ADHD and diet | ADHD Information

It is very hard. We keep out as much sugar as possible and no dyes.  (I cheat at work ALOT) We do Organic as much as we can too.  The bread goes bad fast and the peanut butter and butter are hard to spread. But...I notice a difference in ALL of the kids not just Wyatt.  As a matter of fact Wyatt was diagnosed inattentive with some impulsiveness.  Hyper activity wasn't really a big issue. Now, when he cheats it's as if it's a big shock to his system and "watch out!".   We see the effects of red koolaid for two days! You can't know until you try because every kid is different.  I do recomend if you try it then really commit for awhile with no cheating then introduce one thing at a time and see what happens.  I believe that's the only way you can really tell.

I tried the feingold diet as well - didn't see much difference and I think I have read that there really is no consistent correlation between that diet and helping with ADHD. I, however, started him on Omega-3 pills and I had my son's 1st grade teacher tell me about 3 weeks after he started it - he was like a different kid. Not perfect but a lot better. He and his sister are still on it 2 years later.

However - late last year his behavior was getting unbearable with huge tantrums and violent tendencies. We decided to get an evaluation by a psychologist - I wanted a doctor that didn't automatically want to prescribe meds. We had already been to a psychiatrist and all they did was increase meds and prescribe more without really giving much info. We got the dx of ADHD & ODD. The ODD was what was getting increasly worse.

The doctor told me that 60% of ADHD children are ODD.

I finally broke down last school year and started him on meds and it has made all the difference in the world. Many parents, as did I, felt like a failure when I tried all alternative therapies - behavior modification, diet, supplements, etc... and nothing really helped with all issues. But when the ODD developed and I was getting screamed at 30 times a day and then his academics started dropping - I finally saw a doctor about meds. With only 1 med adjustment - this past summer and school year hasve been FABULOUS!! Hardly any behavior issues and his attention and focus is FANTASTIC now. His reading ability now is above grade level.

I still try to keep articficial stuff low and give my kids a good if not organic diet - I believe this all helps. It isn't easy finding what works for your child - just keep plugging along and asking advice here.

Good luck!
newmom39729.6684837963

Has anyone tried any diet modifications with ADHD and seen results? It feels overwhelming to think about cutting out sugar and things.

I put my 13 yo DS on the Feingold Program this summer and he started school this year without meds for the first time since preschool.  It made a huge difference with his hyperactivity.  Focus is still an issue and while the teachers say it isn't any worse than other kids his age, I know he is working really hard to maintain the focus he has so I'm on the fence about whether to start meds again.  I am watching him very closely.  He also started consistent exercise (swimming laps or running) and I believe that has helped a lot as well.  The Feingold Program doesn't remove sugar but it does remove dyes, artificials and some preservatives.  I won't lie to you, it is a lot of work in the beginning but it does get a bit easier with time.  If you don't want to do the whole program you could just try removing all dyes.  Some people on this board have had luck wth that.  Good luck!

I tried Feingold too.  It worked some.  The Feingolf people said I hand't taken my son's diet far enough.  I had cut out most corn syrup, peanuts, and the regular Feingold stuff.  They said I neede to cut out dairy and I just couldn't do it.  My dd had some success with omega 3 (she is inattentive) and some thing called Attention Child. 

It is hard to do Feingold but if my son wants to try not doing meds I will put him back on it.  It helps some - just not with the impulsive stuff.

YMMV,

Quick thing....someone edited my post. They removed whole paragraphs....why? There was nothing in there offensive and it told my story so I could help others.