Ever wonder what impact food and nutrition might have on ADHD? What someone is or isn’t eating and their overall diet can have huge impacts on the daily management of symptoms. From supporting the brain, blood sugar control, energy levels and the ever important gut; food and good eating habits can be a great way to provide symptom management.

Considering dietary intervention soon after diagnosis can be a powerful step toward symptom management. In most cases there is a strong gut connection to ADHD and the sooner healing begins in the gut, the more profound impact it can have on symptoms as the individual grows and changes.

If dietary intervention hasn’t started early and undesirable eating habits are already in place, a caregiver may worry that these habits can’t be changed or will have a negative impact. The types of food, the texture of food, the look of food and taste all need to be considered. It is true that it may be more challenging to change eating habits already in place but there are small changes we can look at and begin with, that can have huge impacts on day to day life.

Food, nutrition, the gut and the brain are closely connected so all must be considered when supporting someone with ADHD. Although specific symptoms of ADHD can be similar from person to person, each individual may react differently to certain foods. There may be allergies or sensitivities towards certain foods that can aggravate symptoms. It is important to work out a plan that focuses on each individual, their age, lifestyle as well as personal likes and dislikes.

With these things in mind, we can look at steps that can be taken to modify diet and/or eating habits to provide symptom management. When creating an eating/dietary plan for ADHD, we will look at foods to include and what should be avoided. While creating this plan, we will consider what types of nutrients may be needed in greater amounts and the foods, etc that can provide these. Each plan is made up on an individual basis to account for the individual’s current diet, and how we can slowly incorporate or delete certain foods that can support the health of the brain and the gut to optimize symptom management.

Speak with Tammy today to get a plan started to utilize food and diet to minimize symptoms and support individuals with ADHD.