The Link Between Diet and Hyperactivity

An increasing number of experts say a number ofof Medicine study established that ADHD children who
foods and food colorings can be at fault for thehad high protein meals did equally well, and at times
increasing amount of ADHD complaints. Here is abetter, in the classroom than kids without ADHD. An
general assessment associated with the investigationEnglish study evaluated essential fatty acid (EFA)
and studies concerning food chemicals and Attentionsupplements and hyperactivity. The hyperactivity in
Deficit Disorder.children receiving essential fatty acid (EFA)
Generally there are 8 associated risk factors usuallysupplements notably improved although the youngsters
linked with Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD. 75in the placebo group did not get the same benefits.
percent are directly related to diet;Attention Deficit Disorder was first connected to low
Food and additive hypersensitivityessential fatty acid in1981. Further studies examining
Mineral imbalancesessential fatty acid (EFA) blood levels in children with
Low-protein/high-carbohydrate diet habitsbehavioral problems confirmed the nutrition link. In 1987
Fatty Acid insufficienciesresearchers once again noted the EFA deficit link to
Amino acid insufficienciesADD and ADHD. A 1995 study again looked at the
B-vitamin insufficienciesEFA connection by comparing levels in Attention
Heavy metal poisoningDeficit boys against a control group of boys without
Thyroid imbalanceADHD. Researchers found considerably lower levels
Benjamin Feingold, M.D. initially introduced the conceptof Omega 3 essential fatty acids in the Attention
of food additives producing behavioral issues in theDeficit Disorder group.
1970s. Feingold based the concept on the experienceA study in 1994 from Purdue University established
of over 1,000 people whose behavior problems werethat boys with low blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acid
related to food preservatives. Feingold believed thatDHA have a greater frequency of hyperactivity and
40 to 50 percent of hyperactive youngsters react to aAttention Deficit Disorder. A study in 1996 established
sensitivity to artificial additives in foodthat children diagnosed with ADHD often have low
A slew of studies followed. Many supported Dr.levels of zinc. A study in 1997 claimed that of the the
Feingold's theory. Other research did not. This left theADHD children tested, 95 percent were deficient in the
health care community basically separated. A 2007mineral magnesium.
study from England change the tide. Researchers atIn the latest analysis related to the link between diet
the University of Southampton examined 300 childrenand hyperactivity, researchers investigated the
over a 6-week timeframe by giving them with drinkssuccess of eliminating foods from the diet.
that contained artificial coloring. The drinks were theResearchers of last year's study from the Netherlands
same to those available at stores. Based on teacherestablished that a strict elimination diet yielded a 50 to
and parent assessments, researchers revealed that70 percent cut in symptoms following 9 weeks on the
those given the beverages with additives werediet program.
noticeably more hyperactive and had shorter attentionProviding certain foods to increase brain power and
spans.deleting unhealthy foods from the diet is actually the
Artificial food dyes and additives are only one area ofkindest and most beneficial strategy to treat ADD and
emphasis relating to food and its relationship to ADHDADHD. By reforming the diet - by either getting rid of
problems. Additional studies demonstrate that addingoffending foods and/or adding essential fatty acids,
selected ingredients and nutrients to the daily diet mayminerals and other brain-boosting nutrients - you supply
well improve the symptoms of ADD, ADHD andthe cornerstone for sound nutrition and may get away
hyperactivity. A George Washington University Schoolfrom using ADHD prescription medicine.