There is a disorder that we have been hearing more about in recent years: Hyperactivity. First of all, my child is a bit of a mobile problem, mothers. Now the active child’s name has become hyperactive? is it like? Let’s see first, what does this hyperactivity mean?
Hyperactivity; It is a childhood mental disorder that begins before the age of 7 and is characterized by reduced or impaired attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Only the children we once called too active or naughty have changed. Now, children are not only very active, but at the same time, attention deficit and concentration disorder occurred, and children began to act according to their impulses. Of course, this situation negatively affects their mental development, compliance with social rules, adaptation and school success in the advancing period, hyperactive children cannot show the expected success even though they do not have an intelligence problem.
Does the child not progress despite the medications given? Something is obviously wrong. Like what? Something that you probably never thought of is triggering hyperactivity from the bottom up. Let’s go a little deeper then.
Studies have shown that nutrition directly affects hyperactivity. When the relationship between nutrition and hyperactivity is investigated, two types of diets emerge: ‘Western’ and ‘Healthy’
Western diet; It is a diet that is loaded with fast food, processed foods, packaged foods are consumed excessively, poor in terms of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and rich in carbohydrates and fats.
Healthy eating; Sufficient and stable nutrition, nutrition with strong foods in terms of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
While researches found that Western style nutrition was associated with hyperactivity, no connection was found between healthy nutrition and hyperactivity. When hyperactive children started to eat a healthy diet, symptoms decreased. In particular, nutritional supplements have been observed to increase symptoms in hyperactive children.
It is assumed that approximately 75% of processed food items are consumed in the kitchens of Western countries and it is calculated that individuals receive about 5-6 kg of additives each year with these products. Parallel to this rapid increase in consumption, an increase is observed in the side effects that develop against additives and show a lot of variability. . Just like the increase in the number of children diagnosed with hyperactivity in recent years.
Let’s see what are the nutritional additives that cause hyperactivity:
Tartrazine (E101) is a colorant that is mostly used in soft drinks.
Erythrosine (E127) is widely used in children’s confectionery.
It is also found in caramels (E150), cola drinks, chips, bread, sauce and many other nutrients.
Benzoates (E210-E219), collaborator.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) (E221) is used as a flavoring in soups, sauces and meat products.
Aspartame, sweetener.
Sucrose, sweetener.
So how should a hyperactive child be fed?
– Dear parents, in order for your child’s hyperactivity to be appropriate, you must first correct their eating habits. If you cannot do this alone, you should definitely seek help from a dietitian. Because if the hyperactive child is not treated, he will become a hyperactive adult, and his success in life will be low with much more troubles that he has to deal with in his life, but with undeveloped social skills.
– Foods containing nutritional additives supported by researches that cause hyperactivity should be avoided.
– A healthy and sufficient nutrition plan should be arranged with 3 main meals and 1-2 middle meals a day.
– Meal times should be regular and at the same time.
– The hyperactivity-modifying effect of omega-3 and EPA/DEHA polyunsaturated fatty acids was observed. Therefore, fish should be eaten 2 days a week, and if the child does not like fish, it should be added to his diet as a supplement.
– If the child is overweight, weight gain should be achieved at a speed appropriate for his age with a healthy and adequate nutrition and sports program.
– If the child has a weakness problem, a healthy weight gain should be ensured with a nutrition system that will not trigger hyperactivity.
– Nutrition of the child should never be left to his own initiative, beneficial foods should be given to him gradually by trying to make him like it, and he should be kept away from wasteful foods gradually without boring the child again.
This treatment process is a long-term treatment based on behavior change that requires patience. Dear parents, you may get angry during this process, but stay calm and try to reach the result with slow progress. Remember, there is a time for everything.
