More and more children are diagnosed with hyperactivity or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, often called ADHD, each year, according to Medscape.com. Parents find themselves looking for solutions to calm their high energy children, either in combination with medication or to avoid medication altogether. Diets aimed at treating hyperactivity have been around since the 1970s, and studies and the American Academy of Pediatrics are now confirming parents' observations of the benefits of dietary changes, including reduced hyperactive behavior.
History
Dr. Ben Feingold developed the "KP" diet while working as the chief allergist at San Francisco's Kaiser Permanante Medical Center in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Feingold recognized reactions to a variety of food additives in his patients and introduced the diet, based on the Mayo Clinic's Lockey Allergy Diet. While the original diet was intended for those suffering from allergies, he recognized that some 50% of hyperactive children showed behavioral improvements with dietary changes.
Considerations
While many people may think of caffeine or sugar as contributing to hyperactive behavior, the key culprits appear to be food additives, preservatives, colorings and artificial flavors found in many processed foods. In their article "Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community" published in the Nov. 3, 2007 issue of "The Lancet," McCann and colleagues report that children had increased hyperactivity when they consumed food colorings and the preservative sodium benzoate. The Feingold diet removes all of these foods from the diet of children with hyperactivity, while supporting the child's health and well being with a well-balanced diet.
After years of controversy, the American Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that a trial of an additive- and coloring-free diet is a reasonable intervention for children with ADHD. Some parents opt to try elimination diets to identify food sensitivities that may trigger hyperactive behavior, but this should only be done under the supervision of a registered dietitian, suggests ADDitudemag.com.
Types
ADDitudemag.com suggests that parents offer a diet high in protein, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Children need 24 to 30 grams of protein daily, reports child psychologist Vincent J. Monastra, Ph.D. Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains, rather than simple ones, like those found in white flour or sugar. Foods rich in essential fatty acids, like nuts, olive oil, and some types of fish may be beneficial. These foods form a healthy, well-balanced diet appropriate for any child, but are especially important for a child with ADHD.
Benefits
The Feingold diet reports success rates ranging from 68% to 90%, according to Feingold.org. The success of dietary modifications is measured by observations of behavior at home and in the classroom. Parents may find it helpful to make dietary changes one at a time, both to track behavioral changes and improve compliance. This can make it easier to monitor benefits and behavior. You may find it helpful to keep a journal with information about both your child's eating habits as well as their behavior each day to recognize any possible trigger foods.
Effects
Your doctor can be your best ally in determining a full treatment regimen for your child. Diet is only one portion of that full treatment protocol, which may also include behavior modification and medication. Include your child in the process if at all possible to improve his diet compliance and allow him to feel a sense of personal power over his behavior.
