Nutrition is undeniably a fundamental part of daily life, and it is without surprise that food helps in the treatment of ADHD. Macronutrients and micronutrients alike have been found by several studies to help with the symptoms of ADHD.
Fish Oils and Primrose Oils
These oils are classified as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are essential to humans because we cannot synthesize them. A study found that after having ADHD children take fish and primrose oils as omega-3 and omega-6 sources, they were able to pay better attention, control their impulsivity, and tame their hyperactivity. This is because polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially omegas-3 and -6, are essential in the signaling and connecting functions of the brain. However, it is essential to take note that the effects of PUFA supplementation are relatively small compared to the pharmacological treatment of ADHD.
Zinc
Zinc is important in growth and neurological development; thus, lack of zinc leads to slower brain processing. In everyday diet, zinc can be found in meat and poultry. Evidence backing up the role of zinc alone in the treatment of ADHD symptoms is still lacking, but a study has found that taking zinc along with methylphenidate boosted the effect of the medication. Zinc can be toxic and should be taken in large amounts not exceeding 50 mg/day.
Melatonin
Few food sources are rich in melatonin such as grains and fruits. Melatonin is being used to address sleep problems such as insomnia in children with ADHD and has been found to be a good option when treating these problems if therapy is not successful. However, it has not been found to treat the core symptoms of ADHD.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort acts in the same way as stimulants by increasing the levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. However, the herb has proven to be of no significance to the treatment of ADHD. Instead, it posed risks in its interaction with pharmacological interventions for ADHD, causing serotonin syndrome in rare cases.
These supplements are still being used by ADHD patients; however, given the lack of evidence, it is always imperative to ask your healthcare provider before deciding to take any supplements at all in conjunction with medications.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4321799/
http://foodforthebrain.org/media/229799/Sinn.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170184/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15070418
http://www.alaskasleep.com/blog/foods-for-sleep-list-best-worst-foods-getting-sleep
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4170184/
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