A growing number of medical experts say particular foods and food colorings can be the culprit for the escalating ADHD symptoms. Here is a general review involving the investigation and studies relating to food additives and ADHD.

Generally there are eight risk elements typically linked with Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD. 75 percent are directly pertaining to diet;
Food and additive sensitivity
Mineral unbalances
Low-protein/high-carbohydrate diet habits
Essential fatty acid deficiencies

Amino acid deficiencies
B-vitamin deficiencies
Heavy metal toxicity

Thyroid problems

Benjamin Feingold, M.D. first presented the idea of food preservatives triggering behavior problems 40 years ago. He structured the presentation on the practical experience of 1,200 people whose behavioral problems were related to food chemicals. Feingold believed that 40-50 percent of hyperactive children react to a sensitivity to unnatural additives and preservatives in processed foods

A slew of reviews followed. Quite a few backed Feingold's theory. Other studies did not. This left the medical-related community generally split. A study in 2007 from Great Britain change the tide. Scientists at the University of Southampton examined 300 kids over a six-week period by giving the children with beverages that contained synthetic food coloring. The beverages were similar to those available at stores. Based on teacher and parent surveys, researchers revealed that those given the mixes with preservatives were noticeably more hyper and had reduced attention spans.

Artificial food coloring and additives are just one area of emphasis relating to food and its interconnection to ADHD difficulties. Various other studies reveal that increasing certain ingredients and nutrients to the daily diet may easily improve the symptoms connected with Attention Deficit Disorder and hyperactivity. A George Washington University study found that children with hyperactivity who consumed high protein meals did equally well, and occasionally better, in school than children without hyperactivity issues. Another study (Oxford University, England) examined fatty acid supplementation and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The hyperactivity in children receiving fatty acid supplements noticeably improved though the children in the control group did not get the same enhancements.

ADD and ADHD was first connected to low EFAs in1981. Further studies examining fatty acid blood levels in children with behavioral problems confirmed the fatty acid connection. In 1987 researchers again documented the EFA lack link to ADHD. A 1995 study again examined the EFA connection by comparing levels in Attention Deficit boys against a control group of boys without attentional or behavioral problems. Researchers discovered significantly lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the ADHD group.

A Purdue University study found that boys with low blood levels of Omega-3 fatty acid DHA have a greater frequency of hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder. A 1996 study found that children with ADHD are often lacking adequate amounts of zinc. A study in 1997 stated that of the the ADD and ADHD children analyzed, 95 percent were deficient in the mineral magnesium.

In the newest research about the link between diet and ADD and ADHD, researchers tested the results of diet elimination. Researchers of this 2009 ADHD Research Centre study found that a strict elimination diet yielded a 50-70 percent decrease in signs and symptoms just after 9 weeks on the diet program.

Giving particular foods to improve brain power and removing unhealthy foods from the diet is actually the kindest and most balanced method to remedy ADHD. By adjusting the diet - by either cutting out offending foods and/or increasing brain-boosting foods - you provide the foundation for sound nutrition and might possibly get away from using ADHD prescription medications.