Kids who have ADHD benefit from the vitamins, minerals, and fiber that fruit provides. Vitamin C and folate, in particular, play a direct role in helping brain function, says Lemond. Orange juice, oranges, and strawberries are all good sources of vitamin C, and they're all smoothie-friendly.
The best foods for children who have ADHD are the same as those for children who don't have the condition. All children need lots of healthy unprocessed food and generous amounts of fruits and vegetables. The right diet — and good nutrition — is especially important for anyone with attention deficit disorder.
Go with Protein
Foods rich in protein — lean beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy products — may have beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms. Protein-rich foods are used by the brain to make neurotransmitters — chemicals that help brain cells talk with each other.
Protein-rich foods include eggs, lean meat, milk, cheese, nuts, soy, and low-fat yogurt. These foods can help maintain a feeling of fullness and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Some research also found that having a protein-rich breakfast can help enhance mood, attention, and alertness.
Children can have a sensitivity to certain foods — dairy, wheat, corn, soy, eggs, nuts, and citrus are common culprits — that can exacerbate symptoms. Try eliminating these foods, and watch behavior carefully.
Load up on vegetables and some fruits, including oranges, tangerines, pears, grapefruit, apples, and kiwi. Eat this type of food in the evening, and it may help you sleep. More omega-3 fatty acids. You can find these in tuna, salmon, and other cold-water white fish.
Fruits are a very good source of nutrients. For ADHD patients bananas are a must. Bananas are very rich in zinc and magnesium, and these nutrients have been proven to dopamine and various neurotransmitters. Furthermore, fruits are loaded with various nutrients and complex carbohydrates.
Some of the common foods that can cause ADHD reactions include milk, chocolate, soy, wheat, eggs, beans, corn, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges. If you suspect a food sensitivity may be contributing to your child's ADHD symptoms, talk to your ADHD dietitian or doctor about trying an elimination diet.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that women with more monounsaturated fat in their diets performed better on cognitive training tests than women who had more saturated fats in their diet. Avocados are one of the best sources of monounsaturated fats and often recommend in ADHD diets.
A well-balanced dietary intake of food which is rich in: protein, vegetables, fruit and complex carbohydrates may help relieve your ADHD symptoms. Try switching up your breakfast and instead of sugar-laden cereals try something different. Greek yoghurt with honey and a selection of nuts is a tasty alternative.
Carbs and ADHD Brain Power
Fruits: grapefruit, apples, cherries, oranges, and grapes. Fruits have a lower GI than do fruit juices, because fiber in fruit slows the absorption of fruit sugar. A whole apple is more brain-friendly than apple juice; a whole orange better than orange juice.
Foods rich in carbohydrates like vegetables, oranges, pears, apples, and kiwis can help improve ADHD symptoms. Combining complex carbs that are low sugar and high fiber, can help manage ADHD symptoms during the day and may improve sleep patterns at night.
In general, avoid food with simple carbs, especially sugar, corn sugar, and high fructose corn sugar, which is often used as an additive in processed food. Avoid sugary sodas! Avoid foods with artificial ingredients and artificial dyes. Some have been found to worsen ADHD symptoms.
Yum Earth Lollipops and Licorice. Yum Earth is a fabulous brand that has many options for healthier sweet treats. These lollipops are a favorite because of their size and portability. Look for Yum Earth's delicious licorice which qualifies as an ADHD friendly candy, as well.
The ADHD Parenting Guide
“Yoplait Original Yogurt — strawberry and French vanilla don't have artificial colors.” “Yogurt in a tube and string cheese, while expensive, can be eaten out of the package without utensils.” “ZonePerfect Bars — they're high in protein and can be eaten on the run.”
While yogurt marketed to kids is often sickeningly sweet, YoKids contains 25 percent less sugar than leading kids' brands. Most major supermarket chains carry Stonyfield yogurt, but if yours doesn't, go to Stonyfield.com. Pasta made from white flour isn't ideal for kids with ADHD.
Cognitive tests and MRIs showed that the blueberry concentrate increased brain activation in areas associated with memory and executive function.