subject: Can a Diet For Hyperactivity Really Be Effective in Calming Down a Child? [print this page] There are many supporters still of the DrThere are many supporters still of the Dr. Feingold Diet as being the ideal diet for hyperactivity. This diet claims that once all additives and artificial colors are removed from a child's diet, then ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention will be much reduced and the child will be able to function much more normally. There are others who claim that ear infections and bedwetting will also be solved by using this diet. Dr. Feingold's detractors state that the actual numbers of children who might become hyperactive because of these colourings in their food is not significant, statistically speaking. The debate rages on.
A much more interesting clinical study showed that those hyperactive children on a mix of vitamins, minerals and the EFAs such as Omega 3 plus some amino acids showed an improvement in their ADHD symptoms. This improvement was very similar to a group of children who had been put on the methylphenidate drug known as Ritalin. It would seem that a diet for hyperactivity could really be a valid proposition and that the side effects and health risks of such a diet would be nil, as opposed to the risks associated with psychostimulants.
Other research studies have shown that ADHD children have certain nutritional deficiencies such as a lack of Vitamin B, magnesium, zinc and Omega 3. it would seem sensible to make sure that these deficiencies were supplemented by a proper balanced diet for hyperactivity and all would be well.
Again more research is needed. There is the group of supporters who claim that a gluten and/or casein free diet is the answer when we want to consider a diet for hyperactivity. Cutting out all dairy products and all wheat and flour based products could be the answer although every child is quite unique so making a general statement here is hardly helpful. I know some ADHD children who have really improved using these diets.
Looking at all the evidence above, I really think that the secret of a diet for ADHD is to make sure that there is as less processed food as possible. Then we should ensure that our children are given lots of fresh fruit, lot of lean meat such as turkey and chicken, lots of fresh vegetables and the whole grain cereals and breads. Nuts and smoothies should be used for snacks. There is no need to make major changes suddenly but the gradual increase of the above foods will definitely reduce hyperactivity and it will be so much more healthy all round.
Now that we know that a specific diet for hyperactivity does not really exist, we should look at other ways of solving the hyperactivity problem without having to resort to psychostimulants. Why not check out my website for a few more ideas?
Can a Diet For Hyperactivity Really Be Effective in Calming Down a Child?
