There are a number of benefits of the ADHD diet that can be extremely helpful to individuals who have this disorder, no matter what their age happens to be. Many parents have been choosing natural remedies for ADHD complaints over the more controversial prescription medications and there is no more natural response to treat ADHD than by altering one's diet.

Healthy diets have long been advised to treat a variety of ailments and health issues and now there is a great deal of optimism about the advantages of using an ADHD diet to control many of the more problematic symptoms of this common problem. It is very satisfying to know that instead of depending upon an expensive daily drug and its undesirable side effects there is hope for ADHD patients that can be achieved with only some simple dietary changes.

ADD is an acronym for Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD is a term used for a condition known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These conditions are thought to affect a minimum of 2-3 million individuals in the United States alone.

People who have to deal with ADD or ADHD symptoms have difficulty maintaining their focus for long periods of time. Many children and adults find that having ADHD makes it nearly impossible for them to sit quietly or pay attention to lessons and detailed instructions. This is a neurological based problem although the exact causes are still unknown.

The diet of those individuals with ADHD has come under intense scrutiny. Now it is thought that high sugar diets and lack of proper vitamins, fibers and minerals are all contributing factors to ADD and ADHD symptoms. Researchers are also studying the possible contributory effects of labile blood sugars, heavy metal exposures, malnutrition and junk food.

One research group from Purdue University were able to show that young males that had ADHD also were often lacking adequate amounts of magnesium, zinc and fatty acids in the Omega 3 group. All of these dietary factors can be obtained if individuals are provided with a diet that contains healthy natural foods such as fish, protein sources, fruits and organic vegetables. Those who have been placed on an ADHD diet have shown amazing positive changes in their ability to focus and stay on task.

Anyone who has ADHD symptoms is currently being advised to remove the following items from their normal diet:

• Preservatives, chemicals and artificial coloring agents

• Processed food

• Added sugars

• MSG

• Dairy and wheat (except for whole grain products)

To maximize the benefits of an ADHD diet it will be helpful to make sure that daily meals include 2 servings of lean proteins such as legumes, tofu or fish. There should also be 5-6 daily servings of fruits and veggies provided.

Wheat sensitivities have come under fire as a possible contributor to ADHD symptoms and should be avoided except for whole grain bread and cereals. Flaxseed products and oily fish are highly recommended because they contain high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and magnesium which are all helpful at combating the symptoms found in those with ADHD.