I bet that many parents who have children who suffer from ADHD think that diet is marginal and that an ADHD
diet can only make life more complicated than it really is. Let me try and persuade you that the food children eat really does have an impact on their development and especially as regards
hyperactivity and other related ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) problems.
I want to list some of the research studies done in this area and if you already are converted, you can take a pat on the back. If you are sceptical, you may want to reflect on the information here.
We now know that there is a lack of essential minerals and vitamins in many children's diets. This is mainly due to snack and junk foods. The main ones lacking are magnesium, amino acids,
vitamin C,
omega 3, iron and zinc. In one research project a group of children were given 200mg of magnesium for a trial period of six months. A second group were given the usual placebo. At the end of the trial period, there was notable reduction in hyperactivity and restlessness in the group who had been given magnesium. Similar results were found for all the other essential minerals mentioned above.
A few studies have been done to show that an excess of sugar can lead to hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Even though these studies are somewhat controversial, we will be doing our children a great favour in reducing
sugar intake to avoid other problems like
obesity and diabetes. Sugary drinks like Gatorade and other pop should be replaced with water.
The British Food Agency carried out a large scale study and they found that certain colourings and additives (E102, E104 and E110 in particular) found in children's snacks were to blame for increased
hyperactivity and other attention deficit disorders. This received a lot of attention in the press recently and raised awareness of the importance of an ADHD
diet.
We should help our children to avoid exposure to certain metals and aluminium.
Tooth fillings (the amalgam type) and even crowns and dental braces are known to contain certain metals such as nickel, cadmium and mercury which is the most toxic of all.
Omega 3 is contained in fish,
fish oils, borage oils and also flax seed oils. When you are preparing food, you can easily add them, eg, as salad dressings.
Do you need more help with
ADHD ? If you are unsure where to turn and what treatment is valid, you should bear in mind the FDA warning about psychostimulants which are often prescribed without sufficient guidelines eg. these
drugs have possible
cardiovascular risks and risks of adverse psychiatric symptoms ! For more advice you should visit the site below which will help you through the ADHD jungle including advice on medication and a suitable diet for ADHD.
By Robert William Locke
