Good Nutrition For ADHD SymptomManagement
Artificial Colors. The most significant research done in regards to the nutritional needs for ADHD children was a study conducted on the effects of artificial colors and dyes on ADHD symptoms. For six weeks, young children diagnosed with ADHD were served flavored drinks with yellow and red colorings. Over the course of the study, investigators noted a moderate surge in hyperactivity in the test subjects. As a way to manage your child’s ADHD, you can become a thorough label checker. Look for foods that contain yellow and red food colorings. Culprits include candy, fruit drinks, soda, snack cakes, and sugary cereals. Consider avoiding other foods high in artificial additives. Substances that may not be suitable for ADHD patients include sodium benzoate, MSG, and nitrites. Protein. A breakfast high in protein is a helpful way to get your child focused and ready to take on the school day. Instead of starting the day with character cereals, donuts, and pastries, serve the child protein-rich foods such as eggs, breakfast meats, or yogurt. Studies done by MIT found that foods high in protein trigger neurotransmitters that effect alertness. Alternatively, carbohydrates can bring on drowsiness. Adding a protein option for lunch may also give them the boost they need to finish out the school day strong. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Most people know how
important omega-3 fatty acids are to brain health, but find their diets are insufficient in the nutrient. These nutrients are responsible for boosting brain function while also providing protection for the immune system. By adding fish to your child’s weekly diet, you are giving them the food they need to better manage their symptoms. Doctors recommend serving approximately 12 ounces of seafood each week to an ADHD patient. Choose low-mercury fish to serve to your child such as salmon, pollack, shrimp, and light tuna. If your child refuses to eat fish, certain nuts and seeds can also be given to supplement their diets. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are all high in omega-3 fatty acids. Reduced Sugar Diet. Many parents have witnessed just how hyperactive their children can get after consuming sugar. While other parents have witnessed zero effect on a child’s behavior after eating sweets. Since sugar should be limited in a child’s diet anyway, parents should try to avoid foods high in the sweetener. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame should also be avoided since evidence suggests they may be harmful to children with ADHD. Elimination Diets. As a strategy to discover how foods are affecting a child’s behavior, an elimination diet can be followed under a doctor’s monitoring. During the diet, a base diet made up of poultry and certain fruits and vegetables will be followed initially. Then, each new food group
is added for two weeks while the parent monitors any changes in behavior. If any of the foods cause an increase in ADHD symptoms, getting rid of the food item may positively alter the child’s behavior. Getting all vitamins and minerals from natural food sources is the best way to get the nutrients yourADHDchildneeds.Neverrelyonsupplements unless your doctor otherwise advises you. There is a risk of toxicity occurring due to megadoses of vitamins and minerals. Source: http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_ article/Diet-and-attention-deficit-hyperactivity- disorder http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/859-4. html http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/6552-3. html
Staff Spotlight Megen Brummett, MSOT, OTR/L OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST & CLINICAL MANAGER
Megen has been an Occupational Therapist based out of our Lynchburg location, since December 2009. She provides outpatient and early intervention occupational therapyservices tochildren frombirth to 21 years in the Lynchburg and surrounding areas. In addition toproviding therapeuticservices,Megenalso servesasclinicalmanagerand internshipcoordinator for the Lynchburg office. Originally from Hurt, VA, Megen earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Sweet Briar College in Amherst, VA in 2007. At Sweet Briar, Megen was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and of Psi Chi (Psychology Honor
Society). She went on to earn a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University inRichmond,VA in2009.She isa registered therapist through The National Board for Certification and is a certified Early Intervention provider. She is trained in Beckman Oral-Motor Assessment and Intervention,TheListeningProgram,andhasattended numerous continuing education conferences on Sensory Integration and Feeding. Megen’s clinical interests includesensory integrationandworkingwith children with Autism. Now residing in Lynch Station, VA, Megen and her husband are the proud parents of both a girl and boy and enjoy the outdoors on their small horse farm.
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