Paying attention…to a balanced diet for children with ADD/ADHD

By Irene Swedak, B.Sc., R.H.N., R.N.C.P.

Recommendations for 6-12 year-olds

In the United States and Canada, depending on the area that you survey, up to 50% of children may be medicated with psychotropic drugs. Most of these children are between the ages of 5 and 14 years. This is astounding when you dig a little bit deeper and realize that only between 3% to 5% of these children actually have physical distinctive differences in their brain structure that may contribute to their diagnosis of either Attention Deficit Disorder "ADD" or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder "ADHD".

There are many different and controversial opinions on how the disorder should be diagnosed and whether or not the current methodology is accurate. In fact, it would cloud the focus of this article to delve into the subject of what constitutes "an accurate diagnosis", thus, for more information on the current methodology, I direct you to the papers and books published by John D. Grant, MD, Micheal R. Lyon, MD, and Gabor Mate, MD.

Some parents search anxiously for a diagnosis for their child. In my practice, I have met many parents who relate to me that they "need to know what is wrong with their child". It is safe to say, that regardless of a "label", there is a noticeable behavioural problem present. I choose to label this as an "imbalance", for this is really what it is - an imbalance brought about by either excesses or deficiencies of toxins and/or nutrients for that individual. Fortunately, for those who choose to explore natural alternatives to correct this imbalance, they have spared their child the possibility of experiencing extremely severe side effects and unknown problems that can result from the use of stimulant drugs. The following paragraphs address some of the key issues which we investigate and counsel our clients about. Further, we give you lifestyle and nutritional strategies to use (as parents and educators) to help behaviourally challenged children…naturally.

Probable Causes of Behavioural Difficulties in Children - what is the root cause of the problem?

First, realize that there is not a simple answer to this problem. The problem is a complex puzzle (your child's behaviour), with many pieces that need to be assembled. Also realize that this puzzle may never be assembled as to your pre-determined picture (if you have one). The puzzle is the child's behaviour, and putting this puzzle together is a journey, an adventure, and a discovery…not a burden. If you approach this puzzle optimistically, with an open-mind, you will assemble it to the best of your ability.

Let us take a look at whether or not we are missing any of the following potential "seven" pieces of your child's puzzle…

1) Neurological disorders (with a physiological basis) of the nervous system which can be diagnosed. These must be ruled out by a health professional.
2) Chemical imbalances caused by any of the following: interruptions or disturbances in brain development; the child's social environment (i.e. emotional & physical stressors); obvious nutritional deficiencies or excesses; pollution, and exposure to environmental toxins.
3) Mineral deficiencies due to malnutrition, heavy metals that displace essential minerals, or digestive problems (malabsorption).
4) Genetics: inherited weaknesses & tendencies - we look for possible connections. For example, enzyme deficiencies that may increase a child's need for certain minerals (like zinc or iron). Another example is low secretory IgA levels, which may be inherited, due to early weaning or not breastfeeding, or an immune system imbalance.
5) Food allergies & intolerances: food allergens (excluding those which cause IgE reactions) and an over-active immune system can affect the brain in that the protein particles mimic opiate receptors, or contribute to the overgrowth of un-friendly intestinal bacterias or yeasts.
6) An improper diet of processed, refined, un-wholesome & fast foods - contributing to blood sugar fluctuations that directly affect the brain, behaviour, and mood.
7) Yeast overgrowth due to heavy metals (disrupt immune function), antibiotic or drug use, or poor digestion. An imbalance of intestinal bacteria, favouring yeast growth will cause the yeast to root in the intestinal mucosa, causing "gaps" in the intestinal barrier. Neuro-toxins are produced by the yeast - one of which is acetaldehye. The body attempts to detoxify it by conversion to ethanol (alcohol). Alcohol causes the same effects as drunkenness…irrational behaviour, brain fog, inattention, and potentiates the mood the person is in. If secretory IgA levels are low, harmful microbes can proliferate in the g.i tract. Studies have shown that if secretory IgA is low, high numbers of gut microbes will penetrate the intestinal lining, negatively affecting Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue (GALT) and the liver.

It is bewildering and difficult to know where to begin. That is why it is imperative to develop a network of healthcare practitioners who can help you piece together your puzzle.

How to get started: Lifestyle changes take commitment.

1) Decide that you and your family believe changes are important. Commit to it.
2) Find practitioners to work WITH you as PEOPLE, exploring various approaches, tests, etc.
3) Become comfortable & educated with each step you take before progressing.
4) Change HOW you eat before you change what you eat. Focus on QUALITY.
Food combining rules, environment, meal times, stress, did I say QUALITY?!!
5) Make as many meals as possible at home - you will KNOW what is in them.
6) Rebalance the body by focusing on the digestive, intestinal & nervous systems.
7) Start today with the simplified list, below.

Whole Foods Diet: Healing the body & the mind.

Maximize green foods: 5-6 servings daily; 1 serving = ½ cup cooked, or 1 cup raw.

