Nutritional help for ADHD kids
Concentration is sort of a muscle that needs regular exercise to become and remain strong. Some children are born “stronger” in this area than others.
Children, by nature, have minimal attention spans. Their attention bounces around and can be inconsistent. With ADHD, this characteristic becomes even more challenging. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.
Let’s look at ways to help your child.
Food allergies, nutritional deficiencies and fluctuating blood glucose levels may all play a role in ADHD, so it’s important to observe what your child eats. The foods that they consume are very important. Certain "brain foods" may help boost a child's brain growth and improve brain function, memory and concentration.
Kick these culprits to the curb:
- Margarine and shortening, found in baked goods. Start reading food labels and watch for hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. These are not good for children.
- Salt (processed foods, snack foods and takeaways are high in salt).
- MSG (monosodium glutamate), which is found in many flavoured chips, steak or chicken spices and processed foods.
- Sugar, which lurks in cereals, canned foods and flavoured yoghurt, as well as sweets, biscuits and cakes.
- White bread and rolls.
- Avoid, avoid, avoid: food additives, colourants and artificial sweeteners like aspartame. As a rule of thumb if you don’t know what it is and can’t pronounce it, it’s probably not good for you!
3 good concentration foods
- The protein and nutrients in eggs help kids concentrate. Eggs contain choline, a vitamin that assists with the creation of memory cells within the brain. You’ll find most of the choline in the yolk of an egg. Eggs are also good sources of protein, iron, folate and Vitamin A. Your child needs these nutrients for cell development.
- Fish is a helpful source of Vitamin D which protects the brain from declining mental skills and memory loss. It is good brain food for developing children. Oily fish is packed with Omega-3. These are fatty acids which are known as the “building blocks” of cell development. The more Omega-3s we can get to the brain, the better it will function and the better kids will be able to focus. Get these brain helpers in portions of fish cakes. Grill it and offer your child a sauce for dipping, add fish to tacos or make tuna sandwiches.
- Wholegrain toast makes a nice brain breakfast for children. It’s rich in fibre, digests slowly which means a steady stream of energy and is a great source of protein. Wholegrain contains glucose, energy and B-vitamins to fuel the brain and may improve short-term memory and attention span.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.