What foods or supplements other than fish can help support my ADHD brain?

Q: What foods or supplements other than fish can help support my ADHD brain?

Over the years I’ve experimented with several eating plans and different supplements, so i’ll try to remember some of them.

I take Omega supplements myself. From what I know, you do need really high doses to notice the effect. I’m not certain exactly what the effects are, though.  I’ve read studies that the oil lowers inflammation throughout the body, so it can’t hurt.

Because I take stimulant medication, I also take a multivitamin every day, and I’ve recently added in a vitamin D supplement. I have noticed that my mood seems a little better with the vitamin D. I don’t take any extra vitamin C because it interacts with my concerta.

The only other supplements I take are a probiotic and some amino acids when I work out. I buy a powdered amino mixed with a little green tea extract that I add to water. I’ve started giving it to my ten year-old sometimes and it really improves his mood. It does the same for me. But aminos shouldn’t be taken in excess as they can cause GI discomfort. I take the probiotic because research indicates neurochemicals are affected by our gut health.

For my son and me, a low sugar diet works best. The more sugar we eat, the more sugar we want. I don’t know what it is about ADHD brains and sugar, but we’re careful about this in our house. Our carbs mostly come from high fiber whole grains, fruits, and veggies. We both experience less brain fog this way and less irritability. We do have treats though; it’s not all health food all the time.

Protein also seems to affect my mood. If I don’t have adequate protein, I get grouchy and feel unsatisfied. Anecdotally, I feel that eating in a 40-30-30 ratio helps me to deal with the symptoms of ADHD more effectively.

We aren’t vegan, and we don’t avoid all dairy. I tried eliminating food dyes for a couple months and didn’t notice any difference in either of us.

Now that I’ve overloaded you with my own preferences, my best advice would be to try things. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet and don’t force yourself to do an elimination diet if you don’t need to. Be careful about supplements, do your research.

Here are some sources I like: