Diet and nutrition can make a huge difference on the lives of both adults and children who have been diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit disorder). There are foods that can make the life of someone with ADHD easier as well as foods that can make it more challenging. If you (or someone you care about) has been diagnosed with ADHD, it can help to know a little more about your nutrition options.

Do Eat Some Apples

Apples are an excellent source for complex carbohydrates. Medical experts highly recommend an increase in complex carbohydrates (especially for children). This is because individuals with ADHD tend to be more active; and they need to consume extra carbohydrate to compensate for the carbohydrates they burn. Increasing complex carbohydrates has also been known to help individuals with ADHD sleep at night.

Do Not Eat Candy

Candy is packed full of artificial colors and sugar. Unfortunately, this is a horrible combination for someone with ADHD. The combination of these two ingredients has been known to promote ADHD symptoms. This is especially true for hyperactivity.

Do Eat Hummus

Hummus is a spread from the Middle East made out of tahini (sesame seeds) and ground chickpeas. It is an incredible source of fiber, protein, and a number of other vitamins that can help someone with ADHD stay focused and calm.

Do Not Eat Swordfish

Swordfish, as well as any other fish that are high in mercury, are known to trigger ADHD symptom flare ups. Mercury is a heavy metal that will only make it harder for you to maintain mental clarity.

Do Eat Chicken

Chicken is considered one of the best foods you can give to someone with ADHD. The best part of chicken is how many different creative ways you can incorporate it into a meal. You can put it in pasta, wrap it up in a tortilla, or you can put it on pizza. Adding protein to the meal of someone with ADHD is going to improve their concentration. An increase in protein can also increase how long ADHD medication works.

Do Not Eat Frozen Pizza

As quick and easy as frozen pizza can be (especially when it comes to feeding children) it is terrible for individuals with ADHD. Frozen pizza is packed full of artificial flavoring and colors which can decrease mental clarity and increase hyperactivity. This does not, however, mean you cannot enjoy pizza if you have ADHD. You should just consider making it from scratch instead of buying one you can pop in the microwave.

As you can see, having ADHD does not mean you are going to have to kiss the food you love goodbye. In fact, eating the occasional candy bar isn't the end of the world. The purpose of this list is just to show you what foods could make your day better as well as what foods could make it worse. To learn more, speak to a nutritionist.