Overexcitement, lack of focus and impulsivity are normal occurrences of childhood. However, if these behaviors are frequently causing trouble at school, at home or with peer relationships, they may be signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also called ADHD. It is a common condition in children that often persists into adulthood. Dietary changes and natural supplements may help. Ask a qualified health care practitioner which ADHD treatments are appropriate for you or your child.
Eliminating Additives
In the late 1960s, pediatric allergist Benjamin Feingold began to make public claims that preservatives, artificial flavors and food dyes were responsible for hyperactivity in children. He claimed that up to 50percent of his patients showed significant behavioral improvements after eliminating these substances from their diets. Feingold's ideas were met with resistance from the scientific community, but a 2007 study published in "Lancet" lends credence to his observations.
In the study, a group of children was given a flavored drink with food additives, and another group of children was given the same flavored drink minus the artificial ingredients. The group of children who received the additive-laden drink showed a rise in hyperactivity, while the other group did not. More research is necessary before the food additive controversy is put to rest, but interested parents can try cutting artificial ingredients from their children's diets to see if symptoms improve.
Cutting Down on Sugar
Parents often cite sugar as a culprit in ADHD symptoms, but according to the National Institute of Mental Health, scientific evidence suggests that it does not play a significant role. The Institute cites studies in which children were given either refined sugar or a sweet sugar-free substitute. No behavioral differences could be seen. In a study where mothers were told their children were fed sugar but in fact were not, the mothers rated their children higher on the hyperactivity scale.
Nutritional Supplements
Research fellow Natalie Sinn of the University of South Australia writes in "Nutrition Reviews" that people with ADHD may have insufficient levels of certain nutrients in their bloodstreams. Scientists have found that children with ADHD are more likely to be deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium and iron than their counterparts without ADHD. According to Sinn, small clinical trials in which children were given these supplements have yielded promising results. Supplements may be useful for children with these dietary deficiencies. A good multivitamin typically provides all of these nutrients except for the omega-3 fatty acids. Those can be obtained with fish oil supplements or two servings per week of oily fish like herring, mackerel or salmon. Use nutritional supplements under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
Herbal Supplements
In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition consultant Phyllis Balch suggests that the herbal supplements ginseng, ginkgo biloba, bacopa and valerian root extract may be helpful for ADHD. Ginseng is reputed to enhance memory. Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement for boosting concentration and cognitive function. Bacopa is a traditional Ayurvedic brain tonic, and valerian root has calming properties that may help with hyperactivity. Ask a qualified health care provider if these herbal supplements are appropriate for your child.
References
- "Lancet"; Food Additives and Hyperactive Behavior in 3-Year-Old and 8/9-Year-Old Children in the Community; D. McCann, et al.; November 2007
- National Institute of Mental Health: What Causes ADHD?
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Nutritional and Dietary Influences on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; N. Sinn; October 2008
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2006
