Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that leads to severe hyperactivity, attention disorder, and impulsiveness. The condition develops during childhood and transcends to adulthood. Treatment of the condition involves medication and behavioral therapy, but diet also plays an important role in assisting better physical and mental health. Furthermore, avoiding certain foods that trigger the condition becomes significant to manage its symptoms. Here’s the list of foods to eat and avoid to manage ADHD.

Foods to eat:

1. Meat and poultry products – The presence of high amounts of protein in meats like lean beef, pork, and eggs improve the overall health of the brain, as it produces brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Additionally, protein helps in building muscle and tissues and prevents a sudden increase in blood glucose levels that might lead to hyperactivity.
2. Walnuts – The list of foods to eat and avoid to manage ADHD includes consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and salmon, as it assists in improving brain and heart health. Additionally, omega-3 helps in boosting attention and task completion, reducing impulsiveness, restlessness, hyperactivity, and aggression.
3. Dairy products – Among the foods to eat and avoid to manage ADHD, dairy products are a healthy option for ADHD patients, as it includes a high amount of calcium. Calcium helps improve bone health, nerve impulse, and production of hormones to achieve better overall growth during the early stages of childhood.

Foods to avoid:

1. Restrict consumption of sugar – The inclusion of foods with high sugar content like candy, white bread, chips, and potato fries causes rapid alteration of blood sugar levels in the body. This leads to increased hyperactivity in people who have ADHD and an increased risk of obesity and other health problems. Replacing sugary food with fruits proves beneficial as they are not only naturally sweet, but also are replete with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that boost overall health.
2. Eliminate frozen and processed foods – The presence of artificial colors and preservatives in frozen pizzas, fast foods, and other processed foods can aggravate the symptom of ADHD. Artificial food coloring and preservatives are known to increase hyperactivity and inattentiveness.
3. Avoid energy drinks – Energy drinks are a popular beverage liked by both children and adults, but people who have ADHD should eliminate it from their diet. These drinks are loaded with sugar, artificial colors, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and other stimulants, which increases impulsiveness and hyperactivity.

The above-mentioned foods to eat and avoid to manage ADHD will prove highly beneficial in keeping symptoms at bay. Additionally, maintaining a proper schedule of meals and snacks avoids sudden aggravation of symptoms.