Nutritional Options For ADD 

Experimenting with these guidelines may help you keep ADD under control, whether you think you have it yourself or your child as affected.  

Eliminate food additives from the diet, at least as much as you can. The most commonly problematic food additives include, monosodium glutamate (E621) butylated hydroxy anisol, potassium nitrate (processed meats), sodium nitrate (processed meats), sodium benzoate (soft drinks, margarine) and sulphur dioxide (dried fruit, fruit juice). Other additives to stay clear of include yellow colourings- E102 (tartrazine), E104, 107, E110, red colourings- E120, 122, 123, 124, 127, 128, 129, 180, blue colouring- E131, 132, 133, Green colouring- E142, black colouring- E151, 153, Brown colouring- E154, 155, natural orange colouring- E161.

Avoid bought cakes and pies, smoked foods, squashes and cordials, margarine, packet soups and sauces, processed meats and polonies. Fried foods, coffee, tinned food, white bread, salted peanuts, chocolates, sweets, crisps and sugar should be kept to a minimum.

Avoid foods containing salicylates, which are possible aggravating substances in ADD. Foods containing salicylates include, apples, almonds, berries, cherries, coffee, eggplant, oranges, peppers, potatoes, tangerines, tea and tomatoes. This is not necessary for all children with ADD but salicylate lowering might be an option and can be on a trial basis to see if there is any improvement.

Check for food allergies either medically or with an elimination and reintroduction diet. If food allergies are suspected, start by eliminating wheat, gluten and dairy from the diet. Corn and soy beans may also be the cause of allergies. Ensure adequate fruit and vegetable intake. Avoid refined and high glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates as much as possible and go for wholegrains and low GI carbohydrates like rolled oats, quinoa, brown rice, wholegrain breads, wholegrain pastas, barley, buckwheat and legumes like lentils and chickpeas. 

Suggested foods: 

• Fresh meat
• Fresh fish especially fatty fish
• Fish poultry
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Legumes
• Tofu
• Eggs
• Organic dairy and cheese
• Unrefined grains
• Nuts and seeds
• Cold-pressed oils
• Fresh fruits
• Fresh vegetables
• Ice lollies made from fresh fruit
• Popcorn 

See Also: Is ADHD A Fake Disorder?

Supplements For ADD 

• Calcium, magnesium and zinc are particularly important minerals to consider, as these are the “sedative” minerals. 

• Digestive enzymes may be beneficial to help with the absorption of vitamins and minerals so that nutritional deficiencies can be avoided. 

• Essential fatty acids are crucial to proper brain development. Include fish (especially sardines, pilchards, salmon, tuna, and mackerel), flax oil, nuts and seeds in the diet. Supplementation with Evening primrose oil is also helpful. 

• Helpful herbs for ADD include ginseng, camomile, lemon balm, liquorice root, St John’s wort and peppermint. 

• Lecithin and DMAE are also helpful.