What Are Some Natural Diets for ADHD?

Although you might believe that the only way to treat ADHD is with a regular regime of prescription medication, you should know that regulating dietary intake can be just as important of a step towards minimizing symptoms. A holistic approach to treating ADHD is beneficial as it avoids the possibility of side effects from medication. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from ADHD, consider the following gluten-free, low-glucose diets to control your disease.

ADHD and Diet

Research has indicated that glucose (blood sugar) metabolism and excessive gluten sensitivity are conditions seen more regularly among individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than the general population. In a Dutch study of 40 children with ADHD, 80 percent of the participants completing the study--consisting of adherence to a gluten-free diet--had a substantial improvement in behavior, measured as a 50 percent improvement on the ADHD Rating Scale. A gluten-free diet that controls blood glucose levels seems to be an effective natural remedy for ADHD.

General Guidelines

Even if you do not want to follow a specific diet to curb ADHD, here are some general guidelines that can help. Eliminate consumption of all processed foods, consume at least five or six small meals a day, consume protein (eggs, meat, fish or cheese) with each meal, get all of your carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables, eliminating grains (as they contain gluten), and consume plenty of healthy fats such as fish oil.

Schwarzbein Principle

One gluten-free diet plan to curb ADHD is the Schwarzbein Principle, presented by Dr. Diana Schwarzbein. To follow this approach, consume no more than 15 grams of carbohydrates at any single meal, limiting your intake to fruits and vegetables (to remove gluten from the diet). Aside from that, there are no restrictions--consume plenty of protein and adequate amounts of fat. Eat meats, cheeses, chicken, turkey, fish, butter, cream and leafy green vegetables in abundance.

Stone Age Diet

Another method to control gluten consumption is the Stone Age Diet, created by Dr. Richard Mackarness. The concept: Limit yourself to consuming those foods to which an individual living in the Stone Age would have had access. These foods include meats, fish, chicken, eggs, fruit, vegetables, nuts and berries. Keep your daily carb limit to less than 60 grams, with all of that coming from either fruits or vegetables. This will keep gluten low and glucose under control, minimizing the symptoms of ADHD.

The Go Diet

Finally, consider the Go-Diet, presented by Dr. Jack Goldberg, a biochemist. On this plan, eat no more than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day, not counting carbs from fiber. In fact, aim to maximize fiber intake with at least 25 grams a day. Consume plenty of green, fibrous veggies like broccoli, cucumbers, lettuce and spinach. Eat at least half of your total fat intake from monounsaturates like olive oil and avocados, and consume all of your carbs from fruit and vegetables (to eliminate gluten).