Question: My nine-year-old son was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD). I notice that when he eats a lot of junk food and candy, his symptoms seem to get worse. Am I just imagining this?
Dr. Amen's Answer:
You are absolutely right. The foods we feed our children can greatly impact the severity of ADD symptoms.
It often starts with breakfast. Most children start the day with muffins, doughnuts, Pop-Tarts, bagels, cinnamon rolls, or sugary cereals. These foods, which are high in simple carbohydrates, are terrible for concentration. They rapidly break down to sugar and cause a quick rise in blood sugar.
An insulin release that lowers blood sugar below normal levels follows soon thereafter, making children feel tired, spacey, confused, and inattentive. Even children who do not have ADD can have trouble paying attention in class after eating a sugar-filled breakfast.
In order for children to focus, they need to have nutritious food that enhances energy and concentration. This includes protein at every meal. Especially for people with ADD, the solution is a higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate diet. A better breakfast for kids with ADD would be hard-boiled eggs, low-fat cheese, or whole-grain bagels with lowfat cream cheese.
Food can be used like medicine in the treatment of ADD. It can have a powerfully positive — or negative — effect on cognition, feelings, and behavior. In fact, the right diet can decrease the amount of medication needed. The wrong diet will do the opposite.
© 2010 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
