Agencies
Services
ADHD and Nutrition
Foods that Feed Your ADHD Mind
Want some food for thought? Eating certain foods and getting the proper nutrients may help boost your focus and reduce symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
While there are no official dietary guidelines for people with ADHD, experts know that dietary habits play a role in brain development, physiology and functioning.
At this time, research specifically studying the association between ADHD and dietary patterns is inconclusive. However, experts have drawn some preliminary connections between what you eat and how well you focus.
Whether you want to supplement your ADHD medication or need a focus boost, here’s what you should know about ADHD and what you eat.
People with ADHD should follow the same general dietary recommendations as everyone else:
- Eat a balanced, whole-food diet to ensure the brain gets all the nutrients it needs to perform at its best
- Stay hydrated to keep the brain functioning smoothly, since the brain is 75% water
Within those recommendations, some food choices may be better for focus and attention than others — for children and adults. The best foods for focus may be:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Complex carbohydrates
- Protein
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
- Iron, Zinc and Magnesium
Common ADHD medications can suppress your appetite and when those drugs wear off, you may find yourself so hungry you’ll reach for anything, healthy or not. Even if you aren’t taking ADHD medication, you may choose unhealthy foods high in additives and sugar because they can trigger a surge of dopamine — the brain chemical associated with pleasure and similar to a stimulant.
Next time you grab a quick, unhealthy fix, consider how your food might affect your focus. The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) recommends that people with ADHD avoid certain foods, including:
- Caffeine
- Foods high in additives
- Refined simple carbohydrates
- Unhealthy fats
Remember, no food or diet should replace recommended ADHD treatment. Your PCP can provide dietary recommendations based on your overall health, treatment and goals.
To access the full article and more information on nutrition and ADHD, click here.
