Foods To Avoid With ADHD: A Discussion About What Researchers Do Know
Before addressing foods to avoid with ADHD, a few key facts should be addressed. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly displayed in three major areas. These areas include a lack of focus, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. Considering there are similar effects displayed when people eat certain things, people often wonder if there are specific foods that should be avoided if you have ADHD.
The truth is that there aren’t enough studies to connect a certain food to ADHD symptoms. There are studies that do show interesting connections that suggest which foods might help. This has led some experts to make assumptions about general guidelines to follow when figuring out what foods to avoid to lessen the symptoms that afflict those with ADHD. Whether these foods help to eliminate symptoms, or even help children in school, they are only guidelines to follow. The following sections will discuss this advice as well as a few other things to keep in mind when eliminating foods from the diet in question.
Sugar and ADHD
Often we associate sugar with the cause of so much hyperactivity. This is primarily due to the fact that sugar acts as a stimulant. However, a number of studies have been conducted to test this theory. The result of these tests all came back the same. Sugar has no connection with ADHD symptoms in any significant way.
Caffeine and ADHD
Another popular stimulant that people question is caffeine. What may surprise some people is that caffeine can have the opposite effect on someone with ADHD symptoms. Many of the medications that are used to treat ADHD are actually forms of stimulants. This means caffeine is suited to alleviate ADHD symptoms rather than aggravating them.
Unfortunately, experts do point out that caffeine should still be avoided. It has been shown to have side-effects that bring about other unwanted side-effects.
Avoiding Simple Carbohydrates
Now it is true that no connection was made between sugar and ADHD. However, you still may want to avoid it. Some experts have suggested that one way to improve is to eat healthier. Certain foods to avoid with ADHD include those high in simple carbohydrates.
Simple carbohydrates can be often found in things with a high degree of sugar and/or starch filled foods. Some examples of foods high in simple carbohydrates include candy, sugar, honey, corn syrup, white rice, potatoes without the skins, and products made with white flour.
It should be noted; this is neither an exhaustive list nor is this a belief held by every expert in the field. This is only one possible suggestion made by experts who have reviewed studies and theories that have been put forth.
Avoiding Simple Carbohydrates
In 1975, Benjamin Feingold put forth the theory that certain additives to food may contribute to ADHD. In the subsequent study evidence did point to the fact that this theory may have validity. Therefore, many experts recommend avoiding foods with high contents of food coloring and certain additives.
This does not mean every food color and additive is dangerous or can contribute in some way to ADHD. The food colors in question primarily include the colors red and yellow. The additives in question refer to aspartame, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and nitrites.
Resources
National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
