Much of the research into attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has focused on how to treat this condition, which affects about 11 percent of children. However, there have been some studies investigating ADHD prevention, and one new study suggests that kids who get the benefits of following the Mediterranean diet may be less likely to have ADHD than their peers who eat more junk food.
The study looked at 120 children in Spain, half of whom had been diagnosed with ADHD. After controlling for confounding factors, researchers found that the children with ADHD had a lower adherence to a Mediterranean diet—that is, their diets contained more fast food and highly processed food—than the children without ADHD.
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| The Mediterranean diet emphasizes natural, healthy eating habits. |
What Is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean diet, as the name suggests, is inspired by the traditional eating habits of people living along the Mediterranean coast. It emphasizes plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. Those who want to follow the diet are encouraged to limit their red meat and eat fish and poultry at least twice a week. Healthy fats are another key to the diet: olive oil and canola oil should replace butter whenever possible. And, of course, those who follow the Mediterranean diet can increase health benefits by getting regular exercise.
Can Healthy Eating Prevent ADHD in Kids?
There is some evidence that the types of food emphasized in the Mediterranean diet can benefit optimal brain function. A 2012 study found that the antioxidants in olive oil can improve learning and memory (at least in lab mice). Another study found that increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids (which are found in foods such as fish and leafy greens) may reduce attention problems in children with ADHD. And now the latest research suggests that kids who adhere to a Mediterranean diet are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
However, it’s important to remember that the results of the study don’t necessarily mean that healthy eating is a surefire way of preventing ADHD—or that unhealthy eating causes it. It’s also possible that children who have ADHD are making poorer food choices as a result of their condition, as impulsivity can carry over to eating habits.
However, even if a Mediterranean diet isn’t a guaranteed method of ADHD prevention, it’s still a good idea for parents to encourage their kids to practice healthy eating habits. Most health professionals recommend avoiding (or at least significantly limiting) processed foods with lots of sugar and instead encouraging children to eat healthy whole foods. Establishing healthy eating habits in childhood can help children maintain those habits as adults, which reduces their risk for a wide range of diseases that have been linked to poor nutrition.
