Hyperactivity Disorder Relief

Even a mild degree of hyperactivity in a child can cause a lot of disruption, bor at home and in school. When a child has severe hyperactivity it is medically recognized as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

As the name suggests, there are two aspects to ADHD: difficulty in concentration and hyperactivity. These are present to differing degrees. Boys are more likely to be overactive, and so are noticed. In girls, poor concentration may dominate, so despite the presence of learning difficulties the diagnosis may be less obvious. The condition often resolves towards late adolescence, but it may persist into adult life.

Hyperactivity Disorder Causes

The exact cause of hyperactivity is unclear, and many factors have been implicated in the condition, including difficult births and nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy and early infancy. In some cases there is probably also an inherited predisposition, so someone who was affected in childhood may find they encounter the problem again as a parent.

Food intolerance may also be a cause, as many children improve with dietary changes. Even when the hyperactivity is sufficiently severe for a diagnosis of ADHD to be made, research suggests that about a quarter or more of children with ADHD behave normally when they eat a diet that excludes food to which they are intolerant. In addition, a number of others improve enough to allow them to respond better to psychological treatment.

FOOD ADDITIVES

Around 3000 additives are present in modern foodstuffs and medicines. They preserve food, ensuring safety and extended shelf life, and enhance flavour and appearance. To avoiod them, you need to check all food labels and enquire about the constituents of medicines. Virtually any additive can cause symptoms in a susceptible person. The commonest culprits are:

Natural additives : which include substances most likely to cause food intolerance, such as thickeners from wheat or corn (maize) and natural sweeteners/syrup from corn (maize), beet and cane. Both are found in liquid medicines and even tablets. Albumen usually comes from eggs.

Flavourings (E620-3*): the most notorious is monosodium glutamate (MSG), which can cause Chinese restaurant syndrome (flushing, chest tightness and pain, headache and fainting).

Antioxidant preservatives (E320-1 *): these prevent fats from going rancid, but can aisc trigger asthma and urticaria.

Sulphite preservatives (E220-8*): these occur naturally when yeast ferments, but can also be added to beer, wine and fruit juice, or used in the preparation of seafood, gelatine, dehydrated vegetables, pickles, preserved meats, sausages, fruit salads, dried fruits and green salads, which are sprayed with sulphite preservatives to preserve freshness in salad oars and restaurants. Can trigger asthma, rhinitis and urticaria.