Most parents and teachers will confirm that consumption of certain foods such as processed food and foods high in sugar contribute to symptoms of hyperactivity for certain children. While diet does not cause ADHD, it can play a major role in symptoms of hyperactivity and some simple dietary changes may help improve behavior and make life a lot easier for child and caregiver alike.
Check for Food Allergies
While any severely restrictive diet for a child should be conducted under medical supervision, a simple allergy elimination trial can be important in identifying particular foods that trigger hyperactivity. Severe food allergies such as allergies to peanuts and seafood will be obvious causing symptoms of itching, rash and breathing problems but moderate or mild food allergies and food intolerances may not be so apparent and demonstrate themselves in symptoms of hyperactivity and other emotional disturbances such as irritability and inattention. The most common causes of mild or moderate allergies are dairy, wheat and corn products. An elimination diet such as the Fiengold Diet will help to confirm if the child has an allergy or intolerance to a certain food. Once a food intolerance is identified, it can be avoided and replaced with a substitute such as using rice or soy milk in place of dairy.
Reduce Sugar and Artificial Chemicals
Sugar is the most common food product identified by parents and teachers as contributing to hyperactivity. While sugar may be a concern, the type of sugar consumed may be more important than the amount. High fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose should be avoided in a diet for hyperactive children. In addition, one should attempt to reduce total sugar consumption. Avoid sugary drinks, candy and highly sweetened processed food products.
Artificial flavors, colors and preservatives present in many convenience and prepackaged foods have also been identified as suspect in contributing to hyperactivity. When arranging a diet to help hyperactive children, food should be prepared from scratch whenever possible and the amount of convenience type food consumed should be minimized.
