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It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that many of the symptoms associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the often over-diagnosed condition tacked on many young people, can be treated by simply altering or supplementing one's diet. And a new study published in the journal Pediatrics helps confirm this, noting that when drugs and behavioral therapies are ineffective, ridding the diet of toxic additives, for instance, and consuming more whole, organic foods is the best route to take.

There is still much debate over what ADHD actually is, and whether or not it is even a valid "condition" at all, at least in the way most people define a health condition. Some say ADHD is a true disease attributable to family history and genetics, while others point to petrochemical-based food dyes, artificial additives, synthetic sweeteners, and processed foods as triggers of the brain abnormalities that spur inattentiveness and uncontrollable behavior.

Well, it appears that even mainstream science is finally coming around - sort of - to the idea that diet plays a crucial role in improving behavior, focus, and mental capacity in many that have been diagnosed with ADHD. While stopping shy of recommending dietary changes as a primary approach to ADHD, doctors from Northwestern University Medical School at least say that dietary changes constitute a secondary option.

A systematic review of controlled scientific studies on ADHD and diet apparently turned up conflicting for the researchers, with some studies showing a benefit, and others not. However, many cases still show incredible success in reversing ADHD symptoms by simply decreasing or eliminating intake of refined sugars, for instance, or any foods that contain synthetic sweeteners, preservatives, or colorings.

"A greater attention to the education of parents and children in a healthy dietary pattern, omitting items shown to predispose to ADHD, is perhaps the most promising and practical complementary or alternative treatment of ADHD," said the study.

There are many parents that swear by dietary alterations as their primary mode of intervention, though. Since dietary-induced inflammation and neurotoxicity is considered by many to be a primary cause of ADHD symptoms, eliminating these toxic triggers from the diet and replacing them with healthy alternatives rich in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and amino acids is a great way for many people to help cure and even reverse ADHD.

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Healthy eating may help ADHD kids: US study