Food to Avoid for Hyperactive Children

Food to Avoid for Hyperactive Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a common mental disorder in children and adolescents that may begin in preschool or early elementary years and has a median age of seven years, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Hyperactive children are characterized by continuous talking, in constant motion with trouble sitting still and experiencing difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities. Some foods may increase the risk for hyperactive behavior and should be avoided.

 

 

Foods With Organophosphate Pesticides

Exposure to organophosphates, chemicals in pesticides, comes from consumption of blueberries, strawberries, celery and other fruits and vegetables. Maryse Bouchard, a researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health, determined that organophosphate exposure at levels common among children in the United States may contribute to the prevalence of ADHD. The results demonstrate that children with higher urinary concentrations of organophosphate pesticides are more likely to be diagnosed as having ADHD, and children with levels higher than the median of detectable concentrations have twice the odds of ADHD compared with children with undetectable levels. Children that switch from fruits and vegetables with organophosphate pesticide residue to organic fruits and vegetables for five consecutive days have low or non-detectable levels of organophosphate pesticides in their urine. Dietary intake of organophosphate pesticides is the major source of exposure in young children, according to research conducted by Chensheng Lu and published in "Environmental Health Perspectives" in 2008.

Foods With Artificial Additives

Foods with additive colors and preservatives may be associated with ADHD. MayoClinic.com states that some food colorings, such as Yellow No. 5, 6 and10 and Red No. 40 and preservatives, such as benzoate, may cause or worsen hyperactive behavior in some children. Research by Donna McCann published in "Lancet" in 2007 demonstrates that artificial colors or sodium benzoate in foods may increase hyperactivity in children. The randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled research tested the effects of artificial colors and additives to food in the behavior of children. Research by D.W. Schab published in the "Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics" in 2004 reviewed fifteen clinical trials evaluating the effects of artificial food colorings on prevalence of childhood ADHD, and found that neurotoxicity from these chemicals affects behavior. The FDA doesn't require many food colorings and other additives from being on the label. Therefore, avoid processed foods with bright colors, such as candy, cakes, cookies and beverages, and pay attention to the behavioral effects of your children from eating these foods. Talk with your doctor about limiting these foods in your child's diet.

Sugar

Sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sugars may induce or increase hyperactivity in children. Dr. Allen Buresz of the Natural Health and Longevity Resource Center says the elimination of refined sugar produces dramatic improvements in patients with hyperactivity. However, the National Institute of Mental Health states that the research studies are inconclusive.

source : livestronge.com