Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) adults and children feel distracted and unable to focus on their daily activities. People with ADHD can't concentrate on tasks at home, work or school. This condition negatively affects interpersonal relationships and their overall self-esteem because of their difficulty in controlling impulsive behavior. Although doctors primarily diagnose ADHD in children, many people receive their diagnosis as adults. Doctors prescribe medications that help ADHD; however, diets for ADHD adults manage the behavioral symptoms related to this condition.
Avoid Foods with Additives
Diets for ADHD adults require elimination of foods containing additives such as artificial colorings and flavorings, artificial sweeteners and artificial preservatives. The study of how diet affects ADHD date back to the 1960s, when Dr. Ben F. Feingold, a pediatrician, created a dietary program to treat people with ADHD. Dr. Feingold found that ADHD increases people's sensitivity to food additives and affects behavior and learning ability. The Feingold Program has critics, but the Center for Science in the Public Interest states that behavior improved with a modified version of Dr. Feingold's dietary plan. However, scientists continue studying the effects of food additives on children and adults with ADHD.
Reduce Sugar Consumption
Eating diets containing excess sugar increases behavioral symptoms of ADHD. While most of the information presented on diet and ADHD focus on children, diets for ADHD adults, too, should include small amounts of sugar. Adult ADHD sufferers should be cautious about sugar content in foods, alcohol, refined grains and caffeine. Adults with ADHD should learn to read food labels for various types of sugars such as high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose and maltose.
Eat Healthy Foods
Because diets for ADHD adults remove packaged foods containing additives, sugars and other unnatural ingredients, adults must replace these items with healthier choices.The diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. This health resource says that adults can carry carrot sticks with them. Carrying healthy foods helps working adults avoid junk food present in vending machines.
Tags: with ADHD, ADHD adults, ADHD adults, behavioral symptoms, containing additives