196. Eating more fruits and vegetables helps children with ADHD
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
A healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables might help kids with ADHD, according to a new study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience. Researchers at Ohio State surveyed parents of 134 children with ADHD symptoms. They asked about typical foods the children ate and portion sizes. They also inquired about ADHD inattention symptoms, like having difficulty staying focused, trouble remembering things, struggling to follow instructions, and difficulty regulating emotions. The researchers found that children who consumed more fruits and vegetables showed less severe symptoms of inattention. ADHD is thought to involve low levels of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. A well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables might make it easier for the body to make those chemicals and improve kids’ attention and brain function.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
