Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be overwhelming for both children and adults. Eating certain brain boost food for ADHD treatment can help you maintain long term control of your symptoms.
According to integrative medical doctors, healthy and consistent routines, such as an ADHD diet, minimizes hyperactivity, inattention, and more. Learn about the top foods that will support you the most in your journey living with ADHD.
Best Diet for ADHD
Protein
The human body uses foods rich in protein to make neurotransmitters (1). Healthy brain cells release serotonin, the “happy” neurotransmitter, and dopamine, the “focus and motivation” neurotransmitter. Protein stabilizes blood sugar levels (2). Since high blood sugar has been linked to increased hyperactivity and impulsivity, eat a range of proteins in your daily diet.
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Fish
- Pork
- Beef
- Tofu
- Beans
- Lentils
- Nuts
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s have been consistently medical reviewed and the results are in: they are one of the best things you can eat. Omega-3s are a vital part of all cell membranes. Specifically, they give your body energy, plus, are responsible for many functions in the heart, endocrine and immune system, blood vessels, and lungs (3).
- Oily fish: herring, salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna
- Seeds: flax, chia, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame
- Nuts: cashew, walnuts
- Hemp hearts
Whole foods
This basically is self-explanatory. Anything with one ingredient is a whole food because it is in its whole, natural state. Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are essential for proper vitamin and mineral intake.
ADHD Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can worsen ADHD symptoms for people of all ages (4). One study found Western eating habits, such as in the U.S., attributed to higher rates of ADHD in kids (5). In short, the high amounts of processed foods we eat is harming us significantly and has been linked to ADHD diagnosis. To control ADHD symptoms, avoid the foods below.
- Fried foods
- Food additives such as artificial colors
- High fructose corn syrup
- Other processed sugar, even table sugar
Gluten, dairy, corn, and soy are also common contributors to increased or severe ADHD symptoms, as they are the most common food intolerances. We know these aren’t the easiest things to cut out of your household, especially when you have other children.
Before changing your grocery list, have your child tested for food sensitivities. Most importantly, speak with an integrative doctor regarding foods for ADHD and these common intolerances.
Everything that kids love seems to have gluten and dairy in it. Chicken fingers, pizza, mac and cheese, yogurt and cheese sticks, chocolate milk, and more may all be attributing to kids’ ADHD. Try substituting as much as you can gluten-free pizza crusts, bread, and pasta. Cut down on the dairy. Also, there is a plethora of brands of lactose-free or raw milks, cheeses, and ice creams.
ADHD and Brain Boost Food Diet
ADHD nutrition is crucial, but many times, proper foods for ADHD is hard to learn about alone. Get proper support for you or your child diagnosed with ADHD. Book an in-person appointment now with one of CentreSpringMD’s expert integrative family medical practitioners. You can also choose a virtual consult if you are not in the Atlanta area or feel more comfortable at home.
At CentreSpringMD, your or your child will be examined as a whole person, not just by specific symptoms. We also treat and help many patients live with adult ADHD. Most importantly, integrative medicine can combine ADHD medications with natural treatments or therapies. Contact us today.
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