ADHD Diet - Low Sugar, High Protein Diet

Children with ADHD can benefit greatly from eating less refined sugar and more protein, but to understand how, we need to see how these two are related to brain function and chemistry. 

Though the brain makes up only 2% of the human body's weight, it needs 20% of the energy produced by the body. Unlike body cells which create energy out of fat, the brain can only use the simplest form of sugar, glucose, to fuel higher functions like reasoning, memory, and concentration.

The best sources of glucose are fruits and green leafy vegetables, but the body can also obtain glucose from sugary foods and refined carbohydrates. The only problem with eating high-sugar foods and refined carbohydrates for energy is that they release a large amount of the hormone insulin, which activates the other cells and makes them take glucose from the bloodstream. To know more about how to get rid of dandruff fast and how to control hair fall naturally click here.

This quickly lowers the blood sugar levels and the amount of glucose left for the nervous system, depriving the brain of the fuel it needs. On the flip side, eating a low-sugar, high-protein meal releases the hormone glucagon, which enables the liver to store glucose and regulate the sugar level of the bloodstream for up to 12 hours, even without eating. When glucagon is absorbed into the bloodstream, it stimulates the release of glucose from the liver to increase the blood's sugar levels, which is what a young, active child needs.

Besides stimulating glucagon production, protein contains building blocks called amino acids, needed by the brain for neurotransmitter release. Remember that the diet also has to be complemented with low-carbohydrate foods. 

If refined carbohydrates are eaten together with a large amount of protein, the amount of insulin released will be double the amount released when refined carbohydrates are eaten without protein. Although the protein will still be able to trigger glucagon release, the glucagon's effects will be overshadowed by the surge of insulin. Glucose can only make its way to the brain if blood insulin levels stay low.

There's another advantage to going on a low-sugar, high-protein diet. Refined carbohydrates and sugary foods often contain casein and artificial food additives, components which are known to aggravate the symptoms of ADHD.

Fortunately, it's not very difficult to get your child started on a low-sugar, high-protein diet. Here are some tips that might help you along the way.Learn more about ADHD diet here.

Avoid the  cereal breakfast. Despite what the box might say, cereals are mostly made up of refined carbohydrates and sugar. Milk and cereal also contain casein and gluten, respectively - proteins that are toxic to the brain if improperly digested. Try serving granola bars, eggs, or meat, instead.

Introduce healthy carbohydrates. Only refined carbohydrates can cause the upsurge of insulin when eaten with protein. Slow-glycemic carbohydrates, on the other hand, produce a steady supply of energy without causing a crash. These include apples, bananas, beans, rice, and yams.

Encourage your child to drink more water. Powdered juice drinks, Coke, iced tea, Kool-Aid, and Gatorade are mostly made out of sugar, and contain very little or no nutrution. Eliminate sugary drinks and sodas from the shopping cart and encourage your child to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.