar levels after eating sweet, processed carbohydrates. It is theorized that this low sugar may manifest as a feature of ADHD. Optimum blood sugar levels can be possible with adequate inclusion of whole grain carbohydrates that are rich in fiber and lots of fruits as well as vegetables. Some additional protein may also be helpful to stabilize blood sugar levels. Eating well is especially important at breakfast time. Studies show that skipping breakfast affects the school performance and influence behavior.

ANTIOXIDANTS

The beneficial value of a diet with abundant whole grains, fruits and vegetables is that these products are rich in antioxidants which are brain-protective. Children with ADHD are shown to be possibly under high oxidative stress, and in the absence of an antioxidant-rich food, it may harmful effect on brain.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

borage herbThere is a common understanding that children with ADHD should have food enriched in essential fatty acids, particularly the omega-3 oils. Omega-3 is found in fish, walnuts, seafood, flax seeds, hemp, and organic canola oil. While early studies provided contradictory outcomes, five recent and well-designed studies have suggested some importance for both behavior and learning when individuals got supplements of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) from both evening primrose oil and borage.

ARTIFICIAL FOOD INGREDIENTS

In recent decades people have a lot of apprehensions about artificial and constituents such as colors and preservatives. It is common understanding among parents that these ingredients can lead to symptoms of ADHD. Recently two large studies highlighted a connection between artificial preservatives and both attention as well as hyperactivity. It is likely that food dyes and sodium benzoate were capable of inducing hyperactivity symptoms in children who didn’t have ADHD.

Opting for organic, whole foods whenever possible is a positive step forward to make an important difference in your child’s life.