Types of Foods Recommended and Avoided for ADHD Children

People with ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder need a special diet. There are several types of food that are considered good for people with ADHD, but there are also those who are worried that it can worsen the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is a disorder in a child's development. ADHD is characterized by symptoms of difficulty focusing, attention that is easily distracted, talkative, and always wants to move actively.

Various Recommended Food Choices for ADHD Children

Some good foods to give to ADHD children are:

1. Eggs

Making eggs as one of the children's diet with ADHD is the right step. This food source of protein is believed to increase the concentration of ADHD children and help the effectiveness of the work of ADHD drugs consumed by children.

2. Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are also a good food group for children with ADHD. Foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates are believed to make children easier to sleep. Some types of fruits and vegetables that can be a choice are oranges, apples, pears, potatoes, and pumpkins. So that children are more enthusiastic when eating fruits and vegetables, do not forget to give an example, Mother. One way to do this is by applying family eating habits. That way, Mother and other family members can give an example to consume fruits and vegetables.

3. Milk

Calcium is one of the important minerals that children need in their infancy, including children with ADHD. Calcium is useful for stimulating hormone formation and maintaining the health of the child's nervous system. Some choices of foods and drinks that are rich in calcium are milk, yogurt, and cheese.

4. Fish that is rich in omega-3s

Other foods that are no less important for consumption by children with ADHD are foods that are rich in omega-3s. Examples of foods that contain lots of fatty acids are mackerel, sardines, and salmon.

Food or Beverage for Children with ADHD

Children suffering from ADHD are advised to limit their consumption of some of the foods below:

1. Sweets or sweet foods

Some children will be more active after consuming sweets or foods containing sugar, such as chocolate or candy. Therefore, Mother is recommended to limit the provision of sweet foods to children.

2. Foods or drinks that contain artificial sweeteners

Many packaged foods or drinks sold on the market, such as cereals or soft drinks, contain artificial sweeteners. Be careful, giving children ADHD food or drinks containing artificial sweeteners can make them more active, you know! Therefore, Mother needs to be more careful in choosing food products and beverage packaging, in order to limit the intake of artificial sweeteners in ADHD children.

3. Fast food

Fast food does taste more practical and is a favorite of children. However, Mother should limit the provision of fast food to children. In addition to being less healthy, fast food is also believed to increase the risk of behavioral disorders in children. This is related to the high content of salt, sugar and fat in these foods.

4. Fish that contain mercury

Fish is indeed a good food for children with ADHD. However, not all fish are recommended for ADHD children. As much as possible avoid giving fish that are at risk of containing mercury, such as mackerel and swordfish. Eating fish or food containing mercury is believed to make children hyperactive.

5. Caffeine

In addition to some of the foods above, consumption of foods and drinks that contain caffeine also needs to be avoided by ADHD children, Mother. Examples of caffeinated foods and beverages are chocolate, coffee, tea, or soft drinks. Being a parent of a child with ADHD does have its own challenges. But don't give up, Mother. Pay attention to the feeding for ADHD children, as well as live the treatment and therapy given by the pediatrician diligently.