The right food for your child -- and YOU!

Do you know that 9% of American children are diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) but only 32 percent of them are getting treated properly. There is a perception that ADHD is overdiagnosed and overtreated but many times it shows that for those who meet the criteria for ADHD there is a opposite problem, they're often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Unfortunately there is no "magic cure" for a child with ADHD. The only magic cure available is to eat properly. It doesn't matter if your child has ADHD, every child NEED to have a proper diet.

All kids need nutrients and healthy foods, but because certain vitamins and minerals are particularly related to brain function, they may be especially important for kids with attention and behavior issues. Here are a few food choices that will help your child grow and function perfectly.

Protein
Kids need protein for their brain cells to function, but the body can't store excess amino acids (what protein is made of). For a kid who has trouble focusing, it's especially important to make sure his brain gets a steady supply of protein. The trick is to split up protein intake: Try offering eggs for breakfast, an almond butter sandwich for lunch or meat or beans for dinner.

Omega-3
Omega-3 is a type of fat that plays a vital role in brain and nervous system function. Omega-3 is always a complimentary treatment when treating a child with ADHD. Their behavior and attention improves after taking Omega-3. There is a real reason why people say you become smart when you eat fish. Salmon, walnuts, flaxseed, shrimp are all good choices.

Minerals
Iron is important for brain development and one study showed that almost all of the kids who have ADHD also have low iron level. The most severe deficient also had the most severe problems with ADHD. Same studies has been done on zinc and magnesium.  But remember don't overdo minerals, especially iron.

Organic and natural food
Most foods today are highly processed and contain tons of chemicals, so much that some food items should not even be called food anymore. Chemicals in food have been linked to ADHD. If you can't buy all food organic, buy organic foods your child eats the most. Try also to avoid artificial ingredients, such as dyes. Lemon is a typical example of being heavily dyed. Buy organic foods as often as you can or grow your own. Ask friends, family and neighbors for fruits or vegetables they might have too much of in their own backyard.

Eating the right food is so important -- who wants to have their kids treated for something that could be changed easily. As a parent you need to make a great example and eat the same way. If you're not eating vegetables, why should your child do it. The little extra money we spent on proper and organic food is MUCH cheaper than having medical after medical bills to treat something that can't be treated.

Are you trying to go gluten/soy/dairy free?
Your child can eat the same thing you are. It's easy. Soy should NEVER be in a child's diet anyways. When it comes to dairy - let the kids have greek yogurt, it has a lot more protein in it and much better for your body than artificial processed yogurt. Drizzle some honey on top or chop/puree fresh fruit and add. Your child can eat gluten if they're not intolerant, but let them try gluten free bread as well. Letting them eat gluten free bread in between regular bread helps them with digestion and give them a little break to clean out their intestines. Functioning intestines help your child absorb all nutrition in your food.