{"id":5855,"date":"2026-02-08T01:43:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T23:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/?p=5855"},"modified":"2026-02-08T01:43:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T23:43:15","slug":"adhd-diet-5-foods-eat-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/?p=5855","title":{"rendered":"ADHD Diet: 5 Foods You Should Eat &amp; Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-134\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span>Attention-Deficit\/Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder that causes difficulty paying attention and controlling impulse behaviors. Symptoms of Attention-Deficit\/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD often begin and childhood and continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms may include:<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-126\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span><span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-111\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Fidgeting and squirming when seated<\/li>\n<li>Becoming easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli<\/li>\n<li>Being forgetful in daily activities<\/li>\n<li>Being in constant motion<\/li>\n<li>Having trouble waiting his or her turn<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There is no cure for Attention-Deficit\/Hyperactivity Disorder. The condition is most commonly treated with medication to help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. However, food may play a large role in managing symptoms as well. If you or someone you know has ADHD, it might be time to consider an ADHD diet.<\/p>\n<h3>ADHD Foods To Avoid<\/h3>\n<h3><span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-114\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span>1. Sugar<\/h3>\n<p>A diet full of processed sugar can lead to numerous health problems, including obesity and diabetes. When it comes to the ADHD diet, it\u2019s even more important to eliminate it. Sugar can cause spikes in blood sugar, which can lead to hyperactive behavior. When the blood sugar spikes back down, focus levels drop.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5856\" src=\"http:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/sugar-2-e1462898400709.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"595\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/sugar-2-e1462898400709.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/sugar-2-e1462898400709-300x223.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/sugar-2-e1462898400709-768x571.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/sugar-2-e1462898400709-403x300.jpg 403w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>2. Gluten<\/h3>\n<p>If your body is sensitive to gluten, the breads, pastries and desserts you\u2019re eating could be affecting your brain functions. <span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-141\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span><span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-115\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span>Gluten can trigger hyperactivity or inattentiveness if you have an intolerance. Try an elimination diet to see how your body reacts to gluten.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Dairy<\/h3>\n<p>Dairy is also a common allergen for many people. If your body is sensitive to dairy, it could be affecting your brain function and causing symptoms such as brain fog and irritability. Try an elimination diet or see a health care professional to get tested for a dairy allergy.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5857\" src=\"http:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/dairy-e1461958923539-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/dairy-e1461958923539-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/dairy-e1461958923539-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/dairy-e1461958923539-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/dairy-e1461958923539-1-449x300.jpg 449w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>4. Food Coloring and Dyes<\/h3>\n<p>Research has shown a possible link between food dyes and hyperactivity. Even for those who aren\u2019t following an ADHD diet, these chemicals can be extremely harmful to your health. Stay away from chemical dyes including<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-118\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span> Orange B, Citrus Red No.2, FD&amp;C Blue No.1 and No.2, and FD&amp;C Yellow No.5 and No.6.<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-130\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-140\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span>5. Artificial Sweeteners<\/h3>\n<p>Artificial sweeteners pose many of the same health threats as sugar. Research has shown thatchemical sweeteners affect physiology, which may lead to changes that harm the brain. An ADHD diet should steer clear of artificial sweeteners.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5858\" src=\"http:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/diet-coke-e1466952637787.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/diet-coke-e1466952637787.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/diet-coke-e1466952637787-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/diet-coke-e1466952637787-768x572.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/diet-coke-e1466952637787-403x300.jpg 403w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>ADHD Foods To Eat<\/h3>\n<h3>1. Omega-3 Foods<\/h3>\n<p><span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-120\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span>Good fats like Omega-3\u2019s are essential for a healthy body and a healthy mind. Studies have shown that Omega-3\u2019s help control behavior and improve memory. Eat foods like avocados, walnuts, chia seeds and dark leafy green vegetables. Eliminate trans fats and fried fats from your diet, like those found in junk food and fast food.<span id=\"ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-119\" class=\"ezoic-adpicker-ad\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2. Iron-Rich Foods<\/h3>\n<p>According to a 2004 study, iron deficiencies in children may contribute to ADHD symptoms. Adding iron-rich foods to your diet can help control hyperactive symptoms. Eat plenty of spinach, lentils and sesame seeds to get your fill of iron.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5859\" src=\"http:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/spinach-e1489189998179.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/spinach-e1489189998179.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/spinach-e1489189998179-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/spinach-e1489189998179-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/spinach-e1489189998179-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>3. High-Protein Foods and Snacks<\/h3>\n<p>Protein has the ability to boost focus and concentration by balancing blood sugar levels. It also gives your brain the building blocks it needs to maintain brain health. Add foods like quinoa, lentils, beans, nut butter and green leafy vegetables to your diet to stock up on protein.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Probiotic Foods<\/h3>\n<p>Research has shown that brain health and gut health are connected. Keeping your gut healthy by adding probiotics to your diet can help keep your brain working properly as well. Try kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5860\" src=\"http:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/kefir-e1459439588772-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/kefir-e1459439588772-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/kefir-e1459439588772-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/kefir-e1459439588772-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/kefir-e1459439588772-1-449x300.jpg 449w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>5. Foods High In B Vitamins<\/h3>\n<p>B Vitamins are known to help reduce ADHD symptoms. They regulate carbohydrate metabolism and help the central nervous system function properly. Eat foods such as sweet corn, legumes, green leafy vegetables, peas and spinach to make sure you\u2019re getting B vitamins in your diet.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Attention-Deficit\/Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder that causes difficulty paying attention and controlling impulse behaviors. Symptoms of Attention-Deficit\/Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD often begin and childhood and continue through adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms may include: Fidgeting and squirming when seated Becoming easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli Being forgetful in daily activities Being in constant motion&#8230; <\/p>\n<div class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/?p=5855\">Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5861,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,3,1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5855"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5855"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5855\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5863,"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5855\/revisions\/5863"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5855"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5855"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.loveforhealthyfood.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5855"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}