While some foods may help with ADHD symptoms, others may be making your symptoms worse.
People with ADHD can have nutritional deficiencies or intolerances to foods that may affect their ADHD symptoms.
This article will discuss how best to manage your eating habits if you have ADHD.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
For most people with ADHD, eating healthy looks the same as it does for anyone else.
However, people with ADHD who have deficiencies or sensitivities, eating patterns might look a little different.
Are Certain Foods Bad for People With ADHD?
Specific foods are not considered “bad” on their own, even for people with ADHD.
Evidence is inconclusive about whether eliminating any single food relieves ADHD symptoms.
In general, sugary foods can cause a rapid rise in blood sugars.
That said, sugary foods are best enjoyed in moderation.
However, more studies are needed to determine it’s therapeutic potential.
More research is needed into the potential relationship between artificial food dyes and ADHD symptoms.
Other foods are then slowly reintroduced over time.
These include:
This diet may also exclude foods and non-foods that contain salicylates.
While this won’t give conclusive results, it may provide an easy place to start.
ADHD medications can also affect diet.
Still, nutrition is important for people with ADHD.
Also, ADHD may contribute to unhealthy eating patterns.
Always consult with your healthcare professional to correctly identify nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, and food sensitivities.
They can advise you on better dietary patterns and whether supplements are needed.
An elimination diet might be one test given to identify sensitivities.
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