Page 26
Healthy Diet For ADHD People
An ADHD diet, says those who have used it, is one of the most effective ways to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Not surprising, because we have often been told by those in the know that we are indeed what we eat.
ADHD is a behavioural disorder of which its causes remain unknown. People who have it exhibit behavioural problems such as hyperactivity and lack of focus. Some experts opined that diet is a key contributing factor in people having ADHD symptoms. They strongly believe that the severity of the problem is tied to the ADHD person's diet.
Research studies suggested that sugar is a key culprit because blood sugar spikes often lead to undesirable behavioural problems, such as poor concentration and mood swings. A person's cognitive functions have also been known to be knocked upside down by sugar.
In this context, avoiding sugar in the ADHD diet is a recommended step forward. This is especially important because in today's "fast-food" lifestyle, where children are exposed to food that is high in refined sugars, starches, additives, synthetic and fats, parents have to be pro-active in ensuring their children get the right nutrition from their meals for them to grow and function properly.
Always remember, good fats lead to mental and physical health, while bad fats can result not only in obesity, but also in poor neural transmission, which in turn affects both voluntary functions (like thinking) and involuntary processes (like heart beat).
It is a must to include fish oil in an ADHD diet. Our brain is made up of 60 per cent fat, and if we heap large amount of unhealthy saturated fats on it, the brain will go hair-wire. The most often cited mistake committed by parents is not feeding their children with enough fish and seafood. So, remember this very important point when drawing up your ADHD diet plan.
Essential fatty acids are needed by the brain for it to function optimally. Hence, these nutrients must form part of an ADHD diet plan. As with vitamins, our bodies are not able to manufacture them from other substances. Of the two main kinds of essential fats (omega 3 and omega 6), the majority of people do not have enough supply of omega 3. Seafood is considered by many to be the best source of the vital omega-3 fatty acids for healthy brain and other bodily functions.
