ADD/ADHD Food to Avoid
Though studies do exist that help determine ADD/ADHD food to avoid when it comes to treating behavior problems in children, parents should evaluate their child on an individual basis.
This is because each individual child may behave differently when it comes to different food. Still, there are general groups of food that can be marked as “ADHD bad foods.”
Dairy and Gluten
Foods that include dairy products such as milk and cheese and gluten have been shown to exacerbate symptoms of ADHD. Researchers have developed several theories as to why this occurs. One such theory emphasizes that the compounds found in these products may act as opiate peptides for the brain, particularly for those that cannot break these materials down. Parents may notice that their children have dark circles under their eyes, a typical result of being allergic to dairy and gluten.
Simple Carbohydrates
Foods to avoid for ADHD may contain simple carbohydrates, or sugar. There may be several underlying causes of why foods with this sugar are bad foods. Consumption of sugar causes a zinc deficiency because sugar will bind to zinc. Certain fungi associated with sugar, such as Candida albicans, can prevent absorption of nutritious foods. Also, sugar is connected to a lower production of neurotransmitters, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine; essential substances needed for proper brain activity.
Food Additives
Much research has linked consumption of food additives with an increase in ADHD symptoms, as previously described. Food additives such as food dye, preservatives and artificial sweeteners have been shown to be bad foods for children with ADHD. Although food additives may help enhance the flavor and look of certain foods, researchers suggest that these additives are known to act as ”excitotoxins” which excite brain cells so strongly, these cells will eventually die. Artificial sweeteners like MSG and aspartame are other ADHD foods to avoid.
Doctor's Help and ADHD
Parents should first contact a doctor to discuss the proper diet for their child and a list of foods to avoid for ADHD. Doctors may have their child undergo some food allergy tests to verify that allergies do exist. Parents should request this even if doctors feel that this is unnecessary. After the results of these tests, parents can then help devise a proper diet plan for their children void of ADHD bad foods. When parents observe abnormal behavior in their kids after eating certain foods, these instances should also be reported to the child's doctor.
Parents Role in ADHD
Observing their child in relation to their diet is a great first step for parents with ADHD children. After a trip to the doctor, a good way to begin assessing diet would be to start an elimination diet similar to the one in Pessler's study in 2011. Parents can provide children with a restrictive diet free of any ADHD bad foods. Slowly, parents can add foods one by one while observing potential changes in ADHD behavior.
Parents should check out current research or consult their children's allergist to ensure they have an extensive list of foods to avoid, or bad foods for ADHD.
Many families have experienced positive results in reducing hyperactive behavior and improved concentration with the use of herbal ADHD formulas. Bright Spark is one product that has helped many children with their ADHD symptoms.
More than ADD/ADHD food to avoid on the food and ADHD page.