According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an “expanding public health concern.” The last few years have seen a significant jump in diagnoses of the condition, which is now thought to affect one in nine children and nearly nine million adults across the country. And that’s just the cases we know about—ADHD is notoriously underdiagnosed, particularly among women and girls. For those who have been diagnosed, a few treatment options are available. Right now, these include behavioral therapy and medication, which is usually in the form of stimulants. However, lifestyle changes can also be a big part of managing ADHD. Maintaining a routine, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep, for example, are all helpful habits. On top of this, research suggests that following a diet that is high in whole foods and low in added sugar may also make a difference for many people with ADHD. “Foods that are high in sugar and artificial additives can increase hyperactivity in some individuals,” clinical psychologist and dietitian Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD told VegNews. “On the other hand, a well-balanced diet rich in whole foods like lean proteins, like beans and legumes, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats may help stabilize energy levels and improve focus.”

Find Tovar’s top tips for managing ADHD with diet below, but first, here’s a little bit more about the condition, and why it’s becoming more prevalent than ever (spoiler: TikTok probably isn’t to blame).

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