ADHD in a nut shell is found
in school-aged children who have behaviour and learning problems and may
also show signs of hyperactivity and/or inattention. The main symptoms of the
disorder include:
-
failing to give close attention to details and difficulty
sustaining attention in tasks or play
- not listening when spoken to
- not following through on instructions and failure to finish tasks
- difficulty organising tasks and activities
- avoiding, disliking or being reluctant to engage in tasks that
require sustained mental effort
- losing things necessary for tasks or activities
- easily distracted
- fidgeting with hands or feet, squirming in seat
- leaving seat when remaining sitting is expected
- running about or climbing excessively
- difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities and often ‘on
the go’
- talking excessively and blurting out answers before a question is
completed
- interrupting others
However, in very recent times we have seen a number of
natural therapies emerge which can help control ADHD, with the greatest
improvements seen in a change of diet. Here are a number of changes that can be made to help.
Reducing
food additives
Links to food
additives and ADHD have been seen as far back as the late 1960s. In a recent study,
researches found artificial colors, a sodium benzoate preservative or both
caused a statistically significant increase in hyperactivity in children. Since
these food additives do not add nutritive value to foods, try eliminating them
from your child's diet.Adding omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for healthy brain function. They are naturally abundant in oily fish, including herring, salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids help stabilize mood and improve symptoms of depression. Fish oil supplements are generally well tolerated, but use them under the supervision of a qualified health-care practitioner.
Avoiding sugar
The belief that excess
sugar leads to symptoms of ADHD, especially hyperactivity, is widespread but
yet to be proven. Each child is different so if sugary foods seem to worsen
your child's hyperactivity, try reducing them in favour of fruits and other
healthy choices.
Avoiding
wheat based foods such as breads, cereals and pasta
There are a number of
studies coming out which look at eliminating wheat based products to help ADHD
symptoms. These studies are showing a link between celiac disease (a digestive disease that damages the small intestine
and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac
disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat) and ADHD. To those who may suffer from ADHD, wheat intolerance can cause
cognitive problems, such as difficulty with memory and behavioural problems. This intolerance can impact 1 in 133,
although some studies have reported as high as 1 in 33.
Avoiding
dairy based products
Some
people appear to have an intolerance or allergic response to casein which is
the main protein found in dairy products. There is a theory that people who
lack the enzyme that breaks down this protein are left with an opoid substance
in their digestive system. This theoretically can produce an opium-like effect
that alters perceptions and behaviour and accounts for the “spaciness” and poor
attention in ADHD.
Remember, ADHD is not something that you can diagnose. If you suspect that you child might have ADHD be sure to seek the professional opinion of a medical practitioner. Most kids display behaviour at times that can be confused with ADHD and it is important not to self-diagnose. That said, the health benefits of an active lifestyle and good diet cannot be disputed
Contributed by Dave Orr, Franchise Owner, East and West Adelaide
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