A diet for ADHD kids has been specially planned or designed to meet the needs of children with ADHD. Foods for ADHD kids have been specifically chosen to address the nutritional value of children with ADHD and to help alleviate the symptoms that some foods may have on them. Typically, a diet program intended for ADHD kids includes restrictions on some foods and a rigid program to be followed of what foods to eat often.

Some studies have shown that certain foods may have negative effects on some children, triggering the onset of Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in them, as well as exacerbating the symptoms of these conditions. This is one reason why diet therapy is thought to be one good alternative treatment of ADHD in children. Eating the right foods and not eating foods that may have contributory factors to the occurrence of ADD/ADHD have been reported to bring some positive relief from ADD/ADHD symptoms.

Dietary restrictions that may be vital to the success of ADD/ADHD diet therapy include:

• Sugar. Sugar has been linked to some hyperactive behavior of some children. It is said that intake of too much sugar may cause irritable moods in children, hyperactive behavior, and aggressiveness. Studies, however, have not accumulated enough evidence to attest that sugar is indeed a contributory factor in the occurrence of ADD/ADHD.

• Processed foods. Studies have shown that some children may have negative reactions to processed foods or foods containing preservatives, coloring, and additives. Processed foods can worsen the symptoms of ADHD in children.

• Dairy products. Studies have also shown that some children with ADHD have allergic reactions to dairy products such as cows' milk. Intake of dairy products can heighten the symptoms of ADHD in children. Therefore, it is recommended that children with this condition not be given dairy products.

• Junk foods. Junk foods are bad for children with or without ADHD. These kinds of foods do not have nutritional value in them. They are even worse when given to children with ADHD as they can intensify the symptoms.

Following the restrictions given above can help considerably in alleviating the symptoms of ADHD. Giving children the following foods can even bring better results:

• Ground flax seeds and nuts. These foods are rich in fatty acids and are good for children with ADHD.

• Nutrient-enriched foods. These kinds of food are good not only for children with ADHD but for all people. Nutrient-enriched foods have properties that can help the brain of these kids perform better.

• Omega-3 fatty acids. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil and fish with low levels of mercury can help develop an improved brain function and therefore lessen the onset of hyperactivity in children with ADHD.

A change in diet for ADHD kids may not bring results overnight. It takes time before results can be seen. However, it is worth the time and effort. It is even more effective when combined with other alternative treatments such as homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, behavioral therapy, and other forms of alternative and adjunctive treatments.