Can an Organic Diet Relieve ADD and ADHD Symptoms in Children?

Is there a link between a child’s diet and the severity of his ADD/ADHD? Recent research indicates that there might be and that it might be significant.

Increase in Attention Disorders

Over the last several decades there has been an increase in learning problems, hyperactivity, and attention disorders. During that same time period there has been an increase in the use of additives and preservatives, as well as GMO’s in food. Americans eat more junk food than ever and junk food is a major source of all of those additives.

Consider that in the 1960s the average soda was 6 to 12 ounces. In 2011 most people drink a minimum of 16 ounces at a serving and many opt for the 44 ounce fountain drinks; about a quart and a half of pure corn syrup and chemicals.

Children’s systems are not as developed as an adult’s system. Some researchers and doctors believe that a child’s attention disorders can be directly attributed to the increasing number of chemicals and toxins swirling around in his still developing system.

Considering that today’s child is exposed to chemicals, additives, toxins, and GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) from the moment of conception, it is easy to understand why he might be affected so strongly.

There has been a lot of research done over the years and even the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is admitting that there may be a link between the two.

University of Florida’s Prenatal Study

Are there links between exposure to food additives in the womb and later learning problems? Richard W. Pressinger(M.Ed.) believes there are. His 1997 study, Chemical Food Additive Exposure During Pregnancy, was performed at the University of Florida and indicated links between common food additives consumed during pregnancy and the following issues in the child later in life:

• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Behavioral problems
• Learning disabilities

Experiments done on rats showed that artificial colors given to baby rats immediately after they were born made a negative difference in their long term learning abilities. One of the most interesting results was that the test animals lost their innate ability to learn from their mistakes, called avoidance learning. These rats were unable to find their way out of a maze while the control group had no problems doing so.

Canyon Verde

An earlier study, done in 1982 by students at the Canyon Verde School, also showed that additives seem to cause problems. Using four groups of rats the students performed the following experiments:

• The control group was fed foods that rats would naturally eat. Their health and behavior remained normal.
• Group one was fed the same diet as the control group except hot dogs were added. These rats exhibited aggressive and violent behavior patterns.
• Group two was fed only sugary cereals and artificially colored drinks. This group of rats became nervous and unable to carry out normal tasks. They showed signs of hyperactivity.
• Group three was fed donuts cola beverages. These rats soon showed signs of insomnia and antisocial behavior.

All Natural.com has more information about this particular study.

Organic foods cannot contain artificial dyes, chemicals, or additives according to the USDA. By choosing USDA certified organic items you can ensure that your child is not being affected by the foods that he eats.

Feingold Diet

A large number of families have had good results with an eating plan called the Feingold Diet. This diet, created by Dr. Feingold, eliminates problematic additives from a child’s diet. The basic categories removed are:

• Artificial Colors
• Artificial sweeteners
• Preservatives
• Synthetic/artificial flavors

It is interesting to note that limited amounts of sugar are allowed in the diet. Although sugar used to be associated with hyperactivity, recent research suggests that it was the additives in the foods and not the sugars that were the culprits.

Since certified organic foods do not contain these ingredients they are allowable on this diet.

After several experiments with laboratory animals Dr. Bennet Shaywitz, Professor of Pediatric Neurology at Yale University School of Medicine wrote, "Our results provide additional support for the belief that administration of food colorings may exert significant effects in the developing organism. Thus, it is apparent that food dyes affect activity levels during the first month of postnatal life." Neurobehavioral Toxicology, Vol 1:41-47

Additives that are associated with learning and behavioral challenges in children are:

All Artificial Dyes

• Ailura red (E129)
• Camoisine (E122)
• Ponceau (E124)
• Quinoline yellow (E104)
• Sunset yellow (E110)
• Sodium benzoate (E211)
• Tartrazine (E102)

Preservatives

• BHA
• BHT
• MSG

Behavioral Improvement without Medication

Children are increasingly given medications for Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These medications are not without side effects, some of them serious. If something as simple as a dietary change can make a difference it is worth the effort for most parents to seek this as a possible solution before medical intervention.

By choosing organic foods for yourself and your family you may prevent many health problems, including ADD/ADHD.