Choose foods from each of the following categories:

• High water content vegetables, salads. Get creative. Choose a dark green leafy (kale, rapini, collards, spinach, Chinese greens, swiss chard) & orange veggie at each meal. For snacks, serve dips with pureed roasted veggies like red peppers, egg-plant, or onions. Add jicama, cucumber or bell pepper crudités for variety…not just celery & carrots! Wrap nori (seaweed) around cucumber wedges. Try different lettuces - endive, frisee, radicchio, romaine. You decide what to buy - and let your child decide how and what to eat, with your guidance.
• Steamed cruciferous veggies: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbages
• Carrots, yams, beets, squashes, potatoes…make GREAT root fries!
• Fresh vegetable juices

Maximize high protein and protein alternatives 3-4 servings daily from the following categories:

• Meat - poultry, red meat, wild meat (3 ounces = 1 serving)
• Soy foods: great for stir fry: tofu, tempeh.
• Beans (3/4 cup cooked = 1 serving)
• Eggs (1 large = 1 serving)
• Fish - cold water, wild, ocean fish: Haddock, Salmon, Mackerel, Tilapia (3 oz = 1 serving)
• Other high protein foods include raw nuts and seeds and their butters: walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews, pumpkin, sunflower. One serving is ¼ cup, or a small handful, or 2 tbsp. of nut butter. Although nuts and seeds are high in fat, it is mostly good, unsaturated, essential fat (see below). Peanuts are actually very high in protein, high in saturated (undesirable fat) and low in essential fats.

Protein, like fat, helps satisfy hunger, and aids mineral absorption. When meals are satisfying…cravings don't occur! Have crudités available with bean dips, eggs, or salmon/tuna or tofu salads, sliced meat (poultry, turkey, lamb) or kabobs on a stick.

Fats - only healthy essential fats, are crucial: 3 servings/day. (1 tsp = 1 serving). Omega-3 fats, found in cold water ocean fish, flax seed oil, walnuts, wild meat, and mono-unsaturated fats (olives & avocados), are essential for nervous system health, and circulatory health, respectively. Unrefined olive, coconut and sesame oils are for best for cooking or baking. A mixture of butter and flax oil (3/4: ¼ ratio) is a great spread for bread or sandwiches. Add flax oil to smoothies. Favour unrefined and organic sunflower or hempseed or flax oil for salads.

Whole grains: 5-6 servings/day, possibly more if the child is athletic. 1 serving = 1 slice of bread, ½ cup cooked cereal, ¾ cup cold cereal, ½ cup cooked rice or other grain or ½ cup cooked pasta. Whole grains provide energy, fibre, essential B-vitamins, oils, minerals and essential trace minerals. It is crucial to combine whole grains with protein to prevent peaks and drops in blood sugar. This is especially important for ADHD.

Choose from long grain brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, oats , barley, buckwheat, millet, spelt, kamut, rye. Choose cookies made with whole grains, nuts, seeds, and eggs. Whole wheat or multi-grain pitas.

Calcium-rich foods: 4 servings/day (1 serving = 1 cup milk,1 cup milk alternative, ¾ cup yogurt, 2 oz cheese, ¼ cup almonds, 2 tbsp tahini, 1 cup cooked broccoli or other dark green vegetable, or ½ cup fortified orange juice, or fortified soy food).

Although many people still insist that milk is the "perfect food", it is actually not digested very well by most people, and is on the list of Canada's most allergenic foods. It tends to prolong congestion and ear infections in susceptible individuals, especially children. I recommend using milk alternatives or calcium supplements to achieve the recommended intake.

Moderate the intake of fruits (2-3 servings per day):
• Fruits (only organic): Pineapple, pear, papaya, melons, starfruit, mangos. Choose seasonal fruit.
• Herbal teas - mix with agave nectar or maple syrup.
• Natural, live cultured yogurt or kefir - in smoothies or mixed with fruit & topped with whole grain cereals
• WATER: pure spring or glacial water only.
Certain fresh herbs, low in salicylates may be used for seasonings

Avoid:

• White flour pasta, breads, desserts, granola bars, anything made with "wheat flour"
• Non-organic milk, cheese, and dairy foods.
• Red meat that is non-organic
• Peanuts
• Corn, unless whole grain & organic, as in polenta: O.K.
• Dried fruits (because of moulds, sulphites, colourings, sugar)

Eliminate:

• Hydrogenated oils, trans fats, margarines, & foods made with them
• Caffeinated beverages & pop
• Fruit juices (use only as a sweetener or in desserts)
• Take out foods (most) & those made with cream sauces especially, and fried foods
• Ice cream (Substitute frozen yogurt - add fruit and other toppings)
• Processed meats
• Table salt, white sugar & sweeteners: glucose, high fructose corn syrup, malt.

Sound like a daunting task? Remember…this is a lifestyle change and by no means should you expect to make all of the changes over=night. It takes patience, perseverance and commitment from your family, friends, and health care team. Dietary changes, in conjunction with vitamin/mineral supplements to correct individual deficiencies work. Hundreds of parents can attest to this. The only side effects you have to worry about with the natural approach is that your family will be healthier, you'll spend more time together and possibly…live longer and happier lives! Nurture influences nature.

About the author: Irene holds an honours degree in biochemistry and nutrition from the University of Guelph. After attaining her honours in holistic nutrition, Irene founded Wellness Wizards Ltd., with headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.

In her private practice, Irene offers comprehensive nutritional counselling and menu planning for children, adults and those with special needs. Besides teaching for the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, Irene offers lunch and learn programs and is the Director of Nutrition and Product Development for Healthy Sprouts Foods Inc. For more information, visit www.healthysprouts.ca or www.wellnesswizards.net.

© 2006, by Wellness Wizards Limited. Irene Wells Swedak, B.Sc., RNCP. 478 Dundas St. West, Oakville, ON. Tel: 416-948-9355 - Fax: 905-257-3979. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .