Simple Diet for ADHD and Hyperactive Children

I have a confession to make. A diet for ADHD is the easiest way to make a positive improvement with your health. For maximum health benefits you can include other natural remedies.

Have you read about this recently. The FDA said it has examined the same study data as the Canadian health authorities but had not concluded the risk of sudden death was "strong enough" to justify suspending sales of the drug [Adderall].

Studies have shown that in many cases ADD has been linked to diet, which includes food allergies and nutritional deficiencies. The first step in a diet for ADHD is modifying your child's eating habits. You can begin by eliminating certain foods or adding other food items to the ADHD diet which may reduce symptoms or eliminate them altogether.

According to Dr. Frank Lawlis, a healthy diet is important for children and adults. Eating the right foods can maximize concentration and assist learning capacity. A diet for ADHD that includes healthier foods can immediately reduce ADD symptoms in many cases.

The following foods have been investigated and found to have negative impacts on children's health: Artificial colors and preservatives; sodas, diet sodas, and artificial sweeteners; processed milk and milk products.

Other foods to reduce or eliminate are junk foods, sugars, processed foods, eggs, chocolate, and fried foods.

There are several foods and supplements that you can include in a modified ADHD diet. The two food items discussed by many studies are protein and flax seed oil, or some fish oils are good as well.

Protein is very good for the ADHD brain. Doug Cowan, Psy.D. recommends a good quality protein powder that can be found at a health food store. He says, “Get protein powders that are mostly protein and very little carbohydrate.” He suggests making a protein shake and including it with breakfast and another shake in the late afternoon around 3pm.

Protein Shake

Diet for ADHD, make a cup of coffee. Pour the hot coffee into a blender with about 6 oz of ice. Turn on the blender for a bit. Add a good quality protein powder. You can buy a protein powder with vanilla flavoring for additional flavor. Add between 15 and 20 grams of protein to the cold coffee in the blender. Turn on the blender again.

Another option is to use General Mills' International Coffees, or something like that, with a flavor that you or your child will like. Doug Cowan, Psy.D. says “Yes, I know I'm breaking my own rules here, as these coffees have dried milk and some sugar, but I'm trying to get your kid to actually drink the thing, and also get some caffeine mixed with the protein.”

Caffeine can have some side effects. If your child has problems with the caffeine in the coffee then don't bother with the coffee in this diet for ADHD. Usually, though, the caffeine in the coffee helps the person to focus better. The protein helps to feed the brain.

Flax seed and flax oil are the best source of omega-3 essential fat. When preparing daily foods, mix about a spoonful into foods, or add to salad dressings, etc.

Make no mistake about it. A diet for ADHD is the easiest way to make a positive improvement with your health. Your ADHD diet can include other natural remedies for maximum benefit. It is one of the many choices you can make when you explore alternative therapies for ADHD.

Wayne McDonald is a health enthusiast who has been researching the best natural remedies for various health conditions for many years. Find out more about some of the most effective treatments for ADHD on his site at http://www.adhd-natural-solutions.com