To the Editor: I am concerned that the recent articles on salicylate diets, 17 June, may be seen as a current position statement on the usefulness of a low chemical elimination diet. An elderly psychiatrist colleague said in 1976, “In 20 years time many parents will not be giving their children red cordial but scientists will still be discussing the issue!” The discussion continues, not because diet has no role, but because the issue is complex. On the one hand one meta-analysis cited … [Read more...]
Important review of research on diet and ADHD by Stevens and team 2011
Laura Stevens and her team carefully evaluated all the research on diet and ADHD until 2011. They provide clinical suggestions recommending that doctors can let families know that some children may react adversely to artificial food colours [AFCs], flavours and whole foods, but that diet is not the main cause of ADHD. They report that the evidence from the scientific literature is that those more likely to respond to diet are younger children, those with allergies, and those who also have … [Read more...]
I know about speech and coordination development. Is there eating development?
It is sheer delight to notice baby’s responses to our talk to them, and very special the day they say “mum or “dad”. Usually everything goes well with eating too, but not always. We all enjoy noticing a baby’s development towards learning to walk. If a baby has problems swallowing food or managing sounds we can get help from speech therapists. If there is coordination delay we can obtain the help of a physiotherapist. If there is general developmental delay we see an occupational therapist. … [Read more...]
Gaps in diet and ADHD
Please download Joan's talk on the current research gaps in the diet component of diet and ADHD in pdf format Gaps diet & ADHD B&W. … [Read more...]
Reflux – diet can help
If your baby has reflux it changes everything! Symptoms can range from your baby bringing up milk after ever feed, but more of it, to the so-called “happy chucker” who does reflux but is not crying and thrives well, through to a very distressed baby who does not feed or sleep well, and cannot be comforted easily. On top of that you may have to deal with colic, diarrhoea, or eczema as well. You will have talked about it to relations and fiends, and had many visits to the doctor, particularly to … [Read more...]
Mood and behaviour problems – diet is still useful in late teens
“This is Jason. Just thought I’d let you know that the diet has been a big game changer. I have started to have way more control over my impulses and I don’t feel the need to eat any excess food, it has been a real life saver. I find it is a lot easier to identify and stop my cravings and I am able to distinguish them from normal hunger much easier. Thank you for your help. It has really worked.” A very dedicated mother recontacted me about her son in his late teens. His restlessness, … [Read more...]
Tessie’s eczema story
Tessie had bad eczema. Her mother Sophie fed her only breast milk, but the eczema continued. When Tessie was 4 months old Sophie attended an allergy clinic and had testing done. Since Tessie’s big sister, Andrea, aged 5, had asthma and less severe eczema she has testing also. Sophie was surprised at the severity of the reactions as she had not seen any clear changes with particular foods. Tessie’s results were 6+’s to peanut and eggwhite, and three to egg yolk, wheat and milk. She was interested … [Read more...]