Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that hampers the normal functioning of the brain. Every year, approximately 11% of the children in the country are known to suffer from this condition, while almost 5% of adults are known to get affected. People suffering from this chronic condition have extreme difficulty in being attentive and, thus, often face the consequences of low performance. People with this condition also have difficulty even sitting at one place for a long time or focussing on something hard. However, the symptoms of ADHD can be kept under control by including some specific helpful foods and avoiding the rest. Herein, we discuss some of the foods to eat and avoid for ADHD which might help you decide.
What should you eat?
The following foods are highly beneficial and must be included in an ADHD diet:
- Protein-rich foods
Foods rich in protein is a necessity in the regular diet of people suffering from ADHD. Protein in our regular diet helps in repairing damaged tissues. However, in people with conditions like ADHD, protein-rich diet enhances the production of neurotransmitters which help in boosting up the cognitive performance of the brain. Apart from that, it maintains blood sugar level, fluctuations in which causes ADHD triggers. - Ginkgo and ginseng supplements
These are the best foods for people wondering about the list of foods to eat and avoid for ADHD. Ginkgo and ginseng supplements are suggested not only for ADHD but for a wide range of brain discomforts and have been proven to work wonders. They help boost the cognitive functioning of the brain like nothing else. - Vitamins and minerals
ADHD can get triggered easily if the body is deficient of its regular vitamins and mineral intake, which is why foods rich in these are considered first while discussing the foods to eat and avoid for ADHD. Vitamin B and multivitamin supplements are considered primary in keeping ADHD under control. Besides, minerals like zinc, magnesium, and iron are primarily required in the list of necessary minerals for dealing with ADHD. - Pycnogenol supplements
Such supplements comprise high amounts of polyphenols that prevent the free radical formation in the brain cells and prevents it from getting damaged. Pycnogenol has shown exceptional results in controlling hyperactivity, boosting attention, memory, and other brain functioning.
What not to eat?
While considering foods to eat and to avoid for ADHD, one must first consider that latter as these are the ones that cause triggers and increase the symptoms. All these foods have common effects on ADHD- it leads to an exaggeration of the condition, triggers hyperactivity, reduces memory and cognitive brain functioning and makes the sufferer lose focus. Such foods are
- Foods with natural or artificial sugars
- Food coloring
- Food preservatives
- Junk foods
- Snacks with excessive spices and oil
- Allergy causing foods
One should always double-check before trying anything new to help prevent ADHD from getting worse. For this, every sufferer must follow the list of foods to eat and to avoid for ADHD to live a happy and healthy life.
