ADHD Diet for Children -
Hyperactivity Diet

ADHD Diet for children: here is the top information for a hyperactivity diet. Foods to avoid and which foods are essential.

Kids have tons of non stop stimulation. Is your child able to focus on something he loves for a long period of time? If the answer is yes, then perhaps he/she simply gets bored easily with other things, school work etc., and perhaps with some natural adhd alternatives her/his so called adhd will be gone!

First, let's start with an ADHD checklist for parents

ADHD Checklist for Parents

Some signs your child may have ADHD

• Highly intelligent
• Bored
• Extremists, tend to always use their bodies, arms, gestures, always want to be in front of you when talking to you
• Weak adrenal glands. Dark circles under the eyes can indicate the adrenal glands are weak and could use some support.
• Their emotions and their intellect are in conflict
• Children that are pale, dark circles under the eyes, had colic as an infant and has emotional instability. A digestive enzyme could be beneficial.
  

ADHD Diet Children

Diet is 100% key:

A healthy diet with plenty of fresh whole foods, lots of water, no juice for your ADHD diet for children

*Very important: Reduce and eliminate all foods containing sugar, additives and preservatives, artificial flavour and food coloring. One of my clients tells her kids that they can have something sweet on Fridays and so they don’t ask for it the rest of the week, and they get a small treat once a week.

These kids almost always have blood sugar level problems, hypoglycemia. Never delay a meal.

Kids need protein, protein, protein, Especially at breakfast. An egg and a piece of Kamut sourdough bread is perfect. The very Worst way to start the day is with sugar, cereal, wheat bread, jam, etc. Protein at every meal and protein snacks, and a protein snack at bedtime if needed.

No screens after dinner!

Hyperactivity Diet

Getting enough essential fatty acids is also very important to help the brain:  

• fresh water salmon
• fresh mackerel
• sardines
• walnuts
• pecans
• pine nuts
• freshly ground flax seeds
• avocados
• almonds
  
• sunflower and pumpkin seeds
• Or an omega 3 supplement
  

Natural Adhd Alternatives

Check for food intolerances to such things as wheat, milk, eggs, sugar, corn, peanuts, soya etc.
Could be deficient in some vitamins, a high quality, multi vitamin is important.  
Sometimes it’s a way to get attention from mom.
Eliminate any sources of stress in their life.
Can be caused by parasites, do they complain of an itchy bum or itchy ears, itchy face or a little itchy all over?

Sometimes the body isn’t assimilating fats and minerals, which in turn inhibits the production of neurotransmitters. This metabolism happens in the liver. A weak liver is often the cause of food intolerances and allergies. A liver supplement can help. 

And there are some completely natural kid friendly supplements you can try that are naturally calming and help focus.

Bach Flower Remedies can also help

Check if candida is present, an overabundance of yeast in the body

It is good to nourish them intellectually, physically,  ensure they don’t have a leaky gut that is letting toxins through.

There are many natural ADHD alternatives. Start with a Free consultation with a trained certified naturopath like myself to help answer all of your questions and find the right way to help your child naturally!

Healthy diet for a 4 year old boy

Submitted by Trupti
(Singapore)

What is a healthy diet for a 4 year old boy?

Sue-Anne's Reply:

A healthy diet is important for children as they grow so quickly. They need good quality, nutritious food for their growing bones and their cells that multiply quickly. You can read my page, Healthy Eating Guidelines found on the nav bar on the left side of any page. It is good advice for all ages.

Parents should set the example, otherwise why would your child believe a fresh salad is good for him/her if you are not eating one? Children quickly get used to what they eat, if their diet contains highly refined sweet foods, they will constantly crave sweets and a negative pattern is set.

Many parents make the mistake of giving their children juice. This immediately spikes their glycemic levels up and again sets up a pattern for them to always crave sweets. Do not even dilute juice with water. Pure, straight water is best.

Ensure that they take a healthy lunch to daycare/school and are not stuck eating cafeteria food, high in refined carbohydrates. See also my Healthy Snacks page. Do not buy any ready made snacks such as granola bars, that are very high in sugar.

Finally, protein is key for growing children, it is the building blocks of the body. Poultry, fish, eggs, beans with whole grains, ensure good quality protein for each meal.