Meeting the nutritional needs of children with ADHD

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Medical Video: Best Diet Plan For Special Kids- ADHD, AUTISM,DYSPRAXIA- By Best Nutritionist In India Ryan Fernando

As a parent, children's welfare and health are priorities that should not be missed. Maintaining nutrition and healthy eating patterns for children is one way to realize both. The reason is, the nutrition and food you provide will greatly affect your child's growth and development. This is why meeting children's nutritional needs is a challenge in itself.

For those of you who have children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or impaired concentration and hyperactivity, this challenge will become increasingly complicated because of the nutritional needs that are different from the children in general. To further understand the nutritional needs and eating patterns that are good for children with ADHD, see the following information.

What is the effect of diet for children with ADHD?

So far there have been no cases where ADHD was caused solely because of the diet of an unhealthy child. The symptoms of ADHD also won't get worse just because of problems with diet and child nutrition.

However, that does not mean children with ADHD do not have certain nutritional needs. Even children in general have special nutritional needs that are different from each other, even though they are siblings. Just as every child has diverse nutritional needs and eating patterns, so do children with ADHD. Because their conditions differ from children in general, they also have different nutritional needs.

To help reduce various symptoms such as lack of focus, lots of movement, and easy to forget, children with ADHD need a diet that is rich in certain nutrients. In addition, there are several types of foods and drinks that must be avoided so that ADHD symptoms in children are easier to control.

Nutrition needed by children with ADHD

According to a child psychiatry expert, Dr. Richard Sogn, nutrition that is most needed by children with ADHD is good for brain health. In addition, children with ADHD also need lots of nutrients for physical growth and endurance. Here is a list of nutritional needs that you should pay attention to the baby.

1. Protein

Foods that are rich in protein will help your child concentrate better. In addition, protein can also support medicines consumed by children with ADHD. For a diet that is rich in protein, you can choose eggs, nuts, and fresh meat without fat. As a snack, replace ice cream with frozen yogurt which is served with fruits or almonds.

2. Complex carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates (healthy carbohydrates) require more time to be digested in the body so that the increase in glucose levels in children with ADHD is slower. Some sources of complex carbohydrates are vegetables and fruits such as apples, pears, and oranges. Eating foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates in the afternoon or evening can also help children with ADHD sleep more soundly.

3. Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are classified as essential fatty acids. This means that these fatty acids are very needed by the body but cannot be produced alone. Research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids are good for mental health and the brain. Taking omega 3 fatty acids regularly can improve cognitive function in children with ADHD. You can get omega 3 fatty acids from seafood such as tuna, salmon, sardines and squid. Water spinach, spinach and lettuce are also rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

4. Unsaturated fats

Children with ADHD also need fat, but that doesn't mean just any fat. Unsaturated fat is the best choice for your child. You can get it from corn, soybeans, avocados, and tempeh. To increase your intake of unsaturated fats, you can also replace cooking oil at home with olive oil.

5. Calcium

To support rapid growth, don't miss calcium in the diet of children with ADHD. Even according to a study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, most children with ADHD are diagnosed with a lack of calcium and iron. So, it's time for you to increase your calcium intake for your baby through cow's milk, soy milk, almond milk, cheese, broccoli, and dark green leafy vegetables. You can get around giving calcium by making juice or smoothies no sugar with sweet fruit mixture.

Foods that must be avoided

Some types of food can have a bad impact on ADHD symptoms. Pay attention to the following ingredients or substances and avoid as much as possible from your child.

1. Sugar

For some children with ADHD, eating foods or drinks with high sugar levels can increase the risk of hyperactivity. It's best to reduce your child's sugar consumption and replace it with fresh fruit.

2. Simple carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates have high glucose levels and are digested faster by the body. As a result, blood sugar levels also increase faster and can risk causing hyperactivity in children with ADHD. Examples of foods with simple carbohydrates are sugar, honey, and various packaged milk products.

3. Food coloring

Research conducted by Harvard Medical School shows that food coloring, especially light-colored (red, yellow, or orange), has an impact on ADHD symptoms, namely hyperactivity. Avoid foods with non-natural dyes found in many packaged foods and beverages.

4. Additives

Children with ADHD are generally sensitive to various additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) flavorings and sodium benzoate preservatives. In some cases, these additives can affect various symptoms of ADHD. So, you should reduce the portion of factory-processed food or drinks for your child and multiply the consumption of fresh foods and drinks that are processed at home without any additional chemicals.

5. Saturated fat

Reduce consumption of saturated fat in your child because saturated fat has the potential to inhibit the absorption of various vitamins that are needed by children with ADHD such as vitamins A, C, D and K. Besides saturated fat can also cause interference with brain function and memory of children with ADHD.

Meeting the nutritional needs of children with ADHD
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