Do you constantly tell your kids to do something but their response is only a glazed over look on their faces, your words sliding over their heads like the air stream in an aerodynamic car commercial? Perhaps you have one of those kids who spaces out in the outfield, missing the easy fly ball because his glove is on his head. As a parent, it’s frustrating to watch your child act this way. You may want to scream, “Where ARE you?!” and berate your spouse’s gene pool. However, it might have something to do with more than just genetics.
We’ve all heard the phrase you are what you eat, but are we really listening? Is your wallet open wide when the kids spy the concession stand? If so, put the money away and listen. Your child’s behavior is crying out to you. Years of research have shown that our children’s behavior can be greatly affected by things in their diets. Behavior disorders such as ADHD and ADD are the center of many medical studies, and researchers are finding that our environment has a huge impact on how our children behave—or misbehave. The answer doesn’t have to be medication as you might have heard. It can be as easy as giving your children a more wholesome diet, which may even be the answer to many of your parenting struggles. Try these suggestions and then observe your child for a few weeks. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Eliminate artificial dyes and additives
A study by L.J. Stephens and others at the Department of Foods and Nutrition at Purdue University suggests that symptoms of ADHD were greatly reduced with an artificial food color-free diet. When they were given at least 100 mg of AFCs (artificial food colors) in a recent study, 65 to 89 percent of the children with suspected sensitivities to dyes reacted. So on the home front, check all the labels—even on the barbecue sauce. You’ll be surprised where manufacturers sneak in the dyes. This also means cutting out the junk food, like soda pop, candy and fast food, while working toward serving more whole foods, the ones that either have no labels or have five or fewer ingredients.
Dr. Joy Weydert, associate professor of pediatrics and integrative medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center and practicing pediatrician at Children’s Mercy Hospital, says, “Other things that can set off behavior are the food preservatives, other additives (MSG), aspartame (NutraSweet), herbicides and pesticides. Most processed foods have some of these laced in them, and some children may not know that they are sensitive to these chemicals. With exposure, they may have a sudden change in behavior—explosive outbursts, hyperactivity, vulgar language—or more commonly, they will have subtle, chronic problems with staying focused, forgetfulness, mild allergies, dark circles under the eyes, stomach aches, etc.”
Dabble with your dairy
We all know cow’s milk has been a food allergen for years and you may have thought your children immune. But a milk reaction, whether allergic or as intolerance, doesn’t just manifest in gut aches and hives. Behavior also can be affected. The whey and casein proteins, added hormones and antibiotics in milk sometimes encourage kids to act like certain farm animals rather than their own human species. If your kids are milk fanatics and can’t give it up quite yet, try organic or even some alternative milks, such as almond, rice and even hemp milk. If they can give up the milk but want to keep the calcium, try calcium chews from the pharmacy shelves.
Weydert explains to skeptical parents that “we are the only species that drinks other species’ milk and we are the only ones that drink it past infancy.”
Incorporate the RIGHT Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids (also known as Alpha Linolenic Acids or ALA) are helpful in such disorders as ADHD because of their role in proper brain function. In the Gale Encyclopedia of Diets, Emma Mills, R.D., discusses the ADHD Diet and the important role these fatty acids play in a growing child’s health. EPA and DHA are the healthy fats produced from Omega-3 fatty acids, but that production can’t happen with a poor diet. Some of the best sources of ALA are salmon, tuna, halibut, mackerel and sardines, but if your kids are like mine, they would rather throw those fish back then put them on their plates. Other good sources to try are green leafy vegetables and herbs such as watercress, spinach, basil, coriander, mint and parsley. Organic sources of meat, as well as dairy, are also great ways to get ALA.
Try cooking meals with canola oil, flax seed or flax oil, and if your family likes like eggs, try the Omega-3 eggs from your local grocer. If your kids aren’t into making these changes quite yet, a great way to incorporate them is through chewables. Some great ones are Nordic Naturals Children’s DHA or NSI Omega-3 Chewables, which are available online through www.Vitacost.com. These are dye-free, natural and full of brain-boosting power.
Explain
Most importantly, talk to your kids and tell them why you are making these changes. Horse trainers don’t feed their horses only sugar cubes before a big race. Olympic athletes don’t pig out on candy bars before their time trials then wash things down with a big soda. Sounds absurd, right? Explain the issue in terms like these to help your kids realize their heroes eat a certain way so their bodies will perform at top levels. They use food as fuel, and they use only the best.
Because you truly want the best for them, try giving your own kids the fuel they need and keep the brain-fogging foods to a minimum. Eating well will keep their motors running, their heads clear and their behavior headed in the right direction.
As always, check with your doctor if you have questions on your child’s diet and behavior.
Overland Park writer Hallie Sawyer is the lucky mother of three who battles daily with her kids about making smart food choices. She may lose a battle here or there but is determined to win the war. She blogs at http://www.halliesawyer.com/blog.