Food For Hyperactive And High Energy Kids

The National Academies Press suggests that certain foods and food additives can worsen behaviors in hyperactive and high energy kids. The studies conducted at the University of Southampton, UK, imply that by eliminating these foods and replacing them with healthful alternatives, your child's behavior can improve without the use of pharmaceutical medications.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid foods that contain artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial sugars and preservatives that are created chemically in a laboratory. These substances were seen in studies conducted at the National Institute of Health to negatively affect the mental health of children and to cause the symptoms of ADHD and autism to worsen. Inspect the labels on the processed or packaged foods that you buy to ensure that you are not giving your child foods that contain artificial ingredients.

Foods to Include

Include foods that will nourish the nervous system. These foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and omega fatty acid supplements. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that provide the body with the nutrients it needs in order to function at optimum levels. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in large amounts in flax seed oil, hemp seed oil and cod liver oil, and in smaller amounts in meat and fish. In studies reported at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, supplementing hyperactive children with omega fatty acids can diminish ADHD symptoms. (reference 4)

Considerations

Chemical toxins can exist in foods that are not certified organic. This is because non-organic fruits, vegetables and oils may be cultivated using chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides that can leave toxic residues on the food. Provide your child with foods that are free of these chemical toxins to ensure that she is only receiving the benefits from these foods.

Warnings

Check with a naturopath or family doctor before altering or eliminating certain foods from your child's diet. If your child is currently on medication, seek the advice of your naturopath or doctor before suddenly stopping the medication. Certain medications need to be decreased slowly before stopping them altogether.