ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is the one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children, characterized by inattentiveness and hyperactivity. In the home, a child with ADHD may appear controlling, impulsive and restless. In a school environment, the child may be antisocial, appear disorganized and fidgety, talk excessively, interrupt others, daydream frequently or have trouble concentrating. It is normal for children to have some trouble focusing and behaving every once in a while, but children with ADHD do not grow out of this behavior. Symptoms must exist for at least six months for a positive diagnosis to be made.
Statistics
According to the CDC "Vital and Health Statistics" published in 2008, three to seven percent of school-aged children suffer from ADHD. The typical age of diagnosis is six years, although some diagnoses of ADHD have been made in adult years. A family history of diabetes, obesity, alcoholism or allergies is associated with an increased risk of ADHD in children, as well as exposure to alcohol, nicotine or cocaine in pregnancy. Premature births, low birth weight or complications at birth also increase the risk of development. In the United States, males are five to 10 times more affected than females; the diagnosis is significantly higher in non-Hispanics, primarily English-speaking children and in families with incomes below the poverty threshold.
Food Sensitivities
Although controversial, one of the primary causes of ADHD can be attributed to specific food sensitivities such as allergies, chemical additives and artificial food coloring. The most common food allergies include cow's milk, peanut, wheat, certain types of fish and soy. An elimination diet may positively affect the hyperactive child's behavior. An elimination diet includes "eliminating" certain foods from the diet including the aforementioned allergy-triggering foods, foods with artificial coloring, and foods with chemical additives or preservatives. John E. Huxsahl, M.D. from the Mayo Clinic reports that "food additives and colorings that may increase hyperactive behavior in children include sodium benzoate, FD&C yellow number 6, D&C yellow number 10, FD&C yellow number 5 and FD&C red number 40. FD&C yellow number 5 is used in beverages, candy, ice cream and custard and may be more likely to cause reactions than other additives."
Hypoglycemia
The levels of glucose in the blood directly influence the functioning of brain and nerve cells. Many children with ADHD may also be struggling with blood sugar fluctuations. According to Melvyn R. Werbach, M.D. in the "Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine" published in 1995, "there is evidence of a relationship between hypoglycemic tendencies and altered behavior, specifically aggressive behavioral syndrome." Snacking throughout the day with high-protein snacks can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Ideally, children and adults with hypoglycemia should have small, frequent meals approximately every three hours. Hard-boiled eggs, mozzarella cheese, organic almonds or small bites of chicken are some choices.
Soft Drinks
In addition to food colorings, high levels of sugar and corn syrup in soft drinks have also been associated with behavioral aberrations in children and teens. The "American Journal of Public Health" reported in 2006 that high consumption levels of sugar-containing soft drinks are associated with mental health problems among adolescents even after adjustment for possible confounders, or variables. Limiting the number of sodas a child consumes per day can improve behavior, as well as overall health, as children who decrease their intake of soft drinks are less likely to develop diabetes or obesity later in life.
Ketogenic Diet
Improvement in attention span has been reported in ADHD children who follow a ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is a high fat, low protein and low carbohydrate diet. A 2006 article published in the journal "Experimental Neurology," states, "The ketogenic diet can cause a decrease in activity level within 24 hours and the results are reversible. The ketogenic diet may be of use in the treatment of ADHD." It is important to note that there are "good" fats and "bad" fats. Like adults, children should not consume increased amounts of bad fats, as it will likely have deleterious health effects. Unhealthy fats include trans fats, which are found in processed foods such as cookies, popcorn, margarine, doughnuts, chips and French fries.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids such as omega-3s from fish oil or flax seed oils are considered "good" fats. A study published in the "American Journal of Nutrition" in 2000 states, "Subjects with lower compositions of total n-3 fatty acids had significantly more behavioral problems, temper tantrums, and learning, health, and sleep problems than did those with high proportions of n-3 fatty acids." In fact, many physicians who treat ADHD patients are now recommending to parents that children with hyperactivity be provided with daily essential fatty acid supplementation.
References
- "European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry"; A randomized controlled trial into the effects of food on ADHD
- Mayo Clinic Foundation for Medical Education and Research: ADHD
- "American Journal of Public Health"; Consumption of soft drinks and hyperactivity, mental distress and conduct problems among adolescents
- "Experimental Neurology"; The ketogenic diet causes a reversible decrease in activity level
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
