Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (105 page)

Lettuce, which contains natural plant chemicals that aid relaxation.

Flax oil on salads or stirred into cooked grains and vegetables.

Magnesium-rich foods such as green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, fish, meat, whole grains, and pulses.

GET YOUR CHILD TO AVOID

Sugar, soft drinks, processed foods, preservatives, colorings and additives, refined carbohydrates, caffeine (in tea, coffee, colas, and chocolate), and salt. It’s far better to try this first before subjecting your child or yourself to years of medication.

Almonds, apples, grapes, peppermint, apricots, cherries, currants, berries, peaches, plums, prunes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and oranges, which contain salicylates, which have been found to aggravate ADHD in some children.

Sulphites—these are often used as preservatives in dried fruit, so buy organic when possible.

SUPPLEMENTS

Magnesium, which is a natural muscle and nerve relaxant.

Zinc—low zinc levels are often a factor in ADHD and zinc can combat the effects of high lead and copper.

Fish oils—these are needed for brain function and mood stability.

Evening primrose oil.

Vitamin B complex.

Vitamin C.