It's Super Science Sunday and today's topic is how diet impacts our little ones. When we garden, most of us look for the highest quality soil and food to help the sprouts grow, because we know that they need clean healthy food and water to grow their best. Why then, would we feed our children hormones, toxins and mystery chemicals and coloring and expect them to thrive in this world?
There is some really fascinating evidence to suggest that inflammation caused by food contributes to everything from cancer to autism to mental disorders. Today, I'll start with ADHD, the most common neurobehavioral diagnosis in children today.
"Between 2003 and 2007, there was a 22% increase in ADHD prevalence in the United States - today, about 9.5% of school-age children have ADHD.1
ADHD is characterized by restlessness, difficulty focusing, poor impulse control, distractibility, and in some cases overactivity; plus these symptoms have significant negative consequences on the child’s academic performance, social skills, and relationships with family members, teachers, and peers. In addition, ADHD is often accompanied by learning disorders, discipline problems, anxiety, and/or depression.2-"
Dr. Joel Fuhrman
According to Dr. Fuhrman, poor nutrition is a significant concern, and sugar, nutrient deficiencies, food additives, pesticides, and insufficient omega 3 fatty acids play a role.
More here.
Dr. Emily Deans, a psychiatrist, and author featured in Psychology Today and on her blog over at Evolutionary Psychology has also written many articles reviewing the research on ADHD in relation to diet. Although there don't seem to be definitive studies that one particular elimination diet cures all cases of ADHD, there are lots of studies suggesting that healthy diet improves symptoms in many children. Read more in her review about omega 3 deficiency, zinc's involvement, and ADHD as a symptom of an underlying food allergy. Start here.
Related Links:
How Does Diet Affect Symptoms of ADHD- Dr. Emily Deans M.D.
Western Diet and ADHD- Dr. Emily Deans M.D
Zinc sulfate as an adjunct to methylphenidate for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: A double blind and randomized trial
Magnesium intake reduces hyperexcitability in young children
For the sake of anecdotal evidence, my own ADHD-like symptoms (I was self diagnosed, never took medication) radically decreased when I removed gluten and other processed foods from my diet, and increased my omega 3's. I've heard similar stories from countless adults who attribute a certain mental fog to gluten consumption.
My son was never formallyodiagnosed with ADHD, but he also has demonstrated hyperactivity that increases dramatically when he eats gluten and other processed foods. Last year our naturopath recommended 1000mg of cod liver oil, and 250mg magnesium supplement daily for his sensory processing challenges, in addition to a diet mostly consisting of meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, eggs and oil, with VERY limited processed foods. That particular combination of nutrition and supplementation made a world of difference, helping him to greatly focus and improve his school work, not to mention slow down and stop climbing my furniture!
I'd say if you are the parent of a child with ADHD-like symptoms at home and school, there is enough research to indicate that diet plays a significant role in preventing and treating this disorder (and a host of others) it's definitely worth a shot! I only wish that society was more friendly to these kinds of diets. It certainly isn't easy to convince kids that a boring apple and jerky are a better idea than the latest blue food covered in cartoons. Ah, but that's a whole 'nother post... sigh.
Take care everyone,
Kellie
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