Parents, Don’t Get It Wrong! Foods to Eat and Avoid for Kids with ADHD
What is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? ADHD is a mental health disorder that can make it hard for a child to concentrate and tends to cause impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. This condition is usually treated with education, psychological interventions, and medicine.
However, did you know that the use of a healthy diet for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also helps to overcome this condition? So, it can be easily supportive of managing ADHD with a balanced and nutrient-rich diet for the child. Here are some nutrients that should be part of the diet for children with ADHD:
1. Iron
Iron deficiency may cause iron deficiency anemia and have a major impact on dopamine metabolism. Decreased levels of dopamine result in low concentration and motivation like symptoms of ADHD. Make sure your kid eats iron — found in spinach, red meat, chickpeas, peas and seafood
2. Zinc
Zinc is an essential nutrient for brain function and development. It is also important for the immune system and for healing tissue. Use zinc-rich foods like mushrooms, spinach, chicken, beef, shrimp, kidney beans, chickpeas and cashews in their diet.
3. Magnesium
Potato (magnesium) — Magnesium is a mineral that takes part in more than 300 enzymatic functions in the body. It is important for several processes in your body such as metabolism, bone growth, support of the immune system, neurotransmitter release, and nerve function. Magnesium-rich foods include avocados, bananas, spinach, pumpkin, brown rice, low-fat milk, dates, and raisins.
4. Fatty Acids
So it should come as no surprise that fatty acids are very important in reducing ADHD symptoms because every single cell in our body, including the cells in our brain, are made from fat. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve brain function, he said. Soybeans, tofu, walnuts, tuna, salmon, all foods that provide healthy fats for your child.
5. Fiber
Fiber helps absorb nutrients and eliminate toxins from the body. Give them foods rich in fiber such as watermelon, guava, legumes, corn, whole grains, leafy greens (all greens), and oranges.
6. Folic Acid
Folic acid (vitamin B9) is necessary for DNA synthesis and repair, and cell and tissue growth. Your child must eat foods that are high in folic acid, such as dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes, dairy products, meat (both white and red), eggs, fish and even grains.
7. Vitamin C
Another important nutrient for cell protection from infections is Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Give your child vitamin C containing foods such as guava, red bell peppers, orange, strawberries, broccoli, parsley and mangoes.
8. Protein
Protein is also associated with improved attention and focus. It is also important for the maintenance and repair of tissues. Peanut butter, red meat, eggs, soy, tofu, broccoli, fish, and poultry are protein-rich foods that are good for children with ADHD.
Foods to Avoid
Incorporating these nutrient-dense foods is important, too, but it’s also crucial that children with the disorder avoid certain foods:
1. Processed Foods
Highly processed foods are loaded with artificial ingredients and synthetic compounds that don’t fit well within the body’s natural chemistry. These Type of Food When Consumption Leads Directly To Emotional Stress.
2. Foods with Additives
Sodium benzoate, an additive used to increase shelf life, has a negative impact on children by increasing hyperactivity.
3. Allergy-Inducing Foods
For some kids, the problem may even be becoming allergic to artificial ingredients, additives, colorings, and flavors in processed foods. These can cause mood swings or behavioral issues.
4. Sugary Foods
Eating a lot of sugar can produce fluctuations in blood sugar levels that could impact behavior.
5. Chemical Colors and Flavors
Many artificial flavors and colors used in soft drinks and fruit juices are associated with hyperactivity in children.
Moms, these are the foods that kids with ADHD should eat and those they should steer clear from How You Can Help To Manage Their Symptoms With The Right Nutrition!
