Foods to Avoid for ADHD Patients
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that causes restlessness, limited attention, and issues with concentration. ADHD is often diagnosed at school and can continue well into adulthood. While it is treated with medication, one can change their diet plan to reduce the severity of the condition. Herein, we discuss the top foods to avoid with ADHD.
Foods and Beverages High in Sugar
Ever heard the term “sugar rush”? Consuming excessive sugar can make a person heady and restless. It is only logical that one should stay away from sugar when they already suffer from a condition resulting in restlessness and attention issues. Among the foods to avoid with ADHD, sugary foods and beverages are placed at the top. One should look for other alternate names for sugar on packages, such as fructose, corn syrup, sucrose, or dextrose, and keep away from them too.
Foods With Artificial Colors
Another main culprit on the list of foods to avoid with ADHD is artificially colored food. Those who consumed foods with artificial colors and certain dyes can be more prone to the effects of ADHD. All kinds of artificial colors are usually mentioned on the back of the pack of the foods packaging. One should definitely look for these details.
Foods with Sodium Benzoate
Preservatives are chemicals added to increase the shelf life of a particular food item. Almost any packaged food found in a convenience store comes with added preservatives. Sodium benzoate is a type of preservative that is considered to be a trigger for the symptoms of ADHD.
Energy Drinks
Many peole love sipping energy drinks while working. This habit can play havoc on ADHD patients. These drinks have high doses of caffeine and sugar, both of which can make one very active. If someone has been diagnosed with this condition, then all kinds of energy drinks need to be added to their list of foods to avoid with ADHD.
Foods That Cause Allergies
About 32 million people in the country suffer from some kind of food allergy? When one consumes a potential allergen, it can affect some of the normal functioning of the brain and result in hyperactivity or lack of concentration. Some of the most common allergy triggers that have been noted are dairy, soy, wheat, peanuts, eggs, and seafood (especially fish). One must identify their allergens and include them in their list of foods to avoid with ADHD.
All these types and categories of foods can make the signs and symptoms of ADHD worse. Along with regular medication, one must stay away from these triggers to find the condition quite manageable. Changes in your habits and a healthy workout regime will give a better quality of life.