The Connection Between Food and Hyperactivity

A growing number of experts state some foods and food colorings can be at fault for the escalating ADHD problems. Here is a general summary regarding the investigation and studies about food chemicals and Attention Deficit Disorder.



There are eight risk elements usually connected with Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD. 75 percent are directly linked to diet;

Food and additive hypersensitivity

Mineral unbalances

Low-protein/high-carbohydrate eating habits

Fatty Acid deficiencies

Amino acid deficiencies

B-vitamin deficiencies

Heavy metal accumulation

Thyroid imbalance



Dr. Feingold initially introduced the theory of food chemicals creating behavioral difficulties 40 years ago. He established the presentation on the experiences of 1,200 people whose behavioral disorders were related to food additives and preservatives. Feingold believed that 40 to 50 percent of hyperactive children react to a sensitivity to artificial food colors, flavors, and preservatives



A variety of reviews followed. Quite a few backed Dr. Feingold's claims that artificial preservatives cause behavioral problems. Other studies did not. This left the medical community largely divided. A study in 2007 from England confirmed Feingold's earlier conclusions. Researchers at the University of Southampton examined nearly 300 children over 6 weeks by giving the children with beverages containing synthetic dyes. The beverages were similar to those available at stores. Based on teacher and parent surveys, researchers determined that those given the mixes with artificial additives were significantly more hyperactive and had diminished attention spans.



Artificial food dyes and additives are only one area of focus relating to food and its association to hyperactivity problems. Different studies demonstrate that including specific food items and nutrients to the diet may easily improve the symptoms connected with ADD and hyperactivity. A George Washington University School of Medicine study found that hyperactive children that had high protein meals did similarly well, and at times better, in school than non-ADHD children. An Oxford University study looked at essential fatty acid supplements and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The hyperactivity in children receiving essential fatty acid (EFA) supplements noticeably improved although the children in the control group did not get the same improvements.



Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity was first connected to low essential fatty acid three decades ago. Further studies examining essential fatty acid blood levels in children with behavioral problems confirmed the nutrition link. In 1987 scientists once again noted the EFA lack tie to ADHD. A study in1995 again examined the EFA connection by comparing levels in ADD and ADHD boys against a control group of boys without attentional or behavioral problems. Researchers saw considerably lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the Attention Deficit Disorder group.



A 1994 study (Purdue University) found that boys with low blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acid DHA have a greater frequency of hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder. A study in 1996 found that children diagnosed with ADHD are often deficient in the mineral zinc. The next year a study claimed that of the the Attention Deficit children screened, 95% were magnesium deficient.


In the most recent analysis related to the link between diet and hyperactivity, researchers investigated the success of taking certain foods out of the diet. Researchers of last year's study found that a strict elimination diet yielded a 50 to 70 percent drop in ADHD symptoms just after 9 weeks on the diet regime.



Providing foods to give a boost to brain power while reducing unhealthy food from the diet is the kindest and most balanced method to deal with ADHD. By adjusting your child - by either reducing problem foods and/or including brain-boosting foods - you allow the basis for solid nutrition and could possibly refrain from using prescription medication.

Understand how specific foods can produce better focus and better grades. For more details with regards to the Attention Food Diet and also to get your free 109 Smoothies recipe ebook, visit http://www.naturalADHDcure.com.