ADHD, Daily Health Solutions, Healthy Living on May 15, 2012 Thinkstock Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that, according to the Mayo Clinic, affects millions of children and can continue into adulthood. Children with ADHD demonstrate a number of different symptoms, including difficulty in paying attention, impulsive behavior and frequent hyperactivity. Although the cause of ADHD is not entirely clear, scientists believe that diet can play an important role in the development of ADHD in children. The following tips may help parents reduce the symptoms of children with ADHD by modifying their diet. Consider the Feingold diet. The Feingold diet is a relatively well-known eating program. Some parents have reported significant success by placing their children on this particular diet, although, according to University of Maryland Medical Center, it can be difficult to impose. This is because of the number of restrictions placed upon the child's diet. The Feingold diet eliminates artificial flavorings, aspartame (an artificial sweetener) and any artificial preservatives.
Some children with ADHD also have low blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids. Again we don't really know why this is and there is no evidence to suggest that all children with ADHD should take supplements. However omega 3 fats are important for all of us so it's a good idea to make sure your child has a good intake. ALA or (alpha-linolenic acid) is a type of omega 3 fat found in vegetable oils, seeds such as chia seeds and linseed (flaxseed), nuts such as walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts and green leafy vegetables. It cannot be made in the body and must be obtained from the diet. There is less evidence that ALA is protective in relation to our health than there is for the omega 3 fats found in oily fish. These "fishy" omega 3's are called EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid. ) Although our bodies can make EPA and DHA from ALA, the conversion rate is slow and only small amounts of EPA and DHA are made. It is therefore recommended that we include sources of EPA and DHA in other words oily fish, in the diet.
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