ADHD Treatment with Nutrition

Nutritional Health Programs by Dr. Green

As a pediatrician, Dr. Green understands the importance of proper nutrition for all children. She also specializes in working with children with special needs. Children diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities often benefit greatly from a customized, high-protein nutrition plan that can help improve focus, behavior, and performance in daily activities, especially at school.

Dr. Green’s personal journey began with her son, Jordan, who has special needs and was an extremely picky eater. Before starting her nutritional program, his diet consisted primarily of carbohydrates. This led to excessive abdominal fat, elevated cholesterol, and high blood pressure, all classic signs of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.

Jordan was placed on a moderate-protein, moderate-fat, and healthy carbohydrate nutrition plan. Within 90 days, his body fat percentage, fasting insulin, HbA1C, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure normalized. This experience inspired Dr. Green to help children nationwide through in-office care, virtual support, and education.

If your child is overweight, has special needs, or has been diagnosed with ADHD, we encourage you to explore the nutritional benefits discussed below and contact Dr. Green to learn how nutrition can make a meaningful difference.

Benefits of Breakfast for Children with ADHD

A high-protein breakfast can help children with ADHD stay focused and perform better throughout the day.

Many parents struggle to get their child to eat breakfast, especially during busy school mornings. However, research consistently shows that children who eat breakfast perform better academically and behaviorally.

A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that children who regularly ate breakfast had:

• Higher reading and math scores

• Improved attention spans

• Fewer behavioral problems

• Lower levels of anxiety and hyperactivity

For children with ADHD, the type of breakfast matters. Research from George Washington University showed that children with ADHD performed significantly worse after high-carbohydrate breakfasts compared to high-protein meals.

Introducing high-protein foods such as eggs, lean meats, nuts, seeds, vegetables, and fruits can make a noticeable difference in attention and learning.

ADHD and Misdiagnosis in Children

Just as physical symptoms can have multiple causes, behavioral symptoms may stem from various underlying issues. A thorough evaluation is essential before diagnosing ADHD.

Many symptoms associated with ADHD can also be caused by:

• Anxiety

• Learning disorders

• Trauma

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Hormonal imbalances

If a treatment does not work, a responsible clinician should re-evaluate the diagnosis rather than immediately increasing medication.

Long-Term Effectiveness of ADHD Medications

Research spanning more than 20 years shows no documented long-term academic or behavioral benefit from stimulant medications used to treat ADHD.

While these medications may improve concentration temporarily, long-term use does not improve school achievement or behavior and may cause significant side effects. Behavioral worsening after stopping medication is often due to dependency rather than effectiveness.

Nutrition, lifestyle changes, and natural brain-supportive foods should be explored before medication whenever possible.

Brain-Supporting Foods for Children with ADHD

Foods that support cognition and concentration include:

• Walnuts

• Berries

• Carrots

• Fish

• Spinach

• A balanced, high-protein breakfast

Teaching children and parents about nutrition and long-term health goals plays a critical role in managing ADHD symptoms.

Sample High-Protein Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast Option One

• 1 boiled egg

• 3 slices of pork bacon

• 5 strawberries

• 8 ounces of water

Breakfast Option Two

• 1 scrambled egg with 3 slices of turkey bacon

• Half an apple

• 8 ounces of water

Breakfast Option Three

• 2 scoops of Vi-Shake

• 8 ounces of dark chocolate almond milk

• One-third banana

• 1 teaspoon peanut butter

Breakfast Option Four

• 1 cup Vi-Crunch cereal with almond or soy milk

Breakfast Option Five

• 1 waffle made from Vi-Shake mix

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce

Nutrition as a Core ADHD Treatment Strategy

Nutritional management has often been overlooked in ADHD treatment. Factors such as refined sugar, food additives, food sensitivities, allergies, and fatty acid deficiencies have all been linked to ADHD symptoms.

Diet modification should be considered a key component of ADHD treatment, with individualized approaches based on each child’s response.

Can Breakfast Improve Intelligence?

Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that children who ate breakfast regularly had higher verbal, performance, and total IQ scores compared to children who skipped breakfast.

Breakfast provides essential fuel for the brain after overnight fasting and also offers social interaction that supports cognitive development.

Addressing Underlying Causes Before Diagnosis

Nutritional deficiencies should be addressed before assigning or confirming an ADHD diagnosis. If symptoms persist, further evaluation is warranted.

Conditions often mistaken for ADHD include:

• Anxiety disorders

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Learning disabilities

• Trauma-related disorders

• Thyroid disorders

Accurate diagnosis leads to appropriate treatment and better long-term outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Nutrition plays a powerful role in brain development, behavior, and learning. Addressing nutritional deficiencies and dietary habits can significantly improve outcomes for children diagnosed with ADHD.

Contact Dr. Green today to learn how a personalized nutritional approach can help your child thrive.
Call 407-207-2306 or email info@OI-WM.com.