When children are experiencing behaviour and learning problems, it’s worth considering whether diet is playing a role. The following interesting results were found in a study looking at the effect of a low additive, low salicylate diet in the treatment of behaviour and learning problems in children.Information from 500 children using diet was collected over five years in the 1980’s.Some improved so much they became just like children are generally.Some improved a useful amount but were … [Read more...]
Underweight is often a problem in food sensitive people
ADHD children are often thin. Adults who are food sensitive are much more often underweight than overweight. Since your tolerance of suspect food is less with underweight the first priority is to ensure that sufficient food is included to maintain normal weight. There is a difference between being "wiry" and "too thin"! To obtain sufficient energy, all meals and snacks need to be included. Make sure main meal foods are included first. Plan meals so that some food is included every three … [Read more...]
The delightful wickedness of eating wheat on a wheat free diet
Most people think that wheat or gluten has to be completely excluded where it is thought to be a problem. This is not so except for those who are coeliacs or those who have anaphylaxis or symptoms that would land them in hospital. They should read no further. Everyone else can read about how they can get away with small amounts of foods containing wheat. They are such a pleasure. The crunch and taste of even one crisp wheat cracker, or the enjoyment of the smell and feel of very fresh crusty … [Read more...]
Gaps in the research on diet and ADHD – how dietitians can fill the current research needs
A 2012 State-of-the-Art Review article on diet and behaviour recommends just a healthy diet for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However there is sufficient research available to say a diet free of additive colours, flavours and some preservatives has a role in some of children with ADHD. The best summary is to say that diet factors “aggravate the underlying disorder in susceptible people”. My aim has been to contribute to diet and ADHD thinking. The reactions are … [Read more...]
“Fast Minds: How to Thrive If You Have ADHD (Or Think You Might)” by Surman and Bilkey
Fast Minds by Surman and Bilkey is a very useful book for those who have ADHD, or think they might. This is a book you will read and give away! Not because it is not worth reading but because it is! We all know someone with a fast mind, someone who would benefit from a book written by people who understand what having a fast mind is like, and, more importantly, how to manage life with one. You will love this book if you have a fast mind, and if you do not have a fast mind you will know … [Read more...]
Children can learn to choose foods they tolerate. ”Should I smell it on the outside and on the inside?”
Children can be taught to notice if a food is wrong for them. Most food sensitive children are supertasters and supersmellers. That is why you can’t trick them by changing the brand of some favourite food. They will know! They are aware that food is too smelly because of some reason for them. Maybe it is too stale, too acidic, too strong or just a flavour they don’t like at all. They may tell us loud and clear that a food “smells too old!” or “smells mouldy” or “tastes too yucky!” The … [Read more...]
“Fast Minds” and Diet
Fast Minds by Surman and Bilkey is a very useful book for those who have ADHD, or think they might. This book describes just what life is like for those with fast minds, the things that can go wrong, and just how to change what you do to have life work much better if you have a fast mind. It describes many stories of how badly things can go wrong for people who may have many talents but who mismanage one aspect of their lives and it spoils their plans. It is written for adults who have, or … [Read more...]