Understanding ADHD

ADHD ( Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a disorder that has been affecting lots of children, these days and has hindered them to interact normally with others. Experts more often attributed the disorder to genetic, congenital reasons and the additives in food that are introduced in their earlier life.

If you are a parent of a child with ADHD, adjusting to your kid’s behavior must be very hard. But, have you ever known that diet plays an important role in the mood swings of your child? Studies said that the rise of sugar levels would generally increase these mood swings. This, however, is not true to persons with Type 3 ADHD as this disorder will react with a high carbohydrate-diet. How will you prepare a healthy and balanced diet then to your kid with ADHD? Here are a few things you can do:

Choose food groups with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, especially those that help brain function. Like any other kid, a child with ADHD should be nourished with the right kinds of vitamins for his/her body. However, nutrients like Omega 3, a fatty acid that improves brain health, protein and carbohydrates should be highlighted. Omega 3 can be found in almost all fishes but is highly concentrated in salmon, sardines and herring. Try cooking it with flaxseed oil and garnish it with bright-colored vegetables like carrots. Experiment on homemade dips and sauces. Serving of carbohydrates and protein should be closely monitored. Ask your doctor of possible amounts or servings daily.

Go organic. Make sure that you buy fruits and vegetables that are not treated with pesticides and other chemicals. If possible, grow your own vegetables in pots or in a vacant spot in your house. When purchased in the market, fruits and vegetables should be washed properly. Also choose those that are grown within the community as they have a higher likelihood of freshness. Studies found out that artificial food color and preservatives have an adverse effect on kids with ADHD. Juices in tetra packs, express and fast foods are, therefore, strongly discouraged.

Try to limit food items with artificial high sugar and fat content. Junk foods with MSG, milk and sugar substitutes that claim to be healthy and organic should never be introduced during snack time. Try keeping these items in safe and less conspicuous food cabinets in the house. Instead, encourage your kid to eat organic whole-wheat grain bread and fruits. Let your kid watch TV programs showing the value of nutritious foods.

Never introduce health-threatening substances like caffeine, nicotine and alcohol in the house. These substances can tremendously alter a person’s behavior. They can either stimulate or make the person depressed. These rapid changes of behavior are just too much for a kid with ADHD. These instances may even heighten their impulsiveness and hyperactivity.

Let your kid have smaller meals in a day. Some kids with ADHD may tend to get tired easily after a very strenuous activity thus they need reinforcement from the food that they eat. It is okay to feed them several times a day as long as the served food is monitored in terms of calorie content. They will surely be happy to eat meals and snacks that improve their mood and rejuvenate them all day long.

Following these ideal suggestions, you will not only have a healthy child in the house, but you will also enjoy each other’s company all day long.