Antidepressants have long been considered as the most effective type of medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. However, despite their long history of use for ADHD treatment, antidepressants must still be used with caution especially for the management of juvenile ADHD. While new ADHD medications like Strattera and Vyvanse have also been introduced and approved by the Food and Drug Administration, these haven’t been studied extensively outside laboratory tests for research and development purposes.
If you are suffering from ADHD but are still hesitant about trying new ADHD medications, you might want to try undergoing some ADHD diets. While scientific research on ADHD diets is limited and results are mixed, many health experts do believe that diet may play a role in relieving ADHD symptoms. Here are some of the most popular eating habits that are deemed to lessen ADHD symptoms and make the condition more manageable according to Daniel Amen, MD, a brain researcher and ADHD expert:
High-protein diet
Eating foods rich in lean protein like beans, cheese, eggs, meat, poultry, milk, and nuts has been proven to improve concentration and increase focus. As such, it is advisable to consume meals rich in protein for breakfast and lunch to be able to concentrate better on daily tasks. If you expect to have a busy night, eating a light but protein-rich dinner like a sandwich or salad with eggs or poultry is a must. Some studies also indicate that protein-rich meals also lengthen the efficacy and increase the time ADHD medications work.
Complex carbohydrate based meals
Starch and carbohydrates are essential parts of our daily diet. However, simple carbohydrates like corn syrup, candy, sugar, and honey, white flour-based products, white rice, and peeled potatoes can spike your blood sugar and induce a temporary sugar rush. These events can lead to mood swings and decreased concentration levels. To keep carbohydrates safely as part of your diet, lean more towards complex carbohydrates that take long to break down such as root crops, brown rice, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. If you have trouble sleeping, eating a light meal based on complex carbohydrates can help you sleep better at night.
Omega 3-rich diet
Omega 3 is a fatty acid that has been proven good for the heart. Since side effects of most ADHD medications are felt by the cardiovascular system, it is essential to keep the heart strong for it to be able to withstand palpitations. Foods rich in Omega 3 can also cover the need for fat and oils without going overboard and risks of clogging the arteries.
Allergy and trigger elimination diet
This diet is different for everybody since people who suffer from ADHD have different episode triggers. If you want to undertake this diet, it is essential that you keep track of your regular meals and take note of foods that you eat everyday. You must also record the times and dates of your ADHD episodes. Doing so enables you to spot patterns and relationships between the foods you eat and the frequency of your ADHD attacks. Artificial food pigments and sweeteners have been identified as ADHD triggers and eating them can result in worse ADHD symptoms for most patients.
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