Special ADHD Diet May Help Alleviate Symptoms

Though the correlation is tenuous, there may be some evidence that a special ADHD diet may help alleviate symptoms of the illness in children.

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have difficulty concentrating, are impulsive, and are extraorindarily active. Typically, medication is used to allay these symptoms, but adjustments in diet may also help.

Some research suggests that supplementing an ADHD child's diet with omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oils, may help attenuate symptoms. These supplements are thought to correct the deficit of omega-3s that ADHD children are suspected to have.

Other diets geared toward ADHD children concentrate on eliminating certain processed and artificial foods. For example, the "elimination" diet advises children with ADHD to avoid preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, high-sugar beverages, and sweets.