Proper nutrition for children with ADHD is essential to help them improve their behavior patterns and state of health and well-being in general terms. In this sense, a nutritional therapy with specific nutrients combined with regular physical exercise can be very effective in some cases.
Food for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Lets start by the beginning. And it is that that well-known phrase of Socrates had never been as important as it is today: “Let food be your food and food, your medicine.” That’s how it is. We are what we eat. We are increasingly aware that taking care of our diet is not only necessary to look typical on the beach.
If we take care of our diet, we keep our body and mind healthy in the long term, but we cannot forget that those nutrients that we ingest are the key so that our day stops being an effort and becomes an enriching experience. And this, when we speak in nutritional terms of children with ADHD, makes even more sense.
What is it and how can nutritional therapy help children with ADHD?
On that basis, ADHD nutritional therapy is nothing more and nothing less than a holistic approach to improving mental and physical health. It is based on the principle that a balanced diet provides us with the adequate nutrients to maintain good health.
The link between diet and ADHD: the most important nutrients for brain development
Nutrition therapy can help children with ADHD to better control their behavior, improve attention and concentration. A good diet from a very young age contributes enormously to the development and optimal functioning of the brain.
Proteins
Protein is one of the most essential nutrients for the growth and development of the brain in children with ADHD because it helps the brain to function properly. We find proteins in foods such as:
- Meat
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Dairy products
- Beans
- Walnuts
From these foods we also obtain the vitamins and minerals that are vital for proper development.
Healthy fats: essential fatty acids
Fats are another especially important nutrient for children with ADHD. Specifically, omega 3 and omega 6 are the most important for the brain development of a child with ADHD. These essential fatty acids help the brain build structure and perform optimal function, resulting in improved learning, memory, and the ability to concentrate. Healthy fats include:
- Fatty fish.
- Vegetable oils.
- Seeds.
- Nuts
Did you know that 60% of the brain is made up of fat?
Carbohydrates
We can’t forget carbs. These help control blood sugar level, which is vital for proper brain function and mental performance. In addition to controlling sugar levels we are also improving control of irritability, with which we can all identify… Foods rich in healthy carbohydrates include:
- Fruits.
- Vegetables.
- Legumes.
- whole grains
Vitamins and minerals
Last but not least, we are going to highlight vitamins and minerals, which are also a key element in the proper functioning of the brain. Especially the B vitamins, they provide multiple benefits for children with ADHD and are found in foods such as:
- Meat.
- Dairy products.
- Fruits.
- Vegetables.
- whole grains
And finally, the most important minerals for children with ADHD (magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine and selenium) can be found in:
- Meat.
- Eggs.
Seafood. - Nuts.
- Seeds.
- Vegetables
In summary, what are the most important nutrients for children with ADHD?
We could say that nutritional therapy can be a useful tool to improve the symptoms associated with ADHD in many aspects. The most important nutrients for children with ADHD are: fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It is evident that having a healthy and balanced diet is not an easy task nowadays, but I can assure you that a little effort is worth it and your children will thank you for the rest of their lives.
And it is that in the absence of better comparisons, you would not put diesel in a gasoline engine, right?
