Nutrition for Hyperactivity
Children with hyperactivity disorders are often difficult to manage. Many parents refuse, despite the behavior of their children, to use prescription medications to manage the problem. They instead rely on behavioral modifications and, in some cases, diet alterations to remedy the situation.
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What is Hyperactivity?
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Hyperactivity is a condition that causes an individual to to become distracted and impulsive. Hyperactive individuals often have short attention spans and represent with increased or abnormally high levels of movement compared to those without hyperactivity disorders. Activity levels in children generally vary by age so a young child may be exhibiting a normal level of activity next to an older child who should have better control of himself and his movements. For example, a 3-year-old will have a shorter attention span and have more trouble staying still than a 10-year-old should.
Mineral Deficiencies
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Individuals diagnosed with hyperactivity disorders have undergone significant blood work to determine the cause of their disorders. A significant percentage of hyperactive children were found to have low magnesium, zinc and iron deficiencies. These deficiencies, especially iron, have been liked to both ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and ADD (attention deficit disorder).
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Sugar and Artificial Ingredients
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There is still a significant amount of controversy surrounding the concept that hyperactivity is caused by high-sugar diets. Several studies have been conducted that support the notion that diets free of sugars, artificial flavorings and artificial colors should be avoided.
While it is true that refined sugars will have an impact on a child's level of activity, causing a rapid change in blood sugar levels, it has not been proven that the elimination of sugar itself will cause a change in a child's level of activity. Some scientists believe that it is the mental and emotional impact of the change in the way a family interacts as they adopt a new, healthy lifestyle that helps to improve a hyperactive child's behavior.
For those in doubt, a study was published in the Archives of Diseases in Childhood in June 2004. Throughout the study, some children were given beverages with hidden colors and preservatives while others were given beverages without. Despite family interaction, the behavior of the children who received the artificial colorings was much worse than those who did not have the added ingredients.
Fiber
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Adding fiber to a hyperactive child's diet will help to maintain his level of adrenaline throughout the day. Sugary foods cause a rapid spike and then rapid decline in a person's blood glucose levels, often triggering an adrenaline rush. A high-fiber diet will ensure your child has a constant, healthy level of adrenaline. Fiber can be found in oatmeal, berries, bananas, whole-grain breads and a number of other fruits and vegetables your child is bound to enjoy.
Diet Modifications
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If you'd like to adopt a healthier diet in an attempt to curb hyperactivity, try incorporating the following over a two-week period:
Avoid all dairy products and increase your water intake to at least seven-10 glasses per day.
Avoid all junk foods. A general rule of thumb is that if you purchase the product in a cellophane wrapper you probably shouldn't be eating it.
Cut at least 90 percent of the sugar from your diet, 100 percent if possible. Do not replace the sugar with artificial sweeteners if possible, especially Nutrasweet.
Avoid foods with artificial food colorings. Your child may be sensitive to a particular color but it will be easier to make that determination if you start by eliminating all colors first.
Eat as many fresh foods, including meats, fruits and vegetables as possible.
Make sure your consult your physician, pediatrician or health care provider before making major changes to your child's diet. He or she may be able to help you easily identify the problems your child is having or may have a specific diet regime for you to try.
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