Common conditions: Behavioural

Diet and nutrition can affect behaviour in several different ways. Some behavioural problems linked to nutrition are depression, anxiety, dizziness and irritability and also include Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Symptoms can result from a range of problems such as low blood sugar levels, food allergies and nutrient deficiencies.

To improve general mental wellbeing the following guidelines are recommended:

• Regulate blood sugar levels. This can be achieved by eating small meals regularly rather than three large meals.
• Eat carbohydrates low on the Glycaemic Index. Eat a diet rich in essential fatty acids found in fish, raw nuts and seeds on a daily basis as these are important for proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system. Use LSA (ground linseeds, sunflower seeds and almonds) or just ground linseeds liberally by sprinkling them on cereal, salads or in smoothies.
• Try cold-pressed oils in salad dressings such as flaxseed oil, pumpkin, walnut, sunflower, sesame oils.
• Try to identify foods that may trigger a behaviour or emotional change. Foods that commonly cause problems are wheat and dairy.
• As a safe guard to ensuring adequate nutritional intake, take a daily multivitamin and mineral.
• Exercise is a very important aspect of general wellbeing. Aim to exercise for 30 minutes, 5 times a week.
• Relax by making time for yoga, meditation, gardening or a massage.

ADD or ADHD - Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder

This is characterised by poor attention and focus with bouts of hyperactivity. It is often due to many different factors but the following guidelines are important in all cases.

• Eliminate artificial preservatives, colours and flavours from the diet.
• Eliminate added sugar and glucose from the diet. This involves avoiding cordials, soft drinks, lollies and most packaged and processed foods.
• Avoid eating junk food and fast food as these commonly contain many additives and are high in sugars.
• Salicylates found in many fruits and herbs and spices can initiate hyperactivity.
• Aim for a diet high in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. An
  omega-3 fatty acid known as DHA found in tuna is especially important. Other dietary sources of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are LSA (ground linseeds, sunflower seeds and almonds) which can be sprinkled on cereal, salads or added to smoothies, and cold-pressed oils such as flaxseed oil, pumpkin, walnut, sunflower and sesame oils for use in salad dressings.

Foods additives implicated in hyperactivity

The following is a list of food additives that are associated with hyperactivity

Foods and products implicated in hyperactivity

The following is a list of salicylates and other related chemicals that are implicated in hyperactivity.

From the Kaiser Permanent Diet, Why your Child is Hyperactive, Dr. Ben Feingold printed in Postgraduate Course in Clinical Nutrition, Study Guide 3, 2000, Dr. Robert Buist, Integrated Therapies Academy of Nutrition, Manly NSW Australia.