Hyperactivity and (Attention Deficit Disorder) ADD

Introduction

This is a behavioural disorder common in children that also occurs in teenagers and adults. The commonest symptoms are:

The Symptoms

• Various kinds of bad behaviour in children such as tantrums, destructiveness, frequent crying, poor concentration, short attention span and excitability
• Anxiety, emotional instability and aggression in both children and adults
• Large mood swings, restlessness, criminal behaviour and delinquency in adults

Who is at risk?

• Young children are at highest risk
• Older children and teenagers are at moderate risk
• Adults are at low risk

The Causes

• Food allergy and intolerance
• Essential fatty acid deficiency
• Nutrient deficiencies and imbalances
• Food additives, colours and preservatives
• Foods and drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, chocolate, tea and carbonated drinks
• Junk foods, processed foods, particularly those containing a lot of sugar
• Wildly fluctuating blood sugar levels
• Candida infections (intestinal yeast overgrowth).
• Heavy metal toxicity - e.g. lead, cadmium more common in children