Nutrition plays a huge role in managing ADHD. Since the condition makes children and adults suffering from it unable to concentrate, be patient, engage in prolonged conversation, and have similar other issues, diet can be used to manage its symptoms effectively, to an extent. The problem is that it is especially difficult to make children or young adolescents follow a dietary routine. It is here that a regular diet has to be supplemented by providing the vitamins and other nutrients they are deficient in, due to improper food intake. These supplements are mostly had in the form of pills but they must not be taken without the prescription and explicit advice of a doctor. They are especially helpful if the patient is suffering from some form of an eating disorder, making them unable to consume proper food, as required.

Here are some dietary tips for managing ADHD which discuss the supplements that patients might need to have.

Omega-3 fatty acids
Found in fish, this is a very important nutrient for brain development. DHA, an essential omega 3-fatty acid is a part of the nerve membrane and tests on people showing behavioral disorders have shown lower blood levels of DHA in people with ADHD. Apart from having an additional helping of fatty fish, this can be had as a supplementary fish oil pill. Tests on animals have shown the normalization of certain brain functions post the consumption of DHA supplements.

Zinc
Zinc has an important role in bodily functions. It has been known to boost the functions of the immune system and also plays a role in boosting the functioning of the brain. Zinc plays a role in managing ADHD by influencing dopamine-related brain signaling. Dieticians suggest a dietary tip of adding a dosage of 30 mg of zinc for managing ADHD. Food such as meat, shellfish legumes, dairy products, eggs, nuts, and seeds must be consumed regularly. If this is not possible, one may need to supplement their zinc intake via medication.

B vitamins
Vitamins are critical for the healthy functioning of the body and the brain. Even during pregnancy, women should take care to have a diet that is rich in vitamin B, especially folate. A deficiency in this nutrient could lead to the child developing ADHD early on in their lives. Vitamin B6 is also found to be beneficial for the treatment of ADHD. Your diet should include foods rich in B vitamins such as salmon, beef, eggs, liver and organ meat, legumes, leafy greens, and milk.

Iron
Iron too plays an important role in the functioning of the brain. Tests have shown that people suffering from ADHD have lower levels of iron, which affects their consciousness and alertness. Adequate intake of this nutrient can be ensured by having foods like green leafy vegetables, whole grains, baked potatoes, fortified breakfast cereals, cashew and tofu as dietary tips for managing ADHD. In addition, individuals may also need to take ferrous sulfate supplements, based on the recommendation of their doctors.

Magnesium
Research has found that proper levels of magnesium in the blood can relax and lower the distress levels in individuals with ADHD. Leafy green vegetables, fruits like avocado and figs, nuts, seeds, and seafood are all rich sources of this nutrient. Magnesium-rich food, if had for dinner, reduces restlessness, helps enable relaxation, and regulates the stress response system. One may also take magnesium supplements if they are unable to meet its required intake via their diet alone.