It seems that everyone these days knows a child with Attention
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This condition has certainly
solidified its position in the American vernacular in recent decades, as
significant numbers of American children have been diagnosed with ADHD.
While it will come as no surprise to Natural Knowledge 24/7
readers, many parents are unaware that they could be exacerbating their
child's condition through the foods they feed them. A better diet may be
the key to calming down hyperactive youngsters while giving their
parents a much-needed rest.
The Rundown on ADHD
According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 3 to 5 percent of American children have ADHD. Some researchers, however, peg the number at about 8 to 10 percent. A significant number of ADHD experts believe that children never outgrow the condition.
Children
with ADHD tend to have difficulty with staying focused and following
instructions. They tend to struggle with paying attention, and often
display impulsive tendencies. In addition, children with this condition
have problems with fidgeting and remaining physically calm. A more
detailed list of ADHD symptoms in young children can be seen below:
The Possible Root Causes of ADHD
To date, researchers have not conclusively identified the causes of ADHD. However, they have proposed a number of theories as to how the disorder is passed onto children. One explanation states that the condition is hereditary, as it has been known to run in families. Another theory holds that children with ADHD have an imbalance of neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that transmit nerve impulses. Other researchers have hypothesized that ADHD occurs when the attention-controlling sections of the brain are weak and underdeveloped. There is also evidence that suggests that children who suffer traumatic head injuries may develop ADHD.
ADHD and Nutrition: The Do's and Don'ts
While there is no cure for ADHD, the impact of the disorder can be blunted through proper dieting, as there are several types of foods that can stymie the effects of ADHD. However, there are also foods that should be avoided or consumed sparingly by ADHD sufferers.
Good Choices for Treating ADHD
Essential Fatty Acids
- Numerous studies have linked ADHD with a lack of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Especially important are omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA. EFAs reinforce and bolster the brain's communication system. They also ensure that dopamine and serotonin, two brain chemicals that impact a person's attention span and motivation levels, are produced in appropriate amounts. EFAs are heavily concentrated in trout, albacore tuna, salmon, whole grains, spinach, Brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic, walnuts and flax seeds.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
- Magnesium, the fourth most prominent mineral in the human body, can be an effective weapon against ADHD. A deficiency in Magnesium can lead to a host of symptoms synonymous with ADHD, including inattention, irritability, hyperactivity and aggression. Vitamin B6 allows Magnesium to enter the body's blood cells, which over time can mitigate the effects of ADHD. Both Magnesium and Vitamin B6 can be found in spinach, halibut, salmon, turkey, chicken, peanuts, and peas.
Calcium
- Medical research has shown that low levels of calcium and ADHD often go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, calcium is easy to find in the grocery store. Common products rich in calcium include low-fat milk, American cheese, Swiss cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, broccoli, kale and salmon. Specifically, calcium can alleviate hyperactivity, inattention and sleep or behavior problems.
Zinc
- Another mineral with a proven track record of combating ADHD is zinc. Research suggests zinc can be very helpful to children with ADHD, reducing impulsivity, hyperactivity and social impairment. Good bets for finding zinc include beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, peas, egg yolks and yogurt.
Iron
- Children with ADHD are often lacking in Iron, a mineral which stabilizes the brain's production of dopamine. This is an especially easy mineral to get a hold of, as it is found in a wide variety of foods. Shoppers looking for iron can find it in fish, shrimp, clams, oysters, chicken, eggs, beef, pork, hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, soybeans, green beans, broccoli, spinach, turnips, green peppers, tomatoes, apples and raisins. If that list isn't enough, you can also find iron in whole-grain breads and cereals. It is important to note that dairy products can make it difficult for the body to absorb zinc. Therefore, avoid dairy items for an hour before or after consuming zinc-heavy products.
Protein
- This well-known compound is renowned for its muscle-building properties. However, it can bring a calming effect to people afflicted with ADHD. The dairy and poultry sections of your supermarket are loaded with excellent sources of protein, such as low-fat milk, cheeses, eggs, fish and virtually every kind of meat.
