Research and study show that a
child’s diet and his healthy and balanced way of life affect the symptoms
present in Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, especially the
inattention and hyperactivity. There are different research and studies
conducted regarding the influence of additives on a child’s Attention Deficit
and Hyperactivity Disorder. One of the issues being studied about is the
influence of additives on the child’s disorder.
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| ADHD Diet |
Additives include artificial
coloring, preservatives and other chemicals and solutions present in processed
foods, like instant noodles and canned goods, fruits and vegetables. It was
also found out that artificial colorings and a preservative known as sodium
benzoate can trigger and worsen the inattention and hyperactivity of the child.
Hyperactivity test was given to children by means of giving them foods and
drinks that have more additives content and the other children, to be given
foods with less additives content. The results show that the more foods with
higher additives content are being consumed; the level of hyperactivity also
increases.
The food authorities greatly
recommend that every individual including teenagers and adults, not only the
children should maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. This healthy
lifestyle focuses on a diet with more in take of fruits and vegetables, grains,
unsaturated fats and other foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.
Though there is no exact
explanation on how do additives really affect the Attention Deficit and
Hyperactivity Disorder of the children, it has been concluded that the effects
of additives on the children’s condition vary on their ADHD case and on what
range of age do they belong. As yet there is no consensus about how such
additives might contribute to ADHD symptoms in children. Also, the influence of
additives on the child’s condition depends on how he metabolizes the chemicals
depending on his physical activities as well.
A Meta analysis study shows that
there are about five to six out of ten patients with Attention Deficit and
Hyperactivity Disorder that are having a healthy and balanced way of living
accompanied with proper diet experience a relief and decrease in their
symptoms. It has also been proven that children are more prone to foods with
artificial additives because they find it attractive than adults. With this,
children are more endangered with the side effects that additives may cause
them and that may trigger and worsen their ADHD symptoms.
