Is your child naughty, or is it somethiing they ate?
Is your child naughty, or is it something they ate?
Children with severe ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) and many with lesser concentration problems can react to 'food triggers'. They have the potential to show a distinct improvement in mood and mind when the offending foods are removed from their diet. When food is considered to be the 'trigger' it is necessary that the food or food group is eliminated for a period of time, to truly establish it's reactive potential. Foods and additives should always be considered when working with behavioural issues, before progressing to a more investigative programme i.e. clinical testing.
Sugar can be a huge trigger with children, as it disturbs their delicate blood sugar balance. All children have a preference for sweet foods, but sucrose or refined sugar can create extreme highs and lows, which can then further impact on mental function.
Although the general perception is that the major food offenders are more likely to be the refined, unhealthy foods, this is not always the case. Fruits and vegetables are also identified as triggers for hyperactivity; these are foods that are rich in chemicals called salicylates. If a child were found to be sensitive to these chemicals they would need to eliminate foods such as:
o Almonds
o Apples
o Apricots
o Berries (all)
o Cherries
o Cucumbers & pickles
o Currants
o Grapes & raisins
o Oranges, nectarines and tangerines
o Peaches
o Peppers (bell & chilli)
o Plums, prunes
Salicylate foods have an aspirin like quality that causes reactions in children and some adults. Some of these foods are packaged and dried especially for consumption of children, these include apricots and currants and raisins. Along with the allergic reaction they cause these fruits, which are very high in sugar, further exacerbate blood sugar problems, causing further behavioural problems.
Both wheat and dairy can be problematic, as can gluten a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Some gluten sensitive individuals may also experience problems with oats.
Tartrazine (E102) is probably the most abundant colouring/additive used in children's foods today and unfortunately is one of the most reactive food chemicals on the market. The problem with E102 is that is leaches zinc out of the body, which is then excreted in the urine. For children who have sensitivity to E102 or who have a very low zinc status, this can be very problematic, as zinc is a major mineral required for the production of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals).
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) or (E621) is another additive that can be problematic to both adults and children. In children's foods it is used mainly in burgers and crisps. Estimates of the numbers of people who react to MSG vary wildly
from 1-2% to as many as 25-30% of the population. The US FDA-documented adverse reactions to MSG, some, which are specific to behaviour, are headache, heart rate change, mood changes, fatigue, and dizziness. Other studies include reactions such as difficulty in concentration, extreme mood swings, depression, difficulty with balance, sleep disturbances and hyperactivity. Reaction time varies, from shortly after consumption, to delayed reactions of up to 48 hours after ingestion. Duration times also vary. Recent research has proposed that too much glutamate causes excessive brain cell excitation that can lead to cell death. It has been further suggested that in the long term this could play a part in neuro-degenerative disease such as Alzheimer and Parkinson's such as Alzheimer and Parkinson's such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Children display a myriad of symptoms from food allergy/intolerance but attention deficit hyperactive disorder is the most publicised. Other symptoms that should be considered, can present in isolation or as part of a 'complex' of behaviour.
o Low or excess energy
o Anger
o Irritability
o Reclusive behaviour, sleepy or drowsy
o Mood swings
o Tantrums
o Withdrawn behaviour due to poor hearing or vision (caused by allergy)
o Poor hand eye co-ordination
o Incomplete or poor communication
o Inability to integrate properly
o Depression
A DIET FIT FOR A CHILD?
CARBOHYDRATES
Complex not refined to provide slow release energy, fibre and vitamins and minerals.
White flour and rice should be substituted for whole grains. Nuts, seeds and pulses, fruits and vegetables should be included daily.
PROTEINS
Are the building blocks for bones, teeth, muscles, ligaments and nails, also the hormonal and nervous system. These require high quality protein, which is vital to enable a growing body to function optimally.
Foods to incorporate:
Dairy, milk, cheese, yoghurt
Eggs, red meat, fish, chicken
Pulses, lentils, grains, oats
Nuts and seeds and soya
Also vegetables contain small amounts.
FATS
The diet should reduce trans and saturated fats (margarine and fried foods) in favour of essential fats to aid health and brain development.
Oily fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, avocados and corn.
WATER
As clean and pure as possible and should be used instead of fizzy, sugary drinks.
LONG TERM…
Acknowledge that your child is an individual. Just because the food is available doesn't necessarily mean that it will suit your child's metabolism or mind. Be aware that food is an extremely powerful tool in your child's development.
About the Author
Patricia Niland is a nutritional therapist who produces personalized programmes for individuals to improve their health and wellbeing.
To Contact - UKfoodguru@aol.com
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