ABSTRACT A review of the literature on diet and hyperactivity [more correctly termed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD] showed that dietary factors do not cause hyperactivity, so additives do not need to be banned. But they do effect some children. The suspect diet substances being investigated have broadened, as have the problems diet affects. There is individual variation in presenting problem profiles, in symptoms that change, in amount of change, and in suspect chemicals … [Read more...]
Important references on amines in food
Thanks to dietitian Fiona Florakx for her extensive literature search. Allen DH, Van Nunen S, Loblay R, Clarke, L. Adverse reactions to food. The Medical Journal of Australia 1984; Sept; Special supplement : S37-S42. Provides documentation of amine exclusion as part of elimination diet in Australia in 1984 Breakey J. Dietary management of the hyperkinetic syndrome. 1977 Brisbane Yeast extracts, tomatoes excluded re histamines as well as chocolate; and overripe … [Read more...]
Detail of tyramine and other amines in food
Considered here are those amines found in foods and in the body: TyramineThe most often researched as it is implicated in reactions in people on MAOI medication. Tyramine is produced from the amino acid tyrosine, particularly that present in the dairy protein, casein. It is developed during cheese making by bacteria with decarboxylase enzymes. As Reactions in people on MAOI’s have been assumed to be due to the para Tyramine [p-TA] it has been analysed, but the meta form has also been reported … [Read more...]
Question from Julian
Question: Like others my, self-made Food-Diary showed a direct link between food and mood, and I have had the same reaction from the medical profession. 1990 to 2010 being told ‘Its all in your mind’ or ‘Your normal’ but only in the last 4 weeks of me getting angry with Dr’s has anyone done anything and have recently started an MAOI, which, in theory, may help. I have found the ideal solution is a total exclusion diet for 48-72 hrs, but as this isn’t practical I have to eat and put up with the … [Read more...]
Which elimination diet should you begin with?
Sugar free? Additive free? Yeast free? Wheat free? Milk free? Low FODMAPS? Amine free? Low salicylate? No MSG? All suspect food chemicals [salicylates, amines, glutamates]? The blood group diet? When we think about it we realize that we cut foods out of our diet to see what foods we should cut out of our diet! In fact no one knows exactly what elimination diet we should begin with as each person has their particular sensitivities. The diet you need is the diet you find by doing diet … [Read more...]
Diet & ADHD summary for parents
Many people have very strong views about the role of diet in ADD and ADHD. Some are positive and some are vehement there is no connection! It is important that whatever your interest or involvement with ADD you are well informed about where diet fits in. People reading this may be - people using diet - they know diet has some role and want to manage it better; people who wonder if they should consider diet - they want to know how to decide; and those who think diet is not for them, or … [Read more...]