Can Nutrition Impact ADHD? How?

Let’s make this clear first: There’s no evidence indicating that diet causes ADHD. However, dietary selections may aggravate ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and difficulty concentrating.

In this article, we dig into what this means exactly and what dietary choices parents with children diagnosed with ADHD may want to be conscious of.

How Does Diet Play a Role in ADHD?

Research indicates that ADHD is associated with added sugars, refined carbs, and Western dietary patterns. Not to get too technical, but all of this often comes down to insulin and hormonal secretions that occur when we ingest sugar.

When we consume a high amount of carbs (or sugars), insulin and epinephrine are secreted. Epinephrine helps regulate insulin secretion levels, which may help prevent insulin resistance and associated conditions. However, hypersecretion of epinephrine, which may occur when eating plenty of sugars, can lead to hyperactivity and memory loss.

In turn, this may result in behavioral challenges and difficulty staying on task—two commonly associated symptoms with ADHD.

Dietary Tips for You & Your Child

Diet isn’t just important for managing ADHD symptoms but also for your child’s development and health. Plus, these tips can help elevate your entire family’s health, getting everyone on track toward good overall wellness.

• Eat a high-protein diet. The truth is most people don’t get enough. Yet, we want to make sure we have a source of protein at every meal.
• Stick to complex carbs. These include fruits and vegetables that won’t necessarily spike your blood sugar. They often contain plenty of fiber, which slows down digestion and absorption of sugars.
• Don’t forget to include omega-3s. Fatty fish, like tuna and salmon, and nuts, like walnuts and Brazil nuts, can all serve as great sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Avoid simple carbs. In contrast to the tip above, avoid eating or giving your child candy, high-corn syrup foods, white rice, or baked goods made with white flour. While the occasional treat is okay, these should never become a routine part of one’s daily diet.

At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates, we understand the challenges that come with ADHD. However, we’re here to help and offer our support every step of the way. Together, we can guide your child toward a bright and successful future. Contact us today to learn more.