With school back in session and the summer fun mostly to a close, how do you get the kids to settle down and focus? The summer activities with less structure may seem like the culprit, but how about mealtimes. Yes, food can affect mood and behavior! Taking a closer look at these five common offenders may even make breakfast and homework time a pleasure!
You may be all too familiar with those mid-morning and afternoon slumps that can send you looking for caffeine or the candy jar. Children can have the same responses to food and when it comes to your child, you don’t want to receive that dreaded note or phone call from school letting you know your child had been falling asleep at their desk or disruptive in the classroom. It may be due to lack of sleep; however, taking a closer look at meals and snacks can unfold the real issues.
Remember the old saying “one man’s food is another man’s poison”? This can hold true as we each react differently to certain foods and ingredients. Some are known as more common causes of allergies/sensitivities and can leave some children feeling anxious, hyper, and even feeling that late morning slump. Here are 5 of the major contributors.
- Sugar… When hyperactivity and behavior issues are an issue, you most often find sugar as a contributor! Unless you are eating a diet consisting of mostly whole foods, some form of sugar will be found in drinks, juices, and packaged products (even the non-dessert and snack items). Be aware, they sneak in with many different names and can easily add up to “sugar overload”!
- Artificial Coloring…these have been linked to behavior issues, ADHD symptoms, anxiety, and even headaches in children. In some foods their presence is obvious with the bright colors (ie; drinks, desserts, snacks, cakes, cereals) however; some unlikely foods contain them also. Foods like yogurt, breads, and even clear sports drinks. Some of the worst offenders are Yellow No. 5, Red No. 40, and Blue No. 1.
- Food Allergens…these can be less obvious due to more subtle symptoms or symptoms after different types of foods. Food allergies can be determined by an Allergist, however, food intolerances or sensitivities may not show up in these tests and can and often are misdiagnosed as ADHD. The more common foods that may cause allergies or sensitivities are dairy, corn, nuts, eggs, and soy.
- Food Preservatives…This one is dear to me as I have had a severe allergy to MSG (monosodium glutamate) and other forms of glutamates for many years. It wasn’t easy to determine what was causing it as it’s found in so many different sauces, restaurant foods, and packaged/processed foods. Other ingredients include but are not limited to; Emulsifiers, Flavor enhancers, nitrates, nitrites, sodium benzoate (found in many children’s drinks), and sulfites. The symptoms can range from hives, itching, and asthma in those who experience a full allergy, but to others without a full blown allergy can be more subtle with irritability, headaches, and digestive upset.
- Gluten & Dairy Sensitivities…This also falls under the “Food Allergens” section, however, many times it is intolerance rather than an allergy, leaving more subtle symptoms. Observation is key to determining food sensitivities, along with symptoms that can include difficulty sleeping and irritability among others. Testing for allergies and food sensitivities can help determine if a food allergy or sensitivity is present.
Keep in mind that what your child is experiencing may be more than the back to school blues and starting with simple changes at meal and snack times can make all the difference. I am here to help should you need guidance and support. Remember, how we eat is how we live!
