Sugar and Dye

I have to admit that we do not follow a very strict diet, when it comes to ADHD.  At home, we try to avoid excess sugar and artificial colors, but when we're out with friends, we often don't stick to our guns.

The evidence out there says that sugar doesn't cause ADHD symptoms.   In our house, we only limit sweets because they can cause other problems, like sugar crashes, obesity and tooth decay.   We aren't so strict when it comes to class parties and such, so long as they aren't giving candy to go home with for a week.  (We confiscate excess candy and dole it out slowly or give it away to others.)

However, when it comes to artificial colors, we've seen problems for a day or more following cupcakes with supersaturated blue dye frosting, so we try to either scrape off the frosting, eat around it, or just not partake altogether.    However, since those occasions are rare, most of the time we just roll with it and realize that DD may be a little "off" for a day or so.  

Parents of children whose symptoms are more severe or long lasting may need to be more strict about teaching their kids to say no if there are party treats around.    If a child shows severe behavioral problems, such as physically hurting themselves or others, or if they cannot do school the next day, then clearly a parent has grounds for strictly enforcing an ADHD diet.  If that is the case, it is best to try to offer some kind of an alternative treat, while the rest of your child's friends are enjoying theirs.

For more about what to do with excess candy, please see my post on What to Do With Halloween Candy.

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