Diet in hyperactive children plays an important role in controlling their behavior, concentration, and energy levels.Many parents, after being frustrated with medication or other treatments, find that nutrition can make a big difference. In fact, removing some foods such as artificial sugars and additives and replacing them with healthy nutrients is an effective step in improving the child's condition. Also, proper nutrition not only helps to regulate the mood, but can also improve the child's academic and social performance. In the following, we will examine effective nutritional principles for hyperactivity management.

the most important effects of diet in hyperactive children

Diet in hyperactive children has a direct effect on their brain function, behavior and concentration. In fact, healthy nutrition can act as an effective auxiliary tool along with behavioral and drug treatments. Next, the most important effects of diet in hyperactive children are as follows:

improving concentration and memory

A diet rich in protein, omega-3 and group B vitamins helps to improve brain function and increases the child's ability to concentrate and learn, which means that when the child's blood sugar remains at a balanced level, the brain will function more stably and frequent distractions will be avoided.

Reducing aggressive and irritable behaviors

Decreasing the consumption of artificial sugars, food colors and additives can reduce aggression, restlessness and impulsive behaviors in children; Natural nutrition without stimulants helps to balance the nervous system and control emotions.

adjusting mood and reducing anxiety

Some foods such as fish, walnuts, eggs and dairy products contain compounds that increase the level of serotonin (relaxation hormone) in the body, this improves mood, reduces stress and improves sleep quality in hyperactive children.

sustainable-energy-increase-during-the-day

Whole foods and whole grains release energy gradually and prevent a sudden drop in blood sugar. This feature makes the child have more balanced energy during the day and avoids fatigue or boredom.

improvement of academic and social performance

Children who have a balanced diet perform better in school and in social interactions. Proper nutrition increases concentration in class, reduces distractions, and improves the ability to cooperate with others.

Read more: occupational therapy for hyperactive children

What is suitable for preactive children?

Children with ADHD have a lot of energy and their concentration is hard to maintain. One of the effective ways to help control their behavior and improve their mental performance is to have a healthy and targeted diet. The type of nutrition can have a direct effect on the child's nervous system, mood and attention level. In the following, we will review the food suitable for these children with complete explanations:

protein

Proteins are very important for brain function and blood sugar regulation, consuming foods rich in protein such as eggs, chicken, fish, lentils and dairy products will keep the child's energy level stable throughout the day and prevent behavioral fluctuations. These substances help to increase concentration and improve short-term memory, so it is better for parents to start their child's breakfast with a source of protein so that he can concentrate better at school.

useful fats (omega-3)

Useful fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, play a vital role in brain growth and function, fatty fish such as salmon and sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, and olive oil are excellent sources of these fats. Research has shown that regular consumption of omega-3 can reduce hyperactive, aggressive and inattentive behaviors in hyperactive children. Also, these fats help to improve the quality of sleep and cognitive performance of the child.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a natural source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that help regulate brain and nervous system function. Daily consumption of fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges and vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and carrots is essential for these children. These substances increase healthy energy and reduce anxiety, so it is better to avoid industrial and packaged juices because they contain sugar and irritating additives.

whole-grain cereals

Whole grains such as whole grain bread, oats, brown rice and whole corn provide stable and gradual energy to the body; Unlike simple sugars, these substances do not cause a sudden increase in blood sugar, and as a result, the child's behavior remains more balanced. These grains are also rich in fiber, which helps with digestive health and makes you feel full longer. Their consumption is especially recommended for breakfast or lunch.

Reduce sugar and additives consumption

Artificial sugars, food colors, and additives are among the main factors that increase hyperactivity in children, in fact, foods such as soft drinks, chocolate, industrial biscuits, and chips can increase hyperactivity, irritability, and insomnia. Parents should use healthy snacks such as dry fruit or natural yogurt instead of these foods. The gradual removal of these substances from the child's diet will have a noticeable effect on his calmness and concentration.

To get a suitable diet for hyperactive children, you can go to Dr. Vahid Bayati Occupational Therapy Center, visit the best occupational therapy center in Ahvaz to get a specialized program tailored to your child's needs.

Is nutrition a good alternative to drugs in hyperactivity treatment?

Nutrition alone cannot be a complete substitute for medication in the treatment of ADHD, but it undoubtedly plays an important and complementary role in controlling symptoms. A healthy diet can strengthen the effect of drugs, reduce the need for high doses of drugs and reduce possible side effects.

Some children show significant improvement in concentration, calmness and behavior control by modifying their diet and eliminating harmful substances such as sugar, additives, artificial colors and processed foods. On the other hand, adding nutrients such as protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and magnesium to the diet can strengthen the brain and nervous system.

Read more: drugs to treat hyperactivity

What snacks are suitable for hyperactive children?

Hyperactive children need healthy and nutritious snacks to maintain concentration, calmness and stable energy throughout the day, suitable snacks can prevent extreme blood sugar fluctuations and make the child's behavior more balanced. In the following, we introduced some examples of useful snacks for these children.

• Fresh fruits with nuts, such as apples with walnuts or bananas with almonds, which both give natural energy and increase concentration.
• Natural yogurt with a little honey and flax seeds that helps the health of the digestive system and brain function.
• Boiled or half-boiled eggs with wholemeal bread, which is high in protein and makes you feel full longer.
• Homemade smoothie made from a combination of fresh fruit, low-fat milk or yogurt and oats, which is a tasty and nutritious snack.
• Chopped vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers and celery along with hummus, which are an excellent source of fiber and vegetable protein.
• Low-fat cheese slices with whole-wheat biscuits that provide a combination of calcium, protein and healthy carbohydrates.
• Roasted corn without much salt and oil, which is a light and healthy option for an evening snack.

Finally…

In general, diet in hyperactive children plays an important role in controlling the symptoms of hyperactivity in children, consumption of natural substances, sufficient protein and avoiding industrial and sweet foods can help improve the child's concentration, relaxation and behavior. By creating a regular and balanced food pattern, parents provide a healthier mental and physical development for their child. Also, a basic diet is not only complementary to medical and behavioral treatments, but can have positive and lasting effects on the child's life in many cases.