Brain Food: How Diet Can Impact ADHD Management

Get ready to say goodbye to the sugar high and hello to the protein party! This blog is all about the secret ingredient to managing ADHD - your diet. We're talking about how to put the right things in your body to keep your brain and ADHD symptoms in check.

Jeff McCune

1/17/20233 min read

Yo, Squirrel Gang, let's talk about something that's super important but often overlooked when it comes to managing ADHD - diet.

We all know that what we eat can have a huge impact on our physical health, but did you know that it can also affect our mental health and ability to manage ADHD symptoms? It's true, and it's time to start paying attention to what we're putting in our bodies.

First things first, apparently a steady diet of Totino's pizzas, taco bell, and uhh...Red Vines isn't a "balanced meal that any human should use in the same sentence as steady." as my Dr. so eloquently put it...But aside from the obvious, let's talk about sugar. Consuming too much sugar can lead to a spike in energy followed by a crash, which can make it even harder to focus and control impulses. So, try to limit your sugar intake and opt for healthier options like fruits and veggies. Did you know a single 12oz can of Coke contains about 78% of your daily caloric value for your sugar intake? Let's not do the math on that Medium 87oz you ordered when you watched Avatar 2.

Protein is also crucial for managing ADHD symptoms. Proteins are essential for the functioning of your neurotransmitters, which are responsible for sending messages throughout our brain and body. So, make sure to include a good amount of protein in your diet. Personally, I do not consume animals, so I can't recommend those as options, but free range happy farm eggs, Professor Copperfield's Miracle Legumes (or any generic beans will do) and any nuts that you aren't personally allergic to are all amazing sources of protein. Quinoa, Tofu, Tempeh & Seitan are all also great vegan options. (Plant Based Pro Tip: Nutritional Yeast aka "Nooch" is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and all it takes is a pinch or so in each meal!)

Next up, omega-3 fatty acids. These little guys have been shown to improve focus, attention, and overall brain function. You can find them in foods like chia, hemp and flaxseeds are all awesome as well as walnuts. All of these also specifically feature alpha-linolenic acid (your body can't make this stuff and trust me, you need it...)

Lastly, let's talk about hydration. Staying hydrated is key (No, Redbulls and Natty lights don't count) for our overall health, but it's even more important for those of us with ADHD. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, irritability, and a lack of focus. So, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. "“Now that’s what I call high quality H2O." -Bobby Boucher.

In conclusion, what we eat can have a big impact on our ability to manage ADHD symptoms. So, let's start paying attention to what we're putting in our bodies and make sure we're fueling ourselves with the right nutrients. Trust me, your brain (and your taste buds) will thank you. I'll include my affiliate links to the supplements and products I personally take and recommend below. Just note I may make a few cents if you happen to purchase these products using my link (which costs you absolutely nothing besides being a homie).

I highly suggest you take one of these Food Intolerance Tests if you have the expendable funds. Nothing could be better for your diet than finding out what you shouldn't be eating from a genetic level, lol.

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Let's be honest... Sometimes it's hard to remember to even eat some days, so it's a good idea to take supplements so you're making sure to get the good stuff...

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