Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that impacts attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. In short, people with ADHD cannot always focus their attention for very long, can be overactive, and can have trouble finishing tasks or remaining still. Both children and adults can be diagnosed with ADHD at any time. Studies show that certain foods may actually exacerbate ADHD symptoms, such as:

1. Refined sugar

Refined sugar is not healthy for anyone, and it is especially harmful to people with ADHD. Studies have shown that people with ADHD have lower dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and focus. Refined sugar temporarily increases dopamine levels but drops them to below average. People with ADHD report feeling more distracted and less focused if they consume too much sugar.

2. Corn syrup

Corn syrup is added to many processed foods, including cereals, snack bars, candy, and even some brands of peanut butter and jelly. Unfortunately, the high fructose content of corn syrup is not healthy for people with ADHD. That’s because it may not be metabolized as quickly as simple sugars such as glucose. People with ADHD need to metabolize their food quickly to help with their attention levels.

3. White flour

White flour is refined wheat flour. It’s been processed to remove the wheat bran, wheat germ, and the protein-rich part of the wheat kernel, all of which are healthy parts of the whole grain. White flour is not terrible for everyone, but it’s not healthy for people with ADHD. That’s because the wheat bran, wheat germ, and protein-rich part of the wheat kernel are all fiber, which is important because fiber helps the body metabolize food more slowly. If the bodies of people with ADHD metabolize food more slowly because they don’t consume enough fiber, then they cannot focus as well. That’s why people with ADHD need to eat plenty of whole grains. That can be as simple as switching from white to whole wheat bread.

4. White rice

White rice is also an example of a processed grain that’s not healthy for people with ADHD. It has been processed to remove the thick outer layer of bran, the thin layer of germ, and the protein-rich part of the kernel. White rice is missing important fiber. People with ADHD should eat whole-grain rice instead.

5. Soda

Soda is loaded with sugar and other harmful ingredients for the body and brain. The high sugar level in it is harmful to people with ADHD. People with ADHD should avoid drinking soda and other sugary drinks. Instead, they should choose to drink water or iced tea. Water is nature’s smart drug. It can help you concentrate, calm your nerves, and stay focused and attentive a little bit longer. And iced tea is not only a very tasty drink, but it also has many health benefits. It has been reported to help with weight loss and improve your mood.

Several types of treatment are available for people with ADHD. These treatments can help to reduce symptoms and make it easier for people to achieve their goals. The most common ADHD treatment is medication and therapy. ADHD medications may help to improve symptoms such as hyperactivity and distractibility. Therapy can help people with ADHD learn coping skills and strategies to improve their lives while taking medication. People with ADHD can also benefit from changing their diet.