Children's ADD

Children’s ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an increasingly common medical diagnosis treated by prescription medications, but is giving drugs to children really the answer? There are numerous side effects of the prescriptions for children’s ADD, and some of these are potentially dangerous. What is the reason Attention Deficit Disorder is increasing? Could the answer lie in lifestyle and diet?

Diets high in chemicals and artificial colors can increase children's ADD. The North American culture is overloaded on chemicals and it is difficult to avoid them. The average woman, for example, uses 168 chemicals daily in body care products. What happens to a developing child using this amount of chemicals?

Some of the worst chemicals for Children's ADD are the artificial colors, especially the red colorings common in every day food and beverage products. Parents need to carefully read labels and make it a priority to avoid these colorings, as well as Aspartame, MSG and Sucrolose; the first two chemicals have been shown to kill brain cells (Dr. Russell Blaylock).

Sugar consumption has steadily increased in this society, and it is imperative to reduce the amount of sugary and white flour products fed to growing children. Not only do these food products enhance the risk of children’s ADD, but they also set children up for diabetes, heart disease, obesity, allergies and other serious health conditions.

Essential Fatty Acids are essential for the brain and nervous system as the brain is made up of 60% good fats. Many children are born without enough of these essential fats in their brain and nerves, so feeding them EFA’s is calming and nourishing. A pregnant mother should take these healthy fats during pregnancy. For example, walnuts contain Omega 3 fatty acids and coincidentally are shaped like a brain. There are numerous kid-friendly, flavored fish oil supplements on the market and these both calm and nourish children with ADD.

Food Allergies also can cause reactions in the brain, as well as the rest of the body. Keep a Food Journal for three to seven days and log every food or beverage consumed and every symptom. Study the journal for correlations. When a child craves and consumes large quantities of a particular food, it is often what the child is allergic to.

Watching TV is also a cause for children’s ADD. The scene changes occur too rapidly for developing brains and can damage neural pathways. It is recommended that children watch no more than two hours of television per day (even less for pre-schoolers). Parents can do many different things to remedy children’s ADD, but it takes time, study and a strong commitment to changing the family lifestyle. Remember that as a parent, you are the role model for your children.

Children's ADD Programs Children's ADD Diet