Good Nutrition

Good nutrition can play a complementary role in a child's treatment. When a child's diet is balanced and healthy, his (or her) ADHD symptoms may be a little better controlled. Studies show that children with healthier diets tend to behave and perform better at school. Chances are that these desired effects extend to the home as well. We suggest parents offer their children a variety of foods from as many food groups as possible at each meal or snack. By doing this, your child is more likely to get a better balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats-all of which the body burns at different rates. Hunger surges can also create problems. A child who is hungry is apt to have more difficulty maintaining his concentration, frustrate more easily, and can become more irritable. Eating at regular intervals throughout the day helps keep tummies from growling and feeling empty. Skipping meals and snacks may also produce low blood sugar levels.
While studies have not shown sugar to cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD, limiting your child's intake of added sugar makes sense both from a weight-management standpoint as well as when trying to avoid sudden energy bursts and then falls that processed sugar can provide-the quick energy peaks and valleys can leave kids uncomfortable and possibly unable to focus.

A small percentage of children with ADHD have sensitivities to certain foods or food additives, such a colourings or preservatives. Eliminating these substances from the diet may improve the ADHD behaviours; however, before indiscriminately eliminating multiple foods, be sure to discuss any dietary changes with a physician and/or nutritionist. If your child eats a fairly good diet but could use some improvement, ask your homeopath about using a multi-vitamin supplement while you work on his/her nutrition.

It appears to be more prevalent in boys than girls. Whilst it is usually thought of as a condition that affects children, there are also a significant number of adults who continue to show symptoms of ADHD. Diagnosis is usually by a doctor or educational psychologist. Teachers and parents are often the first people to notice symptoms. ADHD is generally characterized by an inability to pay attention, being hyperactive and acting on impulse without thought for danger or consequences. Other symptoms may include:
1 Leaving projects or work unfinished Fidgeting Inability to sit still Unable to follow instructions
* Being clumsy or accident prone
* Not responding to discipline or rules or behaviour
* Irritability
* Reckless and unpredictable behaviour