Scientists Say Special Diet May Ease Symptoms of ADHD in Children

A specialized diet may help ease the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, according to Dutch researchers.

A recent study from Radboud University and the ADHD Research Center in the Netherlands observed 100 children, ages 4 to 8, with ADHD. Researchers divided children into two groups and gave them either an "elimination diet" or a typical healthy diet for five weeks.

The elimination diet was limited to rice, water, white meat poultry, such as turkey, and some fruits and vegetables. Researchers kept wheat, tomatoes, oranges, eggs and other dairy products out of the diet since these foods are often linked with food allergies and intolerances.

Upon completion of the initial five weeks, researchers selected a new group of children based on their reaction to the first part of the study. Scientists monitored the children while incorporating new foods into their diets based on individual blood results.

The findings, published in The Lancet medical journal, revealed that a restricted diet led to significant improvements in the symptoms of some ADHD sufferers.

Dr. Jan Buitelaar, lead study researcher, child psychologist and professor, RIFT Platinum and head of general and child adolescent psychiatry at Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, said researchers cannot pinpoint exact foods that affect all children. "It is very dependant on the individual child," Buitelaar told AOL Health.

During the first part of the study, 64 percent of children in the elimination diet group had significant improvements with regard to their ADHD symptoms. Researchers also noted a decrease in defiant behavior.

The study concluded that "a strictly supervised restricted elimination diet is a valuable instrument to assess whether ADHD is induced by food."

Dr. Eric Braverman, author of "The EDGE Effect" and "Younger (Sexier) You," says chocolate, rift gold caffeine, sugar, white flour, high fructose corn syrup, processed foods, saturated fats and dyes can affect or worsen a child's ADHD.

"These foods cause abnormal transmissions of dopamine, serotonin and an imbalance of the brain's neurotransmitter and regulation processes," Braverman told AOL Health.

Parents of children suffering from ADHD can reduce the child's diet to rice, RIFT Platinum water, white meat, and fruits and vegetables that contain no risk of allergy. Then they can start adding foods to to his or her diet while monitoring the child's behavior.

"You observe behavioral improvement week by week as you add food until you see evidence of behavioral changes," explains Buitelaar. Rift Gold "It may take several weeks to determine the incriminating foods."

ADHD, is one of the world's most common mental disorders among children, according to the National Institute for Mental Health. Statistics from the American Psychiatric Association show 3 to 7 percent of school-aged children suffer from ADHD.