Hyperactivity is an overabundance of energy leading to activities that are perceived as excessive or inappropriate by others. Although running and jumping outside may be considered normal, the same behavior inside a classroom is not, so hyperactivity can be relative to the situation. Not being able to control your energy even when you understand what is appropriate is the key to defining hyperactivity. Eating lots of fruit high in simple sugars, such as ripe bananas, may contribute to hyperactive behavior. Switching to fruits high in fiber, antioxidants and complex sugars may be a better idea.
Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity, now known as attention deficit hyperactivity attention disorder or ADHD, is a condition that affects the behaviors and cognitive ability of children and adults. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in children and is characterized by excessive energy, disruptive behavior, short attention spans and an inability to concentrate, according to MayoClinic.com. The cause of ADHD is not entirely understood, but is most likely multifactoral and involves diet to some degree, at least in some who are diagnosed with it. In general, replacing sugary foods with complex carbohydrates, whole grains, protein and minimally processed foods seems to be of benefit to some with ADHD.
Incidence
According to a study published in a 2003 edition of "World Psychiatry," ADHD is more common in children, with at least 1 in 20 American children being affected, and males are three times more likely to be diagnosed than females. The researchers also conclude that ADHD is not just an American disease, but affects the children of all races from many other countries in similar proportions with only few exceptions.
Foods and Fruits to Consider
According to a 2007 article published in "Pediatric Clinics of North America," a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseed, is considered most beneficial for children diagnosed with ADHD. Protein is also important, and good sources include beans, peas, lean meat and fish. For fruits and vegetables, avoid ones with high levels of simple sugars and high glycemic indexes, such as overly ripe bananas, pineapple, white rice and potatoes. The glycemic index measures a food's impact on blood-sugar levels and insulin release. Fruits such as cherries, apricots, apples, pears, peaches and grapes have low glycemic indexes because they contain fewer simple sugars and take longer to digest.
Benefits of Fruit
Fruits should not be the staple of any child's diet, especially if they have ADHD, but they are of benefit in moderation. In addition to low glycemic indexes, fruits such as cherries, berries, grapes and apples contain dietary fiber, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that contribute to the overall health of children and may impact behavior.
Caution
The fruit you consume should be washed thoroughly because "Time" points out research that was concluded in 2010 that found high levels of pesticides in commercially grown fruit and vegetables that is potentially linked to the increased rates of ADHD in children. The Canadian researchers noted that organophosphates were detected in 28 percent of frozen blueberries and in 19 percent of celery in samples tested for pesticides.
References
- MayoClinic.com: ADHD
- "World Psychiatry"; The Worldwide Prevalence of ADHD: Is it an American Condition?; S.V. Faraone et al.; June 2003
- "Pediatric Clinics of North America"; Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism; W. Weber et al.; June 2007
- "Time"; Study: A Link Between Pesticides and ADHD; Alice Park; May 17, 2010
