The Perfect Storm - ADD/ADHD
I often think of our children as “Kids Lite” – you know, the watered down version of the app with less features and uses. Compared to the hearty version of kids decades ago, I think we’re dealing with a “Kids Lite” version. On the average in the US, our kids are sick, tired, worn out, overweight and deal with things we never had to as children. The stressors and worries alone are beyond comprehension. Not to mention the assault on their immune systems from the environment, food and lack of proper nutrition. Is it any wonder approximately 11% of our kids have an attention disorder and 1 in 68 are “on the spectrum”?
Of course, often there isn’t a “cause”, so to speak, as much as an overall breakdown of health in our society. Between genetic factors, poisons in our environment and the chemicals we ingest daily it’s become the perfect storm affronting our families.
It’s admirable to see how diligent some parents are in helping their kids have the best possible outcome – organic food, gluten free, no processed foods, etc. And then . . . there’s the rest of us – started out with three kids & am ending the day with three kids – It’s been a good day! *maybe that’s just me
Don’t fret – there are some amazing tools we can implement to help our young ones have a better shot at true wellness?
Understand children’s basic nutritional needs – then make sure it’s being met. Here are two informative sources: Mayo Clinic & American Heart Association
Stay away from added sugar and food dyes. “Some research studies have found the dyes can contribute to hyperactive behavior in children. Food dyes have been controversial since pediatrician Benjamin Feingold published findings in the 1970s that suggested a link between artificial colors and hyperactive behavior” [1]
Embrace an ADD/ADHD diagnosis. Some parents think a diagnosis will harm their children’s future but in reality, ADD & ADHD children, when supported and trained properly, go on to have amazing success.
Which leads to – Make sure your children are supported properly. Find some great suggestions here: Help Guide/ADD/ADHD
Get nutritional support for your kids. There are so many studies showing how important Omega Oils are and ProBiotics and Essential Oils – don’t underestimate the power of supporting the brain nutritionally!
[1] Rebecca Harrington, “Does Artificial Food Coloring Contribute to ADHD in Children?”, <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-artificial-food-coloring-contribute-to-adhd-in-children/> (accessed April 2016)