ADHD and Diet - Exposed

The Rumors:

The link between certain foods and behaviors associated with them is nothing new. But it wasn't until the 1970's when Dr. Ben Feingold developed a diet plan known as the "Feingold Diet". He developed this diet after noticing an appearant link between hyperactivity in children and certain foods.

The ingredients that he warned of contributing to this hyperactivity are food additives, particularly food dyes, and sugar.

Even though this information has grown and spread over the years to be accepted as fact, the direct studies on this have been inconclusive. Dr. Feingold based his work on patient testamonials...not hard research.

What is more likely is that a well balanced diet, with less processed sugar, additives, and preservatives will provide a better internal chemistry and thereby better functioning of those with ADHD. In fact, large quantities of processed sugar can case spikes in blood sugar, and then subsequent crashes. These "yo-yo" blood sugar patterns actually lead to leathargy. This is contrary to what Dr. Feingold wrote.

So, whether or not Dr. Feingold was correct regarding sugar isn't as important as new evidence coming out finding that excessive sugar is harmful in other ways. A diet limited in simple sugar intake is a good idea for all.

The Real Deal:

One study recently put out by George Washington University School of Medicine has found that kids who ate a high protein meal did as well if not better than in class than children without ADHD. This is a fantastic study, because it provides some concreate evidence of diet contributing to ADHD symptoms. High protien foods include meats, fish, poultry, milk, yogurt, beans, and eggs.

If you want to start simple...the best thing to do is remove refined carbs and simple sugars from your childrens diet. It's the simple sugars and refined products that cause spike and subsequent dips in our blood sugar. This may also be a contributing factor in diabetes.

So, wheat and whole grain rather than white bread. Brown rice rather than white rice.

ADHD and Diet Exposed:

There is yet no scientific concensus of an exact diet to consume to minimize the effects of ADHD, a well balanced diet with vegetables, omega-3's, and proteins has been shown to have some positive effect on ADHD sufferers.