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Health Can ADHD be relieved with this diet?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) are found in a relatively large number of children and adolescents, and it is not uncommon for them to undergo drug treatment. Scientists at Freiburg University Hospital have now discovered that certain diets can also help relieve ADHD.
The Freiburg researchers are investigating to what extent avoiding individual foods in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can alleviate the symptoms. The first promising results of her research work are now available. Special diets can actually influence the symptoms. However, it is an individually very differently designed diet.
In ADHD, certain foods may increase the symptoms. On the basis of a special diet, these foods can be identified and by their avoidance a clear improvement of the symptoms can be achieved. (Image: Alexander Raths / fotolia.com) Avoid certain foods to relieve ADHD
Children with ADHD have a hard time concentrating on one thing, they are usually very impulsive, hyperactive and restless, explain the experts. Often the children have increased conflicts and problems as a result of their behavior in everyday life. The research team headed by Professor Christian Fleischhaker, Senior Consultant at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine of the University Medical Center Freiburg, is currently investigating in a study that is unique in Germany whether the avoidance of individual foods in ADHD can alleviate the symptoms.
Substances in food increase the symptoms
ADHD is triggered by a neurobiological dysfunction in the brain, where various substances in food can aggravate the symptoms, the researchers explain. Using a specific diagnostic diet, it is possible to find out whether "and what foods in children between the ages of seven and eighteen years old with ADHD" contribute to an increase in symptoms. This so-called oligoantigen diet could contribute to a significant alleviation of the symptoms.
Diet in two phases
For the special diet, all foods that can principally promote ADHD are avoided for four weeks, report Prof. Fleischhaker and colleagues. In the next step (reintroduction phase) the food is individually re-introduced into the diet. In this way it can be determined exactly which food the children react to. The second phase usually takes three to four months. "The oligoantigen diet is tailored to each patient. The goal is to identify individual incompatible foods, "says Fleischhaker. Frequently several foods are detectable, which trigger symptoms in the children. These foods should then be consistently removed from the diet.
Identify incompatible foods
"In the phase of the oligoantigen diet, we find out whether any food intolerance contributes to the symptoms of ADHD," explains Professor Fleischhaker. In the subsequent reintroduction phase then show, which food ultimately responsible for it. "In this phase, individual food or food groups are examined gradually for their compatibility," continues the study director. For every child, this shows a very individual food compatibility.
Significant alleviation of symptoms is achievable
The researchers report that with the help of the diet in the 24 children who have previously participated in the study, a significant improvement in ADHD symptoms was achieved. By more than 40 percent, the symptoms had fallen in about 60 percent of children. "The list of observed intolerances was long, and each child has their own intolerance profile," says Prof. Fleischhaker. The range of foods concerned ranges from milk to cereals, some types of vegetables or fruits, to artificial colors. In a very individual oligoantigen diet, for example, selected fruits and vegetables, some cereals, rice and potatoes, but also two types of poultry or lamb are permitted, while cow's milk, eggs, fish, soy and nuts remain taboo.
No inevitable renunciation of enjoyment
As a major advantage of the special diet, the experts say that children do not have to do without valuable foods, which are generally suspected to promote ADHD, but may not have any negative impact on the individual child at all. Also, the diet meant no waiver of enjoyment. "We provide numerous recipes that can be used as really great alternatives," emphasizes the study director. How strictly the children avoid the incompatible foods is also their own responsibility. When eating an incompatible food, however, a resumption of symptoms is usually very timely. "After re-adhering to the recommendation, the symptoms improve again after a short time," continued Professor Fleischhaker. (Fp)