Simplifying the Few Foods Diet for ADHD Management

At Alpine Psychiatry, we believe that understanding the connection between nutrition and mental health can transform how we support individuals with ADHD. One emerging approach—the Few Foods Diet—has shown promise in reducing symptoms in some children. While not for everyone, it opens the door to rethinking how food sensitivities may influence attention, behavior, and mood.

What Is the Few Foods Diet?

Also known as the elimination diet or oligoantigenic diet, the Few Foods Diet involves removing most common foods from a child’s diet for several weeks and gradually reintroducing them. The goal is to identify foods that may trigger or worsen ADHD symptoms due to allergic or inflammatory responses.

This diet typically includes:

Lamb
Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower)
Non-starchy vegetables like carrots and peas
Selected fruits
Specific hypoallergenic oils

It’s a short-term, highly structured plan designed to uncover individualized dietary triggers through careful observation.

Does It Work?

A 2021 study found that 63% of participating children experienced at least a 40% reduction in ADHD symptoms after following the Few Foods Diet for five weeks. While these results are encouraging, it’s important to note that the study had limitations, including an open-label design that may have introduced parental bias. More rigorous research is still needed.

How Long Does the Diet Last?

Most implementations last 3 to 5 weeks, followed by a structured reintroduction phase. Working with a knowledgeable dietitian or integrative provider is essential to ensure that nutritional needs are met while identifying potential triggers.

Less Restrictive Alternatives: The DASH Diet

For families seeking a more flexible option, the DASH diet—originally designed to lower blood pressure—may also help manage ADHD. This diet focuses on:

Whole fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Lean protein (especially fish)
Low-fat dairy
Limiting sugar and processed foods

Some studies suggest modest improvements in ADHD symptoms, particularly when combined with other evidence-based strategies.

How We Support Families at Alpine Psychiatry

At Alpine Psychiatry, we take a holistic and personalized approach to ADHD care. We recognize that no single intervention works for everyone, which is why we integrate:

Nutritional interventions and elimination diets
Therapy and behavioral coaching
Medication management when appropriate
Functional testing and biomedical support

If you're curious about how nutrition could complement your child’s ADHD treatment, we’d love to support you in developing a comprehensive and sustainable plan.

Simplifying the Few Foods Diet for ADHD Management

Jul 02, 2025