ADHD is not caused by diet alone.
However, research shows that reactions to food may worsen many people’s ADHD symptoms.
For this reason, certain dietary changes may help you manage symptoms.
In fact, one diet has been shown to improve symptoms in up to 50–82% of children with ADHD.
This article explains what this diet is and how to follow it.
What is ADHD, and Does Diet Play a Role?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
Many factors may affect its development. While the exact cause is unclear, research shows a large genetic component.
ADHD can greatly affect people’s lives, especially in terms of academic and career outcomes.
As there is no cure for ADHD, most treatments aim to manage symptoms. The most popular treatments involve behavioral therapy and medication, but research has also been done on dietary interventions.
Two main types of studies have looked into the effects of diet on ADHD symptoms:
- Supplement studies: These studies look into the effects of dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins or minerals.
- Elimination studies: These studies look into the effects of eliminating certain foods, additives or ingredients from the diet.
However, it should be noted that dietary modification as a treatment for ADHD is still viewed as controversial.
Nonetheless, consistent evidence from strong studies shows that elimination diets can greatly decrease ADHD symptoms for some children.
Bottom Line: ADHD is a common behavioral disorder. While therapy and medication remain the most common treatments, research shows that an elimination diet can help some people manage symptoms.
The Few Foods Elimination Diet for ADHD
