Thank you for asking such a fascinating and commonly asked question. Many parents are curious about the food items that they need to avoid when planning their child’s diet. The Feingold Association (www.feingold.org) is an excellent source of information on this topic.
Caffeine:
In my clinical practice, many patients with ADHD do have problems with sleep at night. Hence, it is pertinent to avoid caffeine or caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolates that contain caffeine after 12 noon as caffeine (which stimulates the brain) can stay in the body for as long as 14 hours.
Sugar:
There is evidence to indicate that some children with ADHD are “turned on” by copious amounts of sugar. Another interesting finding is that the more sugar hyperactive children consumed, the more destructive and restless they became. High-sugar diets have been found to increase inattention in some kids.
What to avoid:
Some common items to avoid include fruit “drinks” or “cocktails,” both of which are higher in sugar than 100 percent fruit juice. A helpful tip is to examine the food labels for the following ingredients as they indicate high sugar content:
- high-fructose corn sweetener
- dehydrated cane juice
- dextrin
- dextrose
- maltodextrin
- sucrose
- molasses
- malt syrup.
Food Additives:
There are also studies that indicate that some children with ADHD are adversely affected by food additives. Artificial food coloring and flavors, as well as the preservative sodium benzoate, make some kids without ADHD hyperactive. Certain children are sensitive (and become inattentive or hyperactive) when exposed to certain food dyes and preservatives.
Gluten, Wheat, Corn
It is thought that gluten, wheat, corn, and soy cause some children to lose focus and become more hyperactive. If you notice that your child’s attention or behavior worsens after eating a specific food, consultation with an allergist (especially one familiar with behavioral issues) may be beneficial.
