Choosing Foods for Children with Behavioral Problems

You would probably be shocked to learn just how many foods in your local grocery store can trigger adverse reactions in your children. These bad reactions may be many times worse in children who already have behavioral problems.  Many learning and behavioral problems have been tied to bad diet, which includes artificial preservatives, sweeteners, coloring, and flavoring. 

If you look at the ingredients for most food for children, then you will see that nearly everything contains artificial ingredients of some kind. Children with learning disabilities often display hyperactivity after eating foods with particular artificial additives.  The artificial food coloring red seems to affect children more than any other color, and can also cause hyperactivity.  Keep this in mind when you are shopping for your children and avoid the soft drinks; opt, instead, for natural fruit juices that contain no artificial coloring.

Many processed foods can negatively affect your little ones, as well.  Some of your children’s favorite foods may be on the list of bad ideas.  Frozen chicken nuggets, bologna, potato chips, and canned soups are all popular ‘children’s foods’ that all contain additives that may trigger behavior problems.  At the very least, children could feel mildly ill after eating these foods.  Do your children a favor and select natural foods from your grocer. 

When possible, make your own French fries or potato chips in the oven to avoid the additives that large food companies include – and save yourself some money, too. You will notice a difference in your kids and they way they handle their moods and tempers.  Once the harmful additives have left the body, you will be left with brighter, happier children.