ADHD + diet recommendations

[AusLehmann]

Hi SS legends,

I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD, which I am looking to manage with lifestyle changes and cognitive therapy rather than medication.

Wondering if anyone has had any experience with manipulating dietary patterns to alleviate, or at least not worsen, ADHD symptoms.

I think I eat pretty healthy. Basically on the vertical diet, but I don’t limit fruits and vegetable intake (eat a wide variety), still include grains, and generally eat lean meats such as Kangaroo (I’m Australian) instead of beef. I also include dairy, nuts and seeds, and do enjoy treats from time to time. Maybe that’s not the vertical diet at all (!), but most meals are meat, fruit and veg, and rice.

I know no one change is a silver bullet, but I am looking to make wholistic changes across some key domains as my life has been pretty chaotic and I would like to start moving forward in a more productive (and calmer) manner. Also, anything to help me avoid medication.

Thanks for any help. Greatly appreciated.

Aus.

[Robert Santana]

I have not noticed a difference beyond just not eating a bunch of shit. I have bad ADHD myself. The one thing that is a must is I drink coffee in the am and pm and that helps me stay focused as I am sure you have figured out by now. Your approach sounds good to me. Concentrated sweets, artificial sweeteners, and other garbage will have a negative effect but nothing improves my ADHD better than a device fast.

[AusLehmann]

Hey Robert,

Thanks for your response!

How do you take your coffee? I drink instant coffee, but it has, if I’m being honest, just been a vehicle for shoving sugar in my face. Usually the coffee is just a teaspoon once or twice a day, and I never really feel any boost. I’m 6’4”/95kg. Would you recommend doing more?

Cheers.

[Robert Santana]

I drink black coffee twice per day. Sometimes 3 cups sometimes 6. Our tolerance as ADHDers is much higher and the effects on our brain are different than that of someone without it. There are no official recommendations for this purpose so you'll have to titrate as tolerated.

[Flea2021]

Try getting a sleep test (for sleep apnea) just in case. I had diagnosed adhd but undiagnosed sleep apnea for many years, then got a cpap and don’t need meds anymore