Food and your Child’s Mood

Did you know that a well-balanced diet not only contributes to good health, but also affects your child’s mood, energy levels, sleep, and concentration? On the other hand, diets high in refined and processed foods may be the culprits to many behavioural issues, such as ADHD.

Some symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsiveness and poor concentration. While diet alone cannot “cure” ADHD, studies have shown that eliminating, and including, certain foods in your child’s diet can help manage the behaviour and improve focus and general well-being.

To begin with, avoid highly processed foods and sugar, such as white bread, soda, sports drinks, candy and breakfast cereals. They can contribute to hyperactivity as they cause blood sugar levels to spike and crash. Many processed foods also contain artificial colours and flavours, which can interfere with hormonal development and growth.

In your child’s diet, you can replace processed foods with whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains and legumes. These foods are naturally packed with essential vitamins and minerals — a vital part of healthy brain function and growth. By adding more plants to your diet, you also increase fibre and decrease empty calories. Rather than a snack of cookies or sweets, try real fruit juices, dried fruit or nuts.

In addition, many children have developed food sensitivities and intolerance to specific items, like gluten, dairy, eggs or soy. Try an “elimination” diet and see how you feel after removing a specific item from your plate. Experiment. You may just find a light at the end of your fork.

By Monica Dimofski – English Enrichment Teacher

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monica moved to South Korea in 2007 and taught English as a Second Language to elementary and middle school students. She also became head of the TOEFL writing department. In 2010, Monica relocated to HCMC, Vietnam, to complete her CELTA certificate, which gave her a greater understanding of language acquisition as well as practical knowledge in the classroom management. She moved to Singapore in 2011 where she has been working as a reading specialist and an enrichment teacher