Combating fidgeting and a lack of focus, symptoms associated with hyperactivity, might be as a simple as changing your diet. Even healthy people require a nutritious diet for good brain activity, and if you have hyperactivity, the foods in your meal plan may play an even more important role. Consult your physician to determine the right nutrition for you.
Avoid Artificial Colors
You may control symptoms of hyperactivity disorders by avoiding foods that contain artificial colorings. Research published in the November 2007 issue of the "Lancet" journal indicates that a study carried out with 3-year-old and 8- to 9-year-old children with hyperactivity problems revealed that significant behavioral problems were triggered by consumption of artificially colored food and food preservatives. John E. Huxsahl, M.D., a physician with the Mayo Clinic, suggests removing foods containing FD&C Yellow No. 6, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 5 and FD&C Red No.40 from your or your hyperactive child's diet. He notes that FD&C Yellow No. 5, a compound used in many sweets, has a greater effect on behaviors than other artificial colors.
Boost Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids if you suffer from hyperactivity. A study in the September 2010 edition of "Lipids in Health and Disease" points to omega-3 fatty acid intake, along with other nutrients, as a possible treatment option for hyperactive children, although more research is needed to confirm these findings -- other studies indicate that omega-3 fats have no effect. To get more of this healthy fat into your diet, eat fish such as salmon or tuna, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and flax seed.
Get Your Vitamins and Minerals
Eating a well-rounded diet might be the key to controlling hyperactivity. The June 2009 Harvard Medical School newsletter includes information about the benefits of adequate vitamin and mineral intake for people with hyperactivity and hyperactivity disorders. Endeavor to include the right amount of zinc, iron, magnesium and vitamin B-6 in your meal plan. You can get these nutrients by drinking fortified milk and eating beef, pork, nuts, tofu, beans and spinach.
Skip the Sugar
Eating too much sugar can make even a healthy person jittery; if you have hyperactivity problems, even a small amount of sugar can exacerbate symptoms. Evidence in the March 2011 "Journal of Child Health Care" reveals that sugar triggers sleep disturbances associated with hyperactivity; researchers suggest that, while more research is needed, lowered sugar consumption may offer a possible treatment option. The amount of sugar that approaches too much is likely to vary from person to person, but healthy people should consume no more than 25 g to 37 g per day.
References
- Precision Nutrition; Does a Healthy Diet Prevent Hyperactivity?; H. Kollias; November 2010
- "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
- MayoClinic.com; ADHD Diet: Do Food Additives Cause Hyperactivity?; John E. Huxsahl, M.D.; November 2009
- "Lipids in Health and Disease"; Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Magnesium and Zinc in Children Seeking Medical Advice for Attention-Deficine/Hyperactivity Problems; M. Huss, et al.; September 2010
- "Tijdschrift Voor Psychiatrie"; Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents with ADHD; A. Aben, et al.; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; June 2009
