There is much information online about ADHD, and it can be challenging to sort through fact from fiction. According to more recent research, here is what we have uncovered.

Does Sugar Cause ADHD?  The evidence on the impact of sugar and ADHD is still not clear. Parents report seeing increased impulse behaviour when their children consume too many sugary sweets, but the actual studies are mixed. What has been reported is that unhealthy eating patterns, which include insufficient amounts of fresh vitamin pack veggies and fruits and too much processed foods (that contain high amounts of sugars and carbohydrates), can translate into behavioural problems.   There have been several reports related to sucrose (the sweetener found in processed foods and soft drinks) and increased symptoms of ADHD

The takeaway? - When weighing out the number of studies and anecdotal evidence from parents, there is enough evidence to support the reduction of sugar in a child's diet if the child displays ADHD symptoms, increased anxiety or abnormal sleeping patterns

Can Omega 3 Supplements Support ADHD There are enough scientific studies to support the use of Omega 3 supplements to help manage the symptoms of ADHD and to support the healthy growth of a child's brain. There is no denying that feeding your children unfarmed, wild-caught fish three times a week is a better option for children, but the propensity for getting children to eat fish at all is difficult. Omega 3 supplements are not meant to replace a food option but to supplement what is missing.   Omega 3 in fish and supplements supports the neurons on the brain, helping them better communicate. Healthy neurons can improve attention, focus, memory and motivation.   Omega 3 essential fatty acids can further support behavioural disorders by positively affecting the synthesis of dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to mood. Did you know that ADHD medications act to increase this same neurotransmitter that Omega 3 does?

Do Elimination Diets Work for ADHD Any diet that advocates cutting out food groups may not be the best option for the healthy growth of children and does not show any significant benefit for ADHD. Unless the choice for elimination includes sweeteners, preservatives, artificial colouring, and processed foods, the recommendation is to ensure your child is eating a well-balanced meal. Understanding how difficult it can be to get a child to eat some days, let alone consume well-balanced meals every day, can be a challenge. Parents do their best every day to provide the best options for their children. There is enough evidence to support the use of children's multivitamins for ADHD , mood and general healthy growth of children if you feel your child is not getting enough vitamins and minerals from their food. Consider a children's multivitamin, which can help fill in the gaps.

Choose a multivitamin meant for children because the dosages are more age appropriate. Look for a multivitamin that does not contain added sugar, which negates some of the benefits of the multivitamin. Multivitamins come in liquids such as Kindervital by Salus Haus, making age-appropriate dosing more manageable. Salus multivitamins and supplements are world-renowned, and Salus Kindervital for children is gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan-friendly and made without preservatives, artificial flavours, or colours. Another option may be  Natural Factors Big Friends, a comprehensive and delicious chewable multivitamin and mineral formula, Progressive Multivitamin for Kids with added green foods and whole fruit concentrates. If you are considering the gummy route to kids' multivitamins, be very picky in your brands to ensure enough useable vitamins and low to no sugar in the supplement. Two brands that have excelled in gummies with low sugar are SUKU, The Complete Kids Multi  and HERBALAND - Kids Classic Multivitamins 

Do Food Dyes Cause ADHD? One of the newest reports we found from Berkely confirmed that consumption of synthetic food dyes can cause hyperactivity and other neurobehavioural problems for some children and, in effect, can lead to ADHD. Other reports are inconclusive, but there is enough mounting evidence not to dismiss the information. Parents that see early signs of ADHD, behavioural problems, anxiety, disruptive sleep patterns, or easily angered may want to look a bit closer at the food dyes in some foods. You may be surprised at the hidden dyes in our foods.

Do Children Outgrow ADHD? ADHD does not just go away. It is a hereditary behavioural disorder that needs to be managed into adulthood. The symptoms may change over time, and management of the disorder can help to reduce the impact on a person's life, but this is not the same as outgrowing the condition

Medication is the only way to treat ADHD Medication is the first go-to option for children with ADHD; in some cases, the severity of the symptoms calls for medical intervention. However, if you or someone in your immediate bloodline has had ADHD or your child displays early signs of behavioural problems, changes in mood, sleeping patterns etc. You may be able to get a handle on the condition before it warrants prescribed medications.

Natural supplements and a complete diet review are excellent options for managing early ADHD symptoms. Watch trigger foods, sugars, food dyes and other allergy-producing foods. Consider Omega 3 supplements to ensure healthy brain development, protect neurons and even reduce the inflammatory response caused by some food allergies.   There are so many great options for Omega 3 supplements for children. Yummy liquids can be added to smoothies, yogurt or taken right from the spoon. Omega 3 gummies (with reduced sugar) make consumption easy and children compliable, and as children grow, Omega 3 supplements in smaller softgel become a favourable option for parents.  

Invest in a high-quality, low-sugar multivitamin to ensure daily needs are met, even on their pickiest days. But also consider the addition of a kids' magnesium supplement.   Magnesium could be helpful for children with ADHD because it plays a role in brain health. This essential mineral regulates numerous hormones that can influence mood and neurological health. For ADHD, in particular, magnesium helps by acting as a gatekeeper between certain neurotransmitters and their receptors. The inattention associated with ADD may also be related to a magnesium deficiency and may be reduced by taking a supplement of approximately 200 mg, spread out from morning to night. Natural Factors BigFriends Chewable Magnesium is an excellent option. Start with a low 50mg dosage. You can slowly adjust to your child's needs and age.

Vitamin B6 is another suggested supplement for children with ADHD because it plays a significant role in the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. These chemical messengers, which include serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, are the same chemicals found to be affected in people with ADD. Foods such as animal products, beans and fortified cereals are natural sources of B vitamins, including vitamin B-6. However, if you find your child is not getting enough of a result for their multivitamin ( which has B vitamins), consider a liquid Vitamin complex that contains B6 to try as a stand-alone B6 supplement. Keep in mind you will need to source the lowest dose possible in a tablet form and break the tablet down into smaller dosages depending on your child's age

L-Theanine is just beginning to gain recognition as a natural way to manage ADHD. L-Theanine is an amino acid extracted from green tea. It is often used to treat addiction disorders, anxiety and stress disorders. L-Theanine has a calming effect on the mind but also helps improve focus and clarity. L-Theanine has also been shown to be effective for children with poor impulse control or who are more agitated or fidgety. The starting dose for school-age children is 50 mg. It can be given during the day to help with daytime focus or in the evening with night-time anxiety. A higher dosage of 100-200 mg daily for high school children. Natural Factors Mental Calmness ( chewable L-Theanine comes in 100 mg dosage but can be broken in half for younger children

Lastly, do not overlook the need for probiotics. You may wonder why worry about the gut when the problem is with the brain. Mood and behaviour are related to the gut, where some happy hormones are produced ( serotonin).   Research has shown that when the gut microbiome is not functioning, problem symptoms associated with ADHD can worsen.   Probiotics can be given to young children through powders, chewable or capsules in older children.   Look for children-specific options such as   PROGRESSIVE - Perfect Probiotic for Kids 5 Billion or PROGRESSIVE - Perfect Probiotic for Kids 15 Billion