Researchers are learning more and more about ADHD, including the effects of diet on the disorder. In this article, we review the condition and it's three subgroups, signs, and symptoms that sufferers exhibit, as well as foods that might actually make ADHD worse.
ABOUT ADHD – WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW
The ADHD spectrum has three subgroups. The most common is a combination of inattention and hyperactivity, but there can also be separate categorization for inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. A diagnosis comes when observers record six or more symptoms of each over a period of at least six months.
Children do frequently exhibit inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, but not all of them have a formal diagnosis of the ADHD condition. In those that do fall into that category, the conditions are severe and limit their participation in the normal activities of school, play and family life to a degree that can compromise enjoyment of life and strain relationships. The onset of symptoms usually occurs around age seven, but can continue on to affect nearly ten percent of teens and more than four percent of adults.
In cases where ADHD lingers into later life, the sufferers are more likely to have other mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts and tendencies in far greater numbers than others of the same age.
The frustrating part of ADHD is that the medical community does not know its specific cause. Genetics may play a role, environmental factors may contribute, and pre-natal care may also be a factor. But no one is able to pinpoint the cause, and because some children grow out of the condition automatically without serious intervention, it deepens the mystery.
However, some medical professionals believe diet and nutrition may play a key role in the onset of the ADHD problem, creating a substantial impact that may trigger other factors in developing the condition.
ADHD SYMPTOMS
Under the generic problems of hyperactivity and inattention, there are many different symptoms of ADHD. Generally, those with a formal diagnosis of ADHD are easy to distract, don’t work well within a group, seem forgetful and lose objects easily, become distracted by the slightest noise and generally move from one phase to another without completing tasks.
While the behaviors are frustrating for those trying to teach a class or keep order in the family, the problems are not something the ADHD afflicted can control easily. They are unable to focus on tasks and want to move ahead, making learning difficult and task completion next to impossible.
Classrooms, which rely on order and schedule, are particularly disrupted by the ADHD afflicted. The ADHD child tends to talk and interrupt others, squirm or fidget with objects, and generally can’t participate in the quiet tasks of study or test taking. The impulsive side of the ADHD person will be emotional and impatient with others, sometimes insulting others by blurting out things that others know better than to utter.
Although the ADHD causes are in dispute, there are treatments (but not cures) available. There are medications that can treat symptoms and help adjust some of the problems associated with ADHD. But many medical professionals also believe that diet and improved nutrition can play a big part in ADHD symptom improvements in at least some people afflicted with the disorder, allowing them to live more normal lives.
FOODS THAT CAN AGGRAVATE
As with any nutrition needs, natural and wholesome are the keys. The medical community that advocates for diet and nutrition therapy for ADHD believes that some foods and supplements make the condition better; some believe that certain things make it worse. Thus, there are elimination plans that take away certain things from the diet, and supplement plans that bolster the nutritional input.
Research is ongoing, but a general rule of thumb indicates that unprocessed foods are the healthiest choice for ADHD sufferers. That means an emphasis on foods that do not have a lot of additives, dyes, hormones or added preservatives. It can make shopping and meal preparation a challenge in our time-constrained times, but advocates swear by the results.
For those with ADHD symptoms, here are a list of foods that fall into the “no-no” zone.
1. Simple carbohydrates - These are usually the processed foods that are designed for modern times. They typically have a long shelf life and are designed in labs to appeal to the widest possible palates, which means that the ingredients may not be natural and wholesome. Foods to avoid include corn syrup (particularly high fructose corn syrup, which is found in many products); white flour products, particularly white breads, cakes and other baked goods; white rice; and artificial or heat-and-serve white potatoes.
2. Artificial colorings in foods - This can range from meats that are given injections of dyes to keep them a pleasing color, to canned foods that are created to last on the shelf or in the pantry for a long time and have high levels of sodium.
3. Artificial ingredients and preservatives - The American Academy of Pediatrics has warned that processed foods that have artificial colorings -- particularly yellow or red colorings - should be eliminated from the diets of children with ADHD. Read the label and you will be surprised at the number of artificial ingredients found in most foods. Things like MSG, aspartame, and sodium nitrates are suspect, as is the preservative sodium benzoate. In most cases, the salt content of these foods is particularly high as well. Some researchers have also warned against such common additives as FD&C Blue No. 1 and No. 2; FD&C Yellow No. 5 and No. 6; FD&C Green No. 3; Orange B; FD&C Red No. 3 and No. 40; and Citrus Red No. 2.
4. Sugar - Anyone who has been to a child’s birthday party will notice the effects of cake and candy on behavior. High doses of sugar can over-stimulate the child’s system, and the resulting crash after the effect of sugar wears off can also create imbalances.
5. Caffeine - Most soft drinks and sports drinks have a high level of caffeine, and even some flavored water products may contain it. Keep a careful eye on the labels, particularly if the product has juice, flavorings or stimulants.
While no medical researchers have claimed that foods are the reason behind ADHD, they suspect that they might be a trigger for certain things in those susceptible to the condition. Since there is little nutritional benefit to processed foods or sugary drinks, eliminating them from the diet is a smart move even if there is no apparent connection.
Adding to health concerns is that many food additives are not listed on packaging, and some products that contain additives may surprise. Items to watch include toothpaste, chewing gum, vitamins, sports drinks, fruit drinks, fruit-flavored cereals, gelatins, fruit snacks and barbecue sauce.
A pro-active approach to nutrition that includes an emphasis on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other natural foods will likely be better choices than processed foods. Research is continuing into the causes of ADHD, but until there is evidence that the condition is unrelated to environment or diet, it is better to be cautious with the food and drink being ingested.