DIET
AND NUTRITION
We
are what we eat!
And
we all know what children eat ( and don't eat)!
There
is a strong link between behaviour, moods and appetite
and much research has been undertaken in the area of
children's nutrition.
The
World Health Organisation issued a statement many
years ago to the effect that we all need supplementation
in our diets due to the way food is grown,
harvested and stored today. These techniques can lead to
a depletion in essential minerals. There is research to
support this available from what used to be know as the
Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. These
mineral deficiencies will manifest in children's health,
well being and behaviour! They are essential for healthy
growth, brain development and healthy functioning
of the immune and endocrine systems.
'Hyperactive
type' behaviours are often associated with certain
food additives / artificial sweeteners and keeping
a food diary, working with the Feingold Diet (as
advocated by the Hyperactive Children's Support Group,)
can be very helpful measures in regulating
behavioural type problems.
Protein
drinks administered in the mornings can improve
concentration and introducing good vitamin and
mineral supplements can also be very helpful. In
addition the benefits of giving children 'Essential
Fatty Acids' has been well researched and documented in
reducing behavioural problems.
Food
sensitivities, intolerances and allergies all play a
part in behavioural responses and testing young people
for potential allergies and vitamin / mineral
deficiencies can prove to be very beneficial. Very often
young people are able to be supported in monitoring
certain food types / additives / artificial sweeteners.
for themselves.
Below
is an example of how we monitored improvements in one
young person over a six month period:
