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The researchers added: “The findings of
the present study suggest that
benefit would accrue for all children from such a change,
and not just for those already showing hyperactive behaviour or who are at
risk of allergic reactions.”
“The
colourings tested in this new research are used in familiar children’s
foods such as Jammie
Dodgers, Smarties, Wagon Wheels, Walkers Football Crisps, and Irn Bru and
Tizer fizzy drinks.”
“Nearly two
fifths of children’s foods and drinks contain additives”, Annie Seeley, a
nutritionist with the commission, said last week (24 October 2002).
The additives
tested were the artificial food colourings Tartrazine (E102), Sunset
Yellow (E110), Carmoisine (E122), and Ponceau 4R (E124), and the
preservative Sodium Benzoate (E211).
This is the
first time that a scientific study sponsored by the Government has
corroborated the suspected link between food additives and changes in
children’s mood and behaviour.
Following the
study, the Food Commission (the independent pressure group that campaigns
for safe food) says that it found that more than 200 children’s foods and
drinks contain one or more of the additives called into question by the
research.
Further information on Attention Deficit Disorders
There are
three separate disorders associated with attention deficit:
-
Without
hyperactivity (ADD)
-
With
hyperactivity (ADHD)
-
ADD
residual types (individuals over 18 years)
The causes
appear to be mainly toxicity and/or deficiency.
ADHD:
look at consumption of food additives, sugary foods, and food allergies.
ADD:
consider heavy metal toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, especially omega 3
oils, and repeated antibiotic use.
Symptoms of
hyperactivity and/or inattentive children include:
Wholesome Diets
There is a strong link between diet and
behaviour. Parents must be aware that ADHD children are particularly
sensitive to food additives, such as colourings, flavourings and
preservatives.
Due to the
inefficient absorption and metabolism of nutrients, these children tend to
have marked nutrient deficiencies.
A wholesome
diet consisting of fresh fruit, vegetables, brown rice, brown pasta
(better still, wheat-free pasta), lentils, fresh meat and poultry, fish,
and filtered water and redbush tea is strongly recommended. Season with
fresh herbs and spices rather than prepared flavourings.
It is
essential to read labels when shopping. Steer clear of all foods that
contain additives.
Snacks can
include rice cakes, nuts and sundried dried fruit.
For the
allergic child, a diet that excludes the allergens must be adhered to.
No child
likes to be treated differently to the rest of the family, so it would be
best if the whole family embarked on a healthy eating plan. Do not keep
‘junk’ food in the house, as this leads to temptation and temper tantrums.
Salicylates
Many foods contain natural salicylates,
which are very similar to aspirin. Some, but not all, children with ADHD
are sensitive to salicylates, and if they also suffer from asthma or
urticaria it is worth experimenting with a low-salicylate diet.
Foods that contain little or no
salicylates, and would therefore be safe (unless the child happens to be
allergic to any of them) include:
-
All meat,
fish, shellfish, dairy produce and eggs
-
Fruit:
bananas, mangoes, paw-paws, peeled pears, pomegranates, Golden Delicious
apples (many other fruits are high in salicylates)
-
Vegetables:
peeled potatoes, butter nut, pumpkin, cabbage
-
Grains:
wheat, oats, barley, rye, rice
-
Nuts:
hazelnuts, pecan nuts, cashew nuts and coconut
See
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
on the main site for more information.
Placing a
child on a natural organic food diet will help their body to rid itself of
toxins and to restore the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
to the brain.
A children’s
multivitamin and mineral supplement, plus some omega 3 fish oil will also
be helpful here.
Eskimo-3 liquid is
a pleasant tasting omega-3 liquid which is often preferred by children who
are frequently resistant to swallowing capsules and tablets.
Food
allergies and intolerance can be identified through one of the following
means:
-
Food
elimination diet, preferably with the help of a nutritional therapist
(look in Yellow Pages). It is important that the child gets a varied
diet in order to get all necessary nutrients.
-
Food
intolerance/allergy test with an experienced kinesiologist or via a
blood test. (Search the internet for “Kinesiology Association” to find
local practitioners.)
Recurrent ear
infections have been reported to be twice as common in children with ADD
or ADHD. Look on the main site at
ear
infections. It’s very important to address this problem early,
as repeated antibiotic use can lead to a host of problems later in life.
Heavy metal
toxicity, which affects brain function, is more common when there’s poor
nutrition.
Klamath Lake Algae plus
a children’s multivitamin and mineral supplement can help to detoxify the
child of these toxic metals.
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