Game-Changing Nutrition Hacks for Taming the ADHD Tiger in Adults and Kiddos

Avoid Refined Sugars And Junk Food

Avoiding sugar entirely is not possible since there are natural sugars in many healthy foods (e.g., fruits and vegetables). However, with all of these sugars out there, the body does not need the additional refined sugars in junk food. Refined sugar may increase hyperactivity, inattention, and even impulsivity, particularly with the dramatic swings in energy it may cause, since the body does not use it as extended energy, as with choices like lean protein. Also, when children and adults fill up on candy, chips, soft drinks, and other sources of refined sugar, they are losing out on choices with high nutritional value. There may also be a link between artificial colors in food with refined sugar and reactions in children with ADHD, but the results are not one hundred percent proven.

Reduce Intake Of Caffeine And Alcohol

Coffee, energy drinks, and alcoholic beverages are all popular among adults. However, they are all linked to hurting those who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Caffeine negatively affects sleep and even makes individuals jumpy when they have too much, and doctors often mention quality sleep is extremely beneficial to patients with ADHD, as it helps them keep their energy at a consistent level throughout the day. Alcohol, of course, reduces inhibitions for everyone, so adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who struggle with impulsivity can see even more extreme effects. Not to mention, it can cause substance abuse or addiction, another marker of potential ADHD in adults, worse. Parents should also note there is caffeine in many popular soft drinks, so they should limit giving these to their children, and never give a child energy drinks.