Foods That May Affect Tics

8 min read

Many parents wonder whether what their child eats affects their tics. While research remains limited, many families report meaningful improvements from dietary changes. Here's what we know.

The Research Landscape

Scientific studies on dietary triggers for tics are fewer than parents might hope. Most evidence comes from case reports and parent surveys. This doesn't mean diet doesn't matter—it means we need to rely more on careful observation of individual children than on universal rules.

Key insight: One child might react strongly to a food while another shows no response. Your child's response is what matters.

Commonly Reported Triggers

Artificial Additives

Food dyes and artificial preservatives top the list of parent-reported triggers—especially Red dye 40, Yellow 5 and 6, and preservatives like BHA and BHT. These hide in surprising places, including medications and vitamins.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Remember it's in more than coffee: chocolate, many sodas, some teas, and certain medications.

Sugar

The sugar-tic connection gets attention, though research support is weaker than assumed. Blood sugar spikes and crashes may indirectly influence tics. Reducing excessive sugar benefits health regardless.

Gluten and Dairy

Some parents report improvements removing these. For children with celiac disease or dairy allergies, it makes medical sense. For others, evidence is more anecdotal. These are significant undertakings—consider working with a dietitian.

Nutrients That May Help

Magnesium

Some studies find lower magnesium in children with tic disorders. Good sources: nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, leafy greens, whole grains.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Anti-inflammatory properties show possible modest benefits. Sources: fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, or fish oil supplements.

B Vitamins

Essential for nervous system function. A varied diet typically provides enough, but restricted eaters may need supplementation.

The Elimination Approach

Elimination diets temporarily remove suspected triggers, then systematically reintroduce them to identify individual responses.

How to Do It

• Choose what to eliminate (start with artificial additives and caffeine)
• Eliminate for 2-4 weeks while keeping other diet consistent
• Track tic severity throughout
• Reintroduce one food at a time for 2-3 days
• If tics increase, remove that food again

Important Cautions

• Don't restrict without reason — unnecessary restrictions create stress
• Ensure adequate nutrition — work with a dietitian for major eliminations
• Avoid blame — diet changes should be matter-of-fact, not punishment
• Keep perspective — diet is one factor among many

The Bottom Line

Diet may influence tics for some children, but responses are highly individual. Rather than following general advice, systematically observe your own child's responses. Track what you try and what changes. Work with healthcare providers on any significant dietary changes.

For most families, focusing on overall diet quality—plenty of whole foods, adequate nutrients, limited processed foods—provides a reasonable foundation without the stress of strict elimination protocols.