Can Dietary Changes Improve ADHD Symptoms?

PostedSeptember 22, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 22, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Many people with ADHD explore how ADHD diet changes can support medication and improve symptoms. While diet alone cannot replace traditional ADHD treatments, certain nutritional changes and healthy eating habits may help enhance focus, reduce hyperactivity, and manage mood swings.

Key Nutritional Considerations

A balanced nutrition plan plays a key role in brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are essential for brain health and have been shown to improve focus and cognitive function in individuals with ADHD.

Protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, eggs, and legumes, help stabilise blood sugar levels, which can have a positive impact on focus and energy throughout the day. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates (like whole grains and vegetables) provide sustained energy and avoid blood sugar crashes that can worsen ADHD symptoms.

Food Sensitivities and ADHD

Some children and adults with ADHD may have sensitivities to certain food additives, such as artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Elimination diets, which remove these ingredients, can be beneficial for some individuals in improving behaviour and concentration. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider before making drastic dietary changes to ensure proper nutrition is maintained.

Meal Planning and Consistency

Regular meal planning is crucial for ensuring a consistent intake of essential nutrients. Skipping meals or relying on processed foods can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, which may exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

In conclusion, while ADHD diet changes can provide support for symptom management, they should complement other treatment strategies, such as medication and therapy, for the best outcomes.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Medications for ADHD.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.