ADHD in many cases has been linked to diet, which includes food allergies and nutritional deficiencies…simply eliminating certain foods or adding others may reduce symptoms or eliminate them altogether. Hyperactive children are especially vulnerable as they are ‘hyper' sensitive to sugar and other stimulants.
Have you ever noticed how your child's behaviour changes very shortly after he or she consumes a soft drink, sugary cereals or chocolate? We believe it is worth attempting to address the ‘root' of the problem first, if it is indeed nutritional, before ingesting the potentially toxin pharmaceutical alternatives that merely mask the symptoms. Making healthy food choices for you and your child is NOT difficult. There is NO downside to adopting a healthy eating program and huge benefits for everyone, whether dealing with a current health issue or preventing future ones.
Another suggestion for a healthy diet may be to consider buying certified organic products…these are foods which are grown without the use of potentially harmful long-lasting pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Since organic foods are also grown without genetically modified seeds, sewage sludge or irradiation, some people feel that this is a more wholesome choice.
This is a diet eating program for ADHD kids and adults. It is not a very strict program unless you are a regular at fast food restaurants. This is a “back to the basics” program and is recommended for every member of the family…not just someone with ADHD.
First, what NOT to eat for TWO WEEKS:
1) No dairy products: especially cow's milk. This is the single most important restriction. Instead try Almond milk. Drink water instead of milk. In fact, drink lots of water. The brain is about 80% water, and increasing your water intake to 7 to 10 glasses per day might be helpful all by itself. Sodas, Gatorade, teas, ices, etc., do not count as water. Water counts as water.
2) No yellow foods: Especially Corn or Squash. Bananas are white. Don't eat the peel.
3) No junk foods: If it comes in a cellophane wrapper, don't eat it.
4) No fruit juices: Too much sugar content. One small glass of apple juice has the sugar content of eight apples. Later on you can have juice, but dilute it with water 50/50.
5) Cut sugar intake by 90%: If you can, cut it down to zero. Sugar is in just about everything, but give it a try. Do your best without going crazy.
6) Cut chocolate by 90%: No more than a single piece, once a week.
7) No processed meat
8) Cut fried foods by 90%.
9) Avoid food colouring whenever possible: See if your child is sensitive to any particular colours, such as Reds, Yellows, etc. For now, though, avoid all if possible.
After the First Two Weeks of the ADHD Diet:
What to eat to optimize the Adhd brain
Just as some foods make the brain "foggy," other foods can enhance and optimize brain performance. Here are some things to eat to feed the ADHD brain...
1) For breakfast serve high protein, low carbohydrate meals:
Say, “Good-bye,” to Breakfast cereals and milk. Breakfast cereals are mostly carbohydrate and sugar, which is a bad combination for the ADHD brain. And many children are allergic to milk.
Instead, serve eggs, breakfast meats, and some toast would be fine. Other meals of the day could be 50% Protein and 50% Carbohydrate.
2) Protein supplements: might be needed to get the added protein for Breakfast. They are often very helpful in the afternoon as well.
3) Drink lots of water: The brain is about 80% water, and increasing your water intake to 7 to 10 glasses per day might be very helpful all by itself. Sodas, Gatorade, teas, ices, etc., do not count as water. Only water counts as water.
4) Mineral supplements may be helpful.
5) Flax seed oil or Primrose oil or Walnut oil: These are good sources of Omega oils, and many with ADHD are deficient in Omega oils (or essential fatty acids). These Omega oils are very important. Mix about a spoonful a day into cold foods as you prepare them, or add to salad dressings, etc.
6) Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
7) Avoid Aluminium exposure
8) Avoid heavy metal exposures: These heavy metal exposures come in the form of amalgam dental fillings, which are 50% mercury (extremely toxic), 20% copper (also toxic), and about 15% nickel (also toxic). Nickel is also common with dental braces and with dental crowns. Cadmium is toxic, and is found in dental fillings, and also in cigarette smoke. And there are other toxic heavy metals found in pesticides and herbicides. And now there's also too much mercury in fish.
Eat in a healthy manner.
No comments:
Post a Comment