Alternatives for Children with ADHD

Alternatives for Children with ADHD

New research is now appearing that shows the link between consumption of food additives by children and ADHD. An online article published in “The Lancet” in September 2007 found that artificial food coloring and additives commonly located in children’s food exacerbate hyperactive behaviors in children. The study consisted of 153 3-year-olds and 144 8-9 year-old children. Analysis was based on observation, plus a computerized test of attention for the 8-9 year-old children.

Depending on the child’s sensitivity, food additives cause biochemical imbalances in the body which strongly influences the way the brain functions. In the case of ADHD diagnosed children, it alters their behavior making them restless and/or distracted. There are more than 5,000 additives in our food supply; therefore, making it almost impossible to completely eradicate them from our diets. However, limiting the intake by preparing meals containing whole foods and by reading labels to identify ingredients shown to exacerbate symptoms can aid in reducing the severity of the symptoms.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are crucial to brain development and function. Increasing evidence indicates that deficiencies of these fatty acids might be associated with childhood developmental disorders including ADHD. Omega-3’s are often lacking in our diets. Studies have indicated that supplementation with omega-e fatty acids help in the management of the ADHD linked behavioral and learning difficulties. Food sources containing these essential fatty acids are fish such as salmon, halibut and trout and freshly ground flaxseeds, to name a few.

Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can also be used. A study reported in “European Neuropsychopharmacology” in February 2007 reported that omega-3 fatty acid is highly effective in treating children with ADHD. They supplemented children over eight weeks, and results indicated that participants experienced a 30-percent reduction in symptoms without side effects.  Please be sure and use caution when buying omega-3 fatty acid supplements over-the-counter. Traces of heavy metals have been found in these supplements; therefore, high potent supplements indicating distillation processes should be obtained.

Iron deficiency has also been shown to contribute to the cause of ADHD. Low iron levels have been indicated in research to create abnormal dopamine synthesis in the brain yielding ADHD symptoms. A study published in the journal “Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine” showed that serum ferritin (iron) levels indicating iron stores in children 4 to 14 years old were abnormal in 84 percent of the children with ADHD. In addition, low serum ferritin levels were correlated with more severe ADHD symptoms and greater cognitive deficits. These results suggest that ADHD children may benefit from iron supplementation.

Supplementing with critical nutrients and improving children’s diets have proved to be extremely beneficial in many scientific research studies; therefore making it a sensible alternative solution for parents to explore.

Site empowered by
WebOnTheFly