Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects mainly children of school age, about 3% to 5% of the population. It is also known as Hyperactivity and typically symptoms include the child not being able to sit still, inattention, disruptive behaviour, restlessness, feverish excitement, screaming fits, hysteria, impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional problems, lack of social skills and learning disabilities. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms can appear before two years of age but usually it is before five years of age. Boys are more affected than girls, 40% of cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are grown out of by puberty but cases do continue into adolescence and adulthood causing problems with concentrating, insomnia and excessive thirst.

To combat the ADHD and hyperactive behaviour, start your child on a diet that is free from aspirin containing foods, artificial food colourings and flavours, preservatives, sugar and salt which can lead to hyperactivities in children. Keep to organic food in the diet and include wholegrain foods, seafood and legumes which are high in zinc. It is also recommended to take zinc as a supplement as children with ADHD tend to be lacking in this mineral. Boys especially need extra zinc around puberty. As well as sugar, omit artificial sweeteners especially aspartame and foods containing them, as these tend to make symptoms worst. Avoid products that contain salicylates such as suntan lotion, certain toothpastes and soap. I would also suggest that the child should drink plenty of bottled mineral water to keep them well hydrated.

During pregnancy, the mother should increase her intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs) of omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish such as salmon, trout, herring, mackerel, sardines and pilchards, omega-6 fatty acids are found in plant oils such as seeds, nuts, dark green leafy vegetables and whole grains. The pregnant mother should not smoke during pregnancy and try to avoid exposure to lead and other heavy-metal exposures.

The following supplements may help if your child is suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Essential fatty acids