What to do if you have both ulcerative colitis and ADHD

Having both conditions can be quite challenging. The presence of UC symptoms may affect the ability to manage ADHD, while ADHD symptoms may affect the ability to manage UC.

Managing stress

Living with both conditions can be quite stressful. And stress may worsen the symptoms of both conditions, creating a challenging cycle that’s hard to break.

Here are some ways to reduce stress:

• Create a structured routine. Wake up and sleep at the same time each day to help regulate your body, helping both conditions. Eat meals at the same time each day to support digestion, which is important for UC.
• Plan your day. This can help you stay organised and track any events you have. It can be especially useful for managing ADHD, as forgetfulness and disorganisation are common symptoms.
• Exercise regularly. Engaging in physical activity can help relieve stress and improve symptoms of both conditions.

Dietary changes

A well-balanced diet is essential for managing UC and ADHD. Focus on a balanced approach that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and high-fibre foods (when tolerated). Avoid foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and ‘trigger foods’.

For ADHD, some research has found that junk foods, highly processed foods, and unhealthy snacks may worsen symptoms, whereas a nutrient-rich diet can be beneficial.^[1]

For UC, studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate UC symptoms. But red and processed meats, saturated fats, and greasy, highly processed foods may increase inflammation and worsen UC symptoms.^[2]

These are general guidelines for a healthy and suitable diet, but what works for you may vary.

Managing anaemia

People with UC have an increased risk of developing anaemia. Leaving it untreated can cause fatigue and worsen ADHD symptoms.^[3]

Iron supplements are most commonly used to treat anaemia. But severe cases might need treatment with iron injections or a blood transfusion.

Medication and nutritional supplements

Taking medication can be more complex when you have both conditions.

Medicines for ADHD may affect the gut microbiome, which can worsen UC symptoms and trigger flare-ups.^[4] Your doctor will work with you to find the most suitable medicine for both conditions.

It might be beneficial to take vitamin D and probiotics. Vitamin D deficiency can worsen symptoms of both conditions and may lead to flare-ups in UC. ^[5][6]

Probiotics can support gut health and may help with ADHD and UC by improving the gut microbiome. Probiotics containing lactobacillus strains and Bifidobacterium longum are found to be effective for ADHD,^[7] while E. coli Nissle is beneficial for UC.^[8] But it’s important to ask your doctor for advice before starting any new supplements.

Back to:

Overview

The link between ADHD and UC

How ADHD and UC symptoms overlap

References 

1. Pinto, S., et al. (2022). Eating Patterns and Dietary Interventions in ADHD: A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 14(20), 4332.

2. Herrador-López, M., et al. (2023). Dietary Interventions in Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review of the Evidence with Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 15(19), 4194.

3. Bener, A., et al. (2014). Higher Prevalence of Iron Deficiency as Strong Predictor of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children. Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, 4(Suppl 3), S291.

4. Boonchooduang, N., et al. (2025). Impact of psychostimulants on microbiota and short-chain fatty acids alterations in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 1-16.

5. Crohnsandcolitis.org.uk. (2016). Research study: Vitamin D and IBD.

6. Khoshbakht, Y., et al. (2018). Vitamin D Status and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Advances in Nutrition, 9(1), 9.

7. Khanna, H. N., et al. (2022). Emerging Role and Place of Probiotics in the Management of Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Euroasian Journal of Hepato-Gastroenterology, 12(2), 102.

8. Fedorak, R. N. (2010). Probiotics in the Management of Ulcerative Colitis. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 6(11), 688.