While certain foods are able to calm, help organize, and sometimes increase attention for children with ADHD and sensory processing disorders (see previous post), other foods are alerting.
Alerting foods can be good to increase the arousal level of children who are typically low arousal. They may also need to be considered foods to avoid during particular points of the day when inattention, hyperactivity, or sensory challenges may be present.
Alerting foods can include:
- CRUNCHY FOOD: like bavarian pretzels, carrots, apples, banana chips, pickles, popcorn, crackers, granola bars, nuts, raw vegetables, etc.
- Sour and spicy flavored foods
- Cold items (ice, popsicles, ice water, ice cream)
- Carbonated drinks
- Sucking on hard candy like Warheads, Fire balls, sour balls, Hot Tamales, etc.
If you are looking for more information on oral strategies, ADD, or sensory processing, consult with an Occupational Therapist at Child and Family Development.
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