By David Liu

We already know that pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has something to do with food additives.  But there are more things parents and their children can do to help ADHD, according to a recent review in the journal Pediatrics.

The review by J. Gordon Millichap, MD and Michelle M. Yee, CPNP of Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois finds that what can reduce the symptoms of ADHD include healthy diets low in sugar, free of food additives or preservatives and oligoantigens, and or high in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.  Iron and zinc supplements may also help.

On the other hand, the authors also report that using Western diet high in fat, refined sugars can worsen the condition of ADHD.

Approximately 9.5% or 5.4 million children 4-17 years of age have ever been diagnosed with ADHD, as of 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC states that a child who has ADHD may

have a hard time paying attention

daydream a lot

not seem to listen

be easily distracted from schoolwork or play

forget things

be in constant motion or unable to stay seated

squirm or fidget

talk too much

not be able to play quietly

act and speak without thinking

have trouble taking turns

interrupt others

The federal health agency says ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. But the review authors suggest that pharmacotherapy may not work for every pediatric patient with ADHD who may benefit greatly from a healthy diet.