Nourishing Your ADHD Child

Why this resource is helpful:

"When your child has ADHD, working to improve their overall nutrition is a top priority. Boosting their nutritional intake can provide excellent benefits and enhance their total well-being and focus.

Although it can feel like a full-time job to keep up with the needs of a child who experiences ADHD, the benefits are well worth the effort. If you feel stuck or unsure how to start improving your child"s nutrition, reach out to NW Pediatric and Family Nutrition. We"d love to walk alongside you in this journey.

The Critical Pieces
There are several vital components to nourishing your ADHD child. It is crucial to make sure they get the nutrition they need that can help them focus and have lasting energy.

However, making sure your child is eating is the priority. It takes precedence over a focus on specific nutrients. I never recommend removing all of your child"s favorites just to switch to foods high in nutrition. When you are ready to start introducing more nutrient-rich choices, here are some pieces to keep in mind:

1. Iron and Vitamin C
Iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body and is an important mineral for growth and neurotransmission. When a child is eating meat, chicken, and fish, they most often get the iron they need. These are all heme iron sources, coming from animals that have hemoglobin, and are easily absorbed.

When your child is a vegetarian or doesn"t like meat, their iron must come from non-heme sources, such as legumes, grains, broccoli, and tofu. The body needs vitamin C to boost non-heme iron absorption. So it"s essential to include excellent sources of this vitamin in their diet. Option include berries, citrus, red peppers, and broccoli.

2. Zinc
This vital nutrient is crucial for brain development and is a key player in neurotransmission. Zinc helps boost the immune system and can impact the sense of smell, too. Low levels carry an association with inattention in children who have ADHD. Beans, nuts, whole grains, and meats are all fantastic sources of zinc for your child."

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