There is a disorder that we have started to hear more about in recent years: Hyperactivity. In the past, mothers used to say that my child is a little active. Now the active child's name is hyperactive? I wonder? Let's first take a look at what this hyperactivity means?
Hyperactivity; It is a childhood mental disorder that begins before age 7 and is characterized by decreased or impaired attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Children who we previously thought were just too active or naughty have changed. Now children are not only overactive, but also lack of attention and concentration, and children begin 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 future, and hyperactive children cannot show the expected success even though they do not have an intelligence problem.
Is there no progress in the child despite the medications given? Something is obviously wrong. I wonder what it is? Maybe something you never think of triggers hyperactivity from underneath. Let's dig a little deeper then.
Research shows that nutrition directly affects hyperactivity. When the relationship between nutrition and hyperactivity is investigated, two types of diets emerge: 'Western' and 'Healthy'
Western style diet; It is a diet that is heavy on fast food, processed foods and packaged foods, is poor in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, and rich in carbohydrates and fat.
Healthy nutrition; adequate and balanced nutrition, nutrition with foods rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
While research has found Western-style nutrition to be associated with hyperactivity, no relationship has been found between healthy nutrition and hyperactivity. When hyperactive children started eating healthy, their symptoms decreased. It has been observed that food additives, in particular, increase symptoms in hyperactive children.
Assuming that approximately 75% processed food products are consumed in the kitchens of Western countries, it has been calculated that people consume approximately 5-6 kg of additives every year through these products. In parallel with this rapid increase in consumption, additives are consumed. developing and varying widely An increase in side effects is also observed. Just like the increase in the number of children diagnosed with hyperactivity in recent years.
Let's see what food additives cause hyperactivity:
Tartrazine (E101) is a colorant generally used in soft drinks.
Erythrosine (E127). ), is used abundantly in children's candies.
It is also found in caramels (E150), cola drinks, chips, bread, sauces and many other food items.
Benzoates (E210-E219), preservatives.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) (E221) is used as a flavoring in soups, sauces and meat products.
Aspartame, sweetener.
Sucrose, sweetener.
What about the nutrition of a hyperactive child? How should it be?
- Dear parents, in order to improve your child's hyperactivity, you must first correct his eating habits. If you cannot do this alone, you should definitely get 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 many more problems to deal with in his life, but with underdeveloped social skills.
- Foods containing food additives, which are supported by research that cause hyperactivity, should be avoided.
- A healthy and adequate nutrition plan should be prepared with 3 main meals and 1-2 snacks a day.
- Meal times should be regular and at the same time.
- Omega-3 and EPA/DEHA polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent hyperactivity. healing effect has been observed. Therefore, fish should be eaten 2 days a week, and if the child does not like fish, it should be added to the diet as a supplement.
- If the child is overweight, weight loss should be achieved at a pace appropriate to his age with a healthy and adequate nutrition and sports program.
- If the child has a weight problem. Healthy weight gain should be achieved with a diet that will not trigger hyperactivity.
- The child's nutrition should never be left to his own initiative, beneficial foods should be given gradually by trying to make him like them, and he should avoid harmful foods slowly, without boring the child.
This treatment should be done. It is a behavior change-based treatment that requires long-term and patience. Dear parents, in this process You may get angry, but stay calm and try to achieve results gradually. Remember, everything has its time.
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