An ADHD Diet for KIDS
They’re Worth the Conversation
Diet is often left out of the conversation or offered as a ‘last ditch option’ in helping to manage symptoms of ADHD & behaviour challenges in kids.
While there is no evidence that diet causes the behavioural disorder ADHD, research does show that certain dietary changes can help to improve symptoms and that certain foods do affect behaviour.
SO, WHAT WE DO KNOW:
Without a doubt, all kids need to be nourished well to feel and act their best and those with ADHD are no exception.
Kids with ADHD are at higher risks of:
nutrient deficiencies;
growth challenges;
development issues;
poor diet quality;
appetite suppression;
selective eating and;
negative relationships around food.
3. The combination of medication side-effects, parental pressure, self esteem issues and so much more can have a negative impact on all of the above.
4. Good nutrition can improve ADHD management and behaviour, decrease malnutrition, promote growth and development and, overall, have a child feeling their best.
We also know what nutrition the body needs
The brains and bodies of growing children need so many key nutrients from food to keep them running in tip top shape that if we actually sat down and thought about it, we’d probably get a headache. Protein, fat, iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin D, omega fats, probiotics and so much more are all essential for growth, development, and overall health. There is no disputing this.
Why is nutrition not discussed?
So, if we know how important nutrition is, why is diet left out of the conversation as an approach to help kids manage symptoms of ADHD? Well, potentially because parents and/or healthcare providers:
Think there is no ‘real research’ to warrant any changes.
Spoiler alert…not true.
Hear too many wacky claims that diet will cure ADHD and want nothing to do with them
True. There is a lot of health mania and fear mongering on social media.
Feel a child will be deprived of foods they want.
Potentially…but do the pro’s outweigh the cons?
Worry that a new ‘diet’ will just be too hard to sustain.
If a change works and has a child feeling better, it won’t feel hard.
Would rather use medication only to treat symptoms.
Diet can be used in conjunction with medication. Its a complementary approach.
Don’t want to ‘fight’ with a child about food, they are just too tired.
Legitimate concern. Parenting is tough but with easy changes and guidance from a professional it won’t be a fight forever.
And so on…and so on…
BUT that doesn’t mean we don’t at least TRY. We need to be advocates for children that are experiencing any of the negative side effects associated with ADHD and/or it’s treatment. Let’s bring diet into the conversation. Amazing nutrition can truly help with ADHD management, reduce malnutrition, growth issues and poor eating habits and overall make them feel great in their bodies. Our kids are worth that much.
