by Elaine Thigpen

Created on: July 02, 2009   Last Updated: July 03, 2009

Depending on who you talk to, some will say that a child with ADHD does not need to be on a special diet. I find it alarming that some doctors will not consider the fact that some foods will cause the ADHD symptoms to be worse. People who have experienced ADHD with their own children will tell you, "to watch out for ... because that will make them worse". I have a son who is diagnosed with ADHD and a daughter who is not.

I naturally kept my son away from a lot of the sweets due to his diagnosis. As soon as I learned about a special diet for ADHD, I learned that it was more than just candy. It was not necessarily the food itself, but the ingredients in it. Not only the food, but the beverages that we drink also contain these ingredients. I went as far as to experiment with my daughter by allowing her to have foods with these certain ingredients. What I discovered was astonishing; my daughter, who is not diagnosed with ADHD, became very hyper after eating. Here is just another reason why it is of the utmost importance of reading the ingredients on food packages.

As hard as it is to believe how much food or beverages can negatively impact a person's ability to function is astounding. These prepackaged foods contain additives, artificial coloring and sweeteners that are hurting our children.

Here is a partial listing of ingredients in foods to avoid:

*Dyes - Blue #1 & #2, Green #3, Red #40 & #3, Yellow #5 & #6;

*Additives/sweeteners - aspartame, nitrates, saccharin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, and alitame.

Foods that are beneficial for a child with ADHD are:

*High-protein foods such as beans, eggs, meat, and nuts;

*Increase fruits and vegetables;

*Increase Omega-3 fatty acids such as tuna, walnuts, and olive oil.

Start a food journal and document your child-food reaction. This will give you a better picture of what is affecting your child specifically. When you do enter the foods, you may write down next to the food item the ingredients that are in it. You may discuss your findings with your doctor, providing that they acknowledge the food can cause the ADHD symptoms.

Here is a great reason to consider eating all-natural, organic foods. Also, with times of economic hardship, growing your own foods and preparing homemade foods is better for your ADHD child as well as the whole family. By making your own, you know what ingredients are in it and it's a very good alternative. When shopping, bring along the list of ingredients to avoid to make it easier.

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