Substances to be Avoided/Used Sparingly
Sugar
- No doubt you've heard that sugar can send youngsters into hyper drive. This is 100 percent true - sugar boosts your child's blood sugar level, making them hyperactive. Additionally, sugar saps the body of all sorts of crucial minerals, vitamins and enzymes. Sugar can be harder to avoid than you may think - even otherwise healthy foods like yogurt are loaded with as much sugar as ice cream. Sugar can also masquerade under other labels, such as high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose and fructose.
Additives
- Additives are artificial flavors and dyes that are often used to market products to children. They are commonly found in such items as candy, bubblegum, cake decorations and even certain types of crackers. Even though these additives have received the FDA's blessing, they are absolutely toxic for a child with ADHD.
Hydrogenated Oils
- Hydrogenated oils have a well-deserved reputation as a diet-buster, as they are prime sources of unhealthy fats. Now there is another reason to avoid them - they actually interfere with the mechanics of the brain, making it more difficult for the brain to operate the body's nervous system. Next time you go shopping, check the nutrition labels of your food to see if they have saturated fats or trans fats.
Caffeine
- For countless numbers of adults, the workday doesn't truly begin until they have had a cup of coffee or tea. And while it's true that caffeine may giveth, caffeine also taketh away, as it robs your body bones of key nutrients. Caffeine can be especially harmful to ADHD sufferers, as their nervous systems may operate less effectively due to excessive caffeine intake. Carbonated drinks and some types of desserts and chocolates usually have large amounts of caffeine.
Salt
- Salt, which is heavily sprinkled on chips, tortilla chips, pretzels and crackers, poses a significant dietary threat to ADHD patients. Salt is 40 percent sodium, which can deplete the body of minerals and inhibit the performance of the nervous system. Instead of snacking on salt-laden chips and crackers, children with ADHD should opt for fruits and vegetables instead.
The Rundown on ADHD
According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 3 to 5 percent of American children have ADHD. Some researchers, however, peg the number at about 8 to 10 percent. A significant number of ADHD experts believe that children never outgrow the condition.
Children
with ADHD tend to have difficulty with staying focused and following
instructions. They tend to struggle with paying attention, and often
display impulsive tendencies. In addition, children with this condition
have problems with fidgeting and remaining physically calm. A more
detailed list of ADHD symptoms in young children can be seen below:- Easily distracted by his/her surroundings
- Fails to finish tasks
- Does not pay attention when being spoken to
- Makes easily avoidable mistakes by not listening to instructions
- Consistently forgets to do routine activities
- Struggles with creating a daily schedule and sticking to it
- Has difficulty performing tasks that require sustained effort or remaining still
- Squirms, fidgets and bounces while sitting
- Is constantly running, moving and climbing on things
- Daydreams frequently
- Frequently interrupts others
- Yells out answers to question before question is completely asked
The Possible Root Causes of ADHD
To date, researchers have not conclusively identified the causes of ADHD. However, they have proposed a number of theories as to how the disorder is passed onto children. One explanation states that the condition is hereditary, as it has been known to run in families. Another theory holds that children with ADHD have an imbalance of neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that transmit nerve impulses. Other researchers have hypothesized that ADHD occurs when the attention-controlling sections of the brain are weak and underdeveloped. There is also evidence that suggests that children who suffer traumatic head injuries may develop ADHD.
ADHD and Nutrition: The Do's and Don'ts
While there is no cure for ADHD, the impact of the disorder can be blunted through proper dieting, as there are several types of foods that can stymie the effects of ADHD. However, there are also foods that should be avoided or consumed sparingly by ADHD sufferers.
Good Choices for Treating ADHD
Essential Fatty Acids
- Numerous studies have linked ADHD with a lack of essential fatty acids (EFAs). Especially important are omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA. EFAs reinforce and bolster the brain's communication system. They also ensure that dopamine and serotonin, two brain chemicals that impact a person's attention span and motivation levels, are produced in appropriate amounts. EFAs are heavily concentrated in trout, albacore tuna, salmon, whole grains, spinach, Brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic, walnuts and flax seeds.
Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
- Magnesium, the fourth most prominent mineral in the human body, can be an effective weapon against ADHD. A deficiency in Magnesium can lead to a host of symptoms synonymous with ADHD, including inattention, irritability, hyperactivity and aggression. Vitamin B6 allows Magnesium to enter the body's blood cells, which over time can mitigate the effects of ADHD. Both Magnesium and Vitamin B6 can be found in spinach, halibut, salmon, turkey, chicken, peanuts, and peas.
Calcium
- Medical research has shown that low levels of calcium and ADHD often go hand-in-hand. Fortunately, calcium is easy to find in the grocery store. Common products rich in calcium include low-fat milk, American cheese, Swiss cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, broccoli, kale and salmon. Specifically, calcium can alleviate hyperactivity, inattention and sleep or behavior problems.
Zinc
- Another mineral with a proven track record of combating ADHD is zinc. Research suggests zinc can be very helpful to children with ADHD, reducing impulsivity, hyperactivity and social impairment. Good bets for finding zinc include beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, peas, egg yolks and yogurt.
Iron
- Children with ADHD are often lacking in Iron, a mineral which stabilizes the brain's production of dopamine. This is an especially easy mineral to get a hold of, as it is found in a wide variety of foods. Shoppers looking for iron can find it in fish, shrimp, clams, oysters, chicken, eggs, beef, pork, hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, soybeans, green beans, broccoli, spinach, turnips, green peppers, tomatoes, apples and raisins. If that list isn't enough, you can also find iron in whole-grain breads and cereals. It is important to note that dairy products can make it difficult for the body to absorb zinc. Therefore, avoid dairy items for an hour before or after consuming zinc-heavy products.
Protein
- This well-known compound is renowned for its muscle-building properties. However, it can bring a calming effect to people afflicted with ADHD. The dairy and poultry sections of your supermarket are loaded with excellent sources of protein, such as low-fat milk, cheeses, eggs, fish and virtually every kind of meat.
Substances to be Avoided/Used Sparingly
Sugar
- No doubt you've heard that sugar can send youngsters into hyper drive. This is 100 percent true - sugar boosts your child's blood sugar level, making them hyperactive. Additionally, sugar saps the body of all sorts of crucial minerals, vitamins and enzymes. Sugar can be harder to avoid than you may think - even otherwise healthy foods like yogurt are loaded with as much sugar as ice cream. Sugar can also masquerade under other labels, such as high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose and fructose.
Additives
- Additives are artificial flavors and dyes that are often used to market products to children. They are commonly found in such items as candy, bubblegum, cake decorations and even certain types of crackers. Even though these additives have received the FDA's blessing, they are absolutely toxic for a child with ADHD.
Hydrogenated Oils
- Hydrogenated oils have a well-deserved reputation as a diet-buster, as they are prime sources of unhealthy fats. Now there is another reason to avoid them - they actually interfere with the mechanics of the brain, making it more difficult for the brain to operate the body's nervous system. Next time you go shopping, check the nutrition labels of your food to see if they have saturated fats or trans fats.
Caffeine
- For countless numbers of adults, the workday doesn't truly begin until they have had a cup of coffee or tea. And while it's true that caffeine may giveth, caffeine also taketh away, as it robs your body bones of key nutrients. Caffeine can be especially harmful to ADHD sufferers, as their nervous systems may operate less effectively due to excessive caffeine intake. Carbonated drinks and some types of desserts and chocolates usually have large amounts of caffeine.
Salt
- Salt, which is heavily sprinkled on chips, tortilla chips, pretzels and crackers, poses a significant dietary threat to ADHD patients. Salt is 40 percent sodium, which can deplete the body of minerals and inhibit the performance of the nervous system. Instead of snacking on salt-laden chips and crackers, children with ADHD should opt for fruits and vegetables instead.
Michael Harris is a contributer to Natural Knowledge 24/7, a
monthly newletter focusing on health and wellness issues. This article,
along with many others covering a wide range of subjects, can be found
at
http://naturalknowledge247.com/ "
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_V_Harris
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