ADHD & FOOD
Michael Smith (msmith@EMST-DC.PLANSYS.COM)
Mon, 13 Nov 1995 14:46:52 EST
There appears to be experimental and clinical support to FOOD COLORING
(especially most of the RED and BLUE varieties) causing very undesired
reaction in ADD and especially ADHD individuals. To date, there is
insufficient experimental data to "prove" this theory, however, early studies
have shown some relationship. From my personal standpoint, we removed
certain food colorings as a test from my daughter's diet (unfortunately she
has a rare disorder and is under study by NIH, Children's Hospital, and many
other experts nationwide). Since she is also on various "unusual"
medications, this is not a controlled test, but her attention span increased
and here hyperactivity decreased upon removal of these food colorings from
here diet.
Sooo, while there may be underlying factors as yet to be determined (further
research is required), it may worth it for leaders to consider minimizing the
hard core food colors when they have ADD or ADHD scouts. It can be easily
done. And obviously avoiding "Blue Bubble Gum" cannot cause harmful effects
on any person.
But PLEASE PLEASE NOTE. There is a BIG difference between exclusionary and
inclusionary methods. Not selecting Blue Bubble Gum is exclusionary and OK.
ADDING ANY substance or food in hopes of "helping" an ADD or ADHD person is
inclusionary and dangerous unless performed under the supervision of a
qualified physician.
YiS,
Michael Smith
Planning Systems Incorporated
msmith@plansys.com
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
