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RISING WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...
My children are suffering! How can I prevent or get rid of ADD/ADHD?
Think DIET, DIET, DIET. Our brains are made up of fats and proteins so it is
very important that a child (and even yourself for that matter) eats good
quality, properly cooked proteins and the right fats.
Kids’ nervous systems are very vulnerable and need proper nutrition so it
can develop properly. They need the “good fats” from fish and seeds like
pumpkin oil, flax oil, borage oil or evening primrose oil. Sometimes a blend
can be very useful if you are not sure of which single oil your child needs.
Fish oil can improve cognitive function in some kids, but there are others
that can too, like borage oil for instance.
Stay away from oils which are hydrogenated like deep-fried foods such as
French fries. Often a “fatty food” craving from a child can be rid of by
adding an oil supplement like borage oil or fish oil to a more healthier
alternative. The craving is a signal that something is off balance.
Fats also stabilize the glucose-insulin swing. When kids eat food high in
carbohydrates or high-glycemic foods this causes a sudden rise in the
insulin and then a sudden fall. This is not good for focussing because the
brain needs a steady supply of blood glucose in order for concentration to
take place.
Proteins also stabilize glucose levels so make sure you eat and serve your
children good quality proteins like non-GMO tofu, organic beef, organic
chicken and non-GMO beans and legumes. Keep in mind that properly cooked
proteins are soft boiled eggs or moist scrambled eggs versus hard boiled
eggs and dry scrambled eggs or steaks and roasts that are pink to red inside
versus well-done. These are easier to digest and can be used by the body
easier to repair and build things like the brain.
Fiber in whole grains is also important because the fiber balances the blood
sugars and also keeps the colon free of build-up so that the brain does not
become muddled. Muddled thinking can be from backed up bowels, so make sure
you get at least 60 to 100 grams of fiber per day.
Aside from diet, there are other factors as well that trigger ADD/ADHD. Some
kids learn better by doing and not by sitting in a desk all day! So is there
any wonder why some kids are having trouble if they are stuck in a desk all
day and are eating Dunkaroos for lunch!
Diet and exercise is truly an answer.
For more advice on ADD/ADHD, contact Monica Hirai, owner of Hirai
Health Services at 403.276.5756 or visit her at
www.hiraihealth.com
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