ADHD Diet

Diet is very important to an ADHD child. This is according to a 1997 study written by Jean Breakey in the Journal of Pediatric Child Health. Research from 1985 to 1995 concluded that diet certainly affects some children and that symptoms relating to ADHD, such as sleep problems, physical symptoms and mood changes, can change with diet.

Research has shown that long chain fatty acids could have real benefits for a range of learning and behavioral conditions. Why? This is simply because approximately 20% of the dry weight of the brain and approximately 30% of the retina are made from these elements. These fatty acids increase our energy level and ability to concentrate, aside from providing greater resistance to common illnesses such as flu and cold, and helping pregnant women avoid premature births, low birth weight and other complications.

However, the average Westerner's diet is usually processed food high in carbohydrates and sugar. Many people fail to realize the importance of fatty acids. There are certain types of fat that are indispensable for living healthily, and these are the two 'families' of essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6. The body actually uses three (3) major types of omega 3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA. These fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), play a vital role in brain function, normal growth and development. The body more readily uses these compounds, as against the short chain saturated fats, which generally ought to be avoided. Long chain fatty acids are regarded as essential because they are important for most key processes in our life.

However, these acids can only be sourced from our diet because our bodies cannot make them. The main sources of the omega-3s containing DHA and EPA, the key ones for the eye and brain, can only be found in fish and seafood. On the other hand, green vegetables, certain nuts and oils are the dietary sources for omega-6 fatty acids. There must be a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet because omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation while most omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation. An appropriate balance of these essential fatty acids helps maintain or even improve health. A balanced diet should consist of about one to four times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.