Hyperactivity Autism and ADHD
How a Natural Healthy Diet can Prevent ADHD and Autism in Children
Children with hyperactivity are unable to sit still and they have short attention span. They are easily distracted and find it difficult to learn. These children usually have a normal range of intelligence, but nutritional deficiencies could be a huge hindrance in their progress. It is believed that these dysfunctional behaviors are caused by a malfunction of the brain and nervous system that affects receiving, processing and communicating information.
Nutritional Deficiencies
It is possible to correct or prevent disorders that are related to the brain and nerve malfunctions with nutrition. Vitamin B complex is essential for the health of the nervous system and brain function. It manufactures several hormones in the brain chemistry balance. It is very likely that a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disability is deficient in these vitamins. Magnesium is a wonderful and essential nutrient for the maintenance of good health and wellness. When the body is deficient in this very vital mineral it could be a major factor in many common health problems. Some of the common brain and nervous disorders that are attributed to a lack of magnesium are: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), allergies, anxiety, stress, irritability, mental depression and confusion. Magnesium is also a chemical gate blocker (preventing chemicals from entering the cells and tissues). Some chemicals can cause permanent imbalances and metabolic dysfunctions.
Recommended Corrections
A study led by Dr. Bonnie J. Kaplan at the University of Calgary in Alberta was done on diagnosed hyperactivity boys three to six years old. This study conceded that it is imperative to change the child’s diet and eliminate the following foods:
Processed foods such as canned, packaged, bagged and preserved; Food coloring, preservatives, artificial flavorings, processed chocolates, candies, food additives, sodas, sweet colored drinks, refined foods such as white sugar, white flour and rice products; Cured meats such as ham, salami, bacon, sausages and luncheon meats should also be eliminated.
The above list of foods is popular in children’s diet and they are the prominent contributors of dysfunctional behaviors caused by a malfunction of the brain and nervous system. These foods also deplete the very vital vitamins such as the B complex and others.
Recommended Foods
It is imperative to include fresh Vitamin B complex, magnesium and calcium foods in every meal. The highest sources of the B vitamins are: Black strap molasses, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, bran, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, all nuts, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat germ, all beans, avocado, whole grains, banana, asparagus, oatmeal, brown rice, almond, Salmon, beef, chicken, halibut, sardines, eggs, cheese, veal, lamb and yogurt.
Magnesium sources are: All beans, seafood, chicken breast, beef, fish, yogurt, cheese, milk, whole grain oats, whole wheat, brown rice, nuts and molasses. Avocado, figs, all green leafy vegetables and broccoli, cauliflower and asparagus are excellent sources of magnesium.
Calcium sources are: Pink salmon, sardines, chicken breast, dairy products, soy beans, navy beans, almonds, peanuts, dried figs, whole wheat, farina, black strap molasses and seaweeds. Vegetable sources include broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, cabbage, watercress and other green leafy vegetables.
Recommended supplements are: Vitamin B complex (in liquid) magnesium and calcium formulated together in liquid. Vitamin C with bioflavonoid; chlorella, flaxseed oil, cod liver oil, grape seed extract, aged garlic extract, taurine, multimineral\multivitamin, zinc and copper; Herbal teas: chamomile, passion flower and valerian.
References: Alterative Medicine, The Definitive Guide, Burton Goldberg Group, 1993.
Nutrition Almanac, Lavon J. Dunne, Fifth Edition
Magnesium: The Forgotten Nutrient, R. Elin., The Nutrition Report 1995
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