Experts say that as much as 8.4 percent of American kids aged 3 to 17 years old have ADHD. If your little one is part of this statistic, it’s a good idea to mind what you serve on the table. That’s because certain foods your child eat can actually aggravate the symptoms of ADHD. Feeding them with something that contains caffeine or lots of sugar can be disastrous. Fatty and processed food products are also known to contribute to ADHD.
In the past, it was believed that nutrition caused ADHD. Eventually, the experts have learned that nutrition had nothing to do with the development of ADHD, although some foods are obviously bad for kids with the condition as they tend to worsen the symptoms associated with ADHD.
Definitely, each child with ADHD will react differently to different kinds of food. Consulting a specialist allows you to determine the best nutritional approach for your child. Seeing a doctor will not only identify which foods are not good for your child, but also point out the ones your little one is sensitive or allergic to.
Certain foods are known to be bad for children with ADHD. Similarly, there are also foods that can be beneficial for a child with the said condition. Here are some of the best and worst foods for kids with ADHD:
Best:
• Apples – These crisp and juicy fruits are perfect for kids with ADHD as they are rich sources of complex carbohydrates, which are highly recommended by the experts for those with ADHD. Allowing your child to snack on a few slices of apples at night can also help him or her sleep better.
• Pears – For variety purposes, you may hand pears to your child from time to time. Pears and apples are pretty much the same when it comes to the benefits they offer for children diagnosed with ADHD.
• Oranges – Packed with vitamin C and complex carbohydrates, it’s no wonder why oranges are superb for your little one. These fruits are also loaded with water, helping to keep your child properly hydrated.
• Canned tuna – Doctors say that omega-3 fatty acids can help in reducing the symptoms of ADHD. One of the most accessible and impressive sources of these healthy fats is canned tuna. Add tuna to spreads, salads and taco fillings to make sure that your little one gets plenty of omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
• Eggs – Just like canned tuna, eggs are wonderful sources of protein. Studies have shown that eggs help kids with ADHD concentrate much better. It’s also said that eggs facilitate the action of ADHD drugs.
• Walnuts – Kids with ADHD will surely love these crunchy treats. As a parent, you can benefit from serving walnuts as they are very good at controlling ADHD symptoms, thanks to their loads of omega-3 fatty acids. Go ahead and serve other types of nuts like almonds and cashews.
• Spinach – Green leafy vegetables, spinach most especially, are perfect for youngsters with ADHD. They have the right nutritional profile that can help in controlling the symptoms of ADHD. Your child doesn’t like veggies? Be creative! One good way to serve spinach and the rest is by adding them to tasty smoothies.
Worst:
• Soda – Whether on not your child has ADHD, it’s not a good idea to serve soda. This fizzy beverage contains caffeine and tons and tons of sugar, causing the symptoms of ADHD to multiply in a snap.
• Candies – Just like soda, candies are also packed with sugar. Additionally, candies do not provide the different vitamins and minerals your child needs for controlling ADHD’s symptoms as well as for optimal health.
• Energy drinks – These easily-accessible beverages are especially popular among teens. If your teenage child is diagnosed with ADHD, a can of energy drink can certainly exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD because of its various ingredients such as sugar, caffeine, other stimulants, artificial colors and flavorings.
• Foods your child is sensitive or allergic to – Some children exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD when exposed to foods they have sensitivity or allergy to. That is why consulting a specialist as well as careful observation are is vital for the identification of foods you should not serve.
