Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: H006
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.H006
Published online: 22 April 2026
Integrating mindfulness and diet to support stress management in ADHD
Gabriela Gutowska-Kurant* and Małgorzata Kostecka
Department of Chemistry, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: gabriela.gutowska-kurant@up.edu.pl
The Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that frequently persists into adulthood and affects cognitive control, behavior regulation, stress levels, and quality of life. The global prevalence of ADHD is roughly 5% in children and somewhat lower in adults, though estimates vary widely depending on diagnostic criteria and study methods. This review synthesizes evidence on mindfulness-based interventions and dietary factors as complementary approaches to support stress management and symptom outcomes in individuals with ADHD.
A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted focusing on studies published up to 2020. Databases including PubMed were searched for research on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in ADHD and diet-related interventions examining the impact of specific dietary patterns, nutrients, and elimination protocols on ADHD symptoms or related behaviors. Both adults and pediatric populations were considered, and quality indicators such as control conditions and standardized outcome measures were noted.
Findings indicate that MBIs (e.g., mindfulness meditation programs such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) have demonstrated moderate beneficial effects on core ADHD symptoms and overall functioning in adults and children. Improvements were observed in self-reported attention and observer-rated symptoms compared with control groups, suggesting enhancement of regulation and attentional control. Dietary evidence is more mixed: while some interventions especially elimination diets or specific nutrient supplementation (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D) show small improvements in behavior or emotional symptoms, overall results are inconsistent due to heterogeneity in diet protocols and study designs. Mindfulness practices appear promising as a complementary strategy for supporting stress management and ADHD symptomatology, potentially enhancing self-regulation and executive function. Dietary modifications may yield modest benefits but require further high-quality, controlled research to clarify their role.
Integrating mindfulness and nutrition into holistic ADHD management plans may offer additive value for stress reduction and daily functioning, especially when traditional pharmacologic approaches are insufficient or poorly tolerated.
Keywords: ADHD; diet; mindfulness
How to cite
Gutowska-Kurant G., Kostecka M., 2026. Integrating mindfulness and diet to support stress management in ADHD. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.H006