ADHD and Diet Research Note
By Reader's Digest Editors
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Experts have long suspected that there's a dietary link to ADHD. But connecting the dots has been elusive. Recently, results of a study from the Netherlands showed that 64% of children placed on a special 5-week long diet of rice, meat, and vegetables significantly improved their ADHD symptoms; symptoms of children on regular diets did not improve. Not all experts agreed, however, noting the study was flawed and didn't provide enough details about the diet. Still others suggested that parents who are willing to follow an elimination diet, under expert supervision, for five weeks should consider doing so. Some researchers believe that ADHD symptoms could be a reaction to the sensitivities to certain foods or additives.
Fast Facts:- In some children with ADHD, a 5-week elimination diet can improve symptoms.
- Putting a child on some restricted diets is challenging, because these eliminate all foods containing food colorings, preservatives, and other chemicals.
- The Feingold Diet for ADHD restricts food containing salicylates, including many fruits, vegetables, and additives, because some children with ADHD may be sensitive to these.
- On the plus side, if your child responds to an elimination diet, he or she may be able to avoid taking drugs.
- Elimination diets generally show results in 5 weeks; if symptoms still persist, consider alternate approaches, including behavior and drug therapy.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
umm.edu — “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood, affecting between 3 - 5% of school-aged children. Although many people sometimes have difficulty sitting still, paying attention, or controlling impulsive behavior, people with ADHD find that these symptoms greatly interfere with everyday life. General” View full resource at umm.edu
Feingold Association Program Details
feingold.org — “Feingold Association Program Details” View full resource at feingold.org
ADHD Diet - HealthyPlace
healthyplace.com — “Some people believe ADHD and other psychiatric disorders are linked to diet and by eliminating certain foods or adding others, it may reduce or eliminate ADHD, depression or other symptoms.” View full resource at healthyplace.com
Study: ADHD Diet Helps Reduce Symptoms
webmd.com — “All children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should be offered a special ADHD diet to see if eliminating certain foods might reduce their symptoms, Dutch researchers say.” View full resource at webmd.com
ADHD Diets for Children and Adults
webmd.com — “Can a certain diet improve the symptoms of ADHD? Learn more from WebMD.” View full resource at webmd.com
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