Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be very difficult if the condition is not handled correctly. If certain lifestyle factors are taken care of, a person with ADHD could easily lead a healthy and fulfilling life. While it is stressed that diet alone is not responsible for the progression of ADHD in patients, it plays an essential factor in how the condition manifests itself. Several dietary requirements need to be monitored to avoid any difficulties in dealing with ADHD.

Here are some foods that must be avoided by a person who has ADHD:

1. Candy
The sugars and artificial colors found in candy are typically known to aggravate the hyperactivity-related symptoms of ADHD in children.

2. Soda, caffeine, and energy drinks
Sodas and energy drinks are usually loaded with a lot of sugar and artificial flavoring, similar to what is found in candy but higher concentrations. The ingredients found in such drinks like caffeine or high-fructose corn syrup are very harmful to children. Energy drinks contain certain stimulants that are not healthy for children and teens who have ADHD.

3. Frozen fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are crucial for the body and must be included in the diet of people with ADHD. However, certain frozen fruits and vegetables may contain artificial colors and preservatives that are not healthy for children who have ADHD.

4. Cake mixes and frostings
Cake mixes and frostings are notoriously filled with large quantities of sugars and preservatives, which are not good for the body and may trigger ADHD symptoms in people. The huge quantities of artificial sweeteners found in such cake mixes and frostings are known to increase the risks of ADHD in people potentially.

5. Food dyes and preservatives
In general, synthetic dyes and preservatives used in certain food products are known to contain chemicals like BHT, BHA, TBHQ, and sodium benzoate, which are known to cause increased hyperactivity in toddlers.

6. Seafood
In certain children and teens, the mercury content in fishes is known to increase and worsen several ADHD symptoms. Fishes like mackerel and swordfish are known to contain trace amounts of mackerel and must be avoided by people who have ADHD.

7. Specific food sensitivities
Children are often sensitive or even allergic to different food groups that may be specific to each child. Such sensitivities may often result in triggering or aggravating specific symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity in some such children and teens. Foods like tomatoes, soy, chocolate, corn, grapes, and oranges are known to be common foods that cause ADHD reactions in children.

While you can not find a “one size fits all” when it comes to diets for ADHD patients, by a general rule of thumb, it is good to remember that an ideal diet is one that includes a generous amount of fruits and vegetables, and natural whole foods containing all the macronutrients needed by the body. Steering clear of added sugars, preservatives, and artificial additives is highly recommended.