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ADD/ADHD and the foods we eat by Heather Picton Many ADD/ADHD children improve when put onto the Feingold Diet. It is impossible to predict how a child will benefit, and in which areas improvement will take place, but they are often evident in improved concentration, general health and/or social interaction. Sometimes the change is dramatic, sometimes it can hardly be noticed - this depends upon the child and his own unique make-up, but it also depends upon the diet being followed one hundred present! If the child is in a state of reaction to just one substance, this could mask any improvement that might otherwise be seen. Remember that a single dietary infraction could affect behaviour, concentration, sleep etc. for the next 72 hours! * We do avoid all artificial colourants, flavourants, and antioxidant preservatives eg. EDTA, BHA, TBHQ, calcium propionate, benzoic acid, benzoates, sulphur dioxide, sulphates and MSG. Bought cakes, pies, hamburger patties, fish fingers, packet soups and sauces, processed meats and polonies, cordials, fruit squashes and fizzy drinks usually contain the above artificial ingredients. * Once the above additives have been eliminated, reactions to certain natural foods are examined; * We AVOID natural fruits and vegetables with a high salicylate content e.g. apples (but golden delicious are fine - low salicylate content), apricots, berries, grapes, raisens, oranges, peaches, plums, cucumber, tomatoes and many more. AVOIDANCE OF THESE NATURAL FOODS IS FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY. Once the child has shown reasonable improvement and seems to have settled down, these natural foods must be reintroduced one at a time to the regular diet. If there is any reaction to a particular food (e.g. deterioration in behaviour, concentration or health) this could indicate that the child is sensitive to it and that that specific food should be avoided until retested at a later date. This includes any products containing that food as one of the ingredients. We try to ensure that the child eats as wide a range of natural foods as possible. A FEW POINTERS • We avoid forcing the programme on the child - we try and get his/her co-operation. • The whole family should be involved. Don't expect the child to co-operate if he has to watch the rest of the family eat foods that he is not allowed. • Read labels or join a Support Group organisation like ADHASA. Stay in touch with international trends by visiting the Feingold website • Breakfast is vital: 1 protein plus a complex carbohydrate = 3 hours of the child's best concentration. A lesser breakfast might only help for one hour! • ADD/H children need regular snacks, every 2-3 hours help maintain concentration e.g. Peanut butter/tuna sandwich, homemade plain white popcorn, plain biltong, nuts or cheese. • 5-6 pm is usually the most difficult hour of the day in South Africa. A snack usually calms the child! Make sure it is small enough not to spoil dinner! • SUGAR: Hyperactive children are usually better off it but this is difficult to implement (we know sugar does not cause ADHD but it could make certain children more difficult). We therefore limit the amount of sugar intake. Never give a sweet or sugary biscuit on an empty tummy. • If the child suffers with allergies consult an allergy specialist as this can influence behaviour and concentration. Further interesting information: The incidence, of ADD/ADHD varies from country to country depending on the criteria used for diagnosis (SA uses DSM IV). It is believed to affect 10% of the South Africa population and is found in every ethnic and socio-economic group. Allergies to cereals and cow's milk are often common amongst these children. For many years paediatricians and paediatric allergists have reported a higher incidence of allergies amongst children with hyperactivity. It has also been estimated that in SA up to 10 % of primary school children suffer from allergic reactions and who exhibit behavioural and concentration problems in the classroom. Data pertaining to the cause of hyperactivity is incomplete, but various factors have been linked to it. These include genetic factors (well known), smoking during pregnancy, artificial additives in food, and environmental pollutants. Some hyper children may also be sensitive to sugar although we know that "too much" CANNOT cause ADD/ADHD nor can artificial ingredients cause ADD/ADHD. It merely makes the condition worse for children (many case studies available as well as double blind studies). A diet consisting of refined carbohydrates influences the level of Essential Fatty acids (EFAs). Another possibility is that certain sugars (glucose) influence brain neurotransmitter levels and therefore the activity levels in hyperactive children (merely adding to their problem!). Neurotransmitters are chemical substances, which are released from the nerve fiber that affect the transfer of an impulse to another nerve or muscle. We know, scientifically, that neurotransmitters require EFAs for optimal functioning (cannot be supplied by chemical meds like Ritalin). Recent studies on the use of artificial sweeteners suggest that some hyperactive children become more aggressive when given large doses of aspartame. Research concludes that hyperactive children have a deficiency of EFAs either due to an inability to absorb EFAs adequately from the gastrointestinal tract or because their EFA requirements are higher than that of other children. A deficiency of EFA in animals causes a constant thirst, which is one of the symptoms of numerous hyperactive children including sweaty hands as well as "head sweats" at night. Preliminary studies on the effects of supplementation with EFAs in Canada, USA, United Kingdom and South Africa have reported varying degrees of improvement. Essential fatty acids are converted in the body by the enzyme delta-6-desaturase to gamma-linoleic acid, which is then further converted to other substances. The source of the problem is that the enzyme necessary for the conversion process does not seem to work efficiently in the hyperactive child and adult. Two-thirds of hyperactive children studied were deficient in zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6, which block the conversion process of EFAs. The B-group vitamins are particularly vital to the hyperactive child as one of their main functions is to regulate the central nervous system. Vitamin B1 and thiamine are involved in the maintenance of the central nervous system. A deficiency of Vitamin B2, riboflavin, may lead to central nervous system symptoms such as headache, irritability and fatigue. Vitamins B6 and C are involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. Calcium acts as a co-factor in biochemical reactions in the body and takes part in the generation of nerve impulses throughout the nervous system. Magnesium which is necessary for the growth and repair of body cells also assists the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles and acts together with calcium. Vitamin D aids to the absorption and utilization of calcium and magnesium. Zinc, chromium and vanadium play a role in sugar balance by enhancing the action of insulin in promoting uptake of glucose. A glucose tolerance factor has been identified as a natural form of chromium, which seems to potentiate the action of insulin. Supplementation with chromium has been shown to reduce glucose levels and to improve glucose tolerance. Since abnormal glucose tolerance levels have been seen in some hyperactive children, supplementing with chromium, vanadium and zinc may help.
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What's happening Are you as a parent aware of what's being sold during break time? Are you aware of the influence of artificial ingredients on your child's concentration and behaviour? Have you approached your headmaster to implement changes in the tuck shop? Is he aware of how the teachers struggle after break time? If you answered NO to the above questions. maybe it's time you became involved in the process of changing tuck shops at schools. We would like to see tuck shops sell healthy food, snacks and drinks that will be beneficial to all children, not to mention the contribution it would have on academic performance. LINKS
Smartfish
Entice Health Products
The Learning
Workshop
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