Are Nutrition and Lifestyle Connected to Child Behavior?
Research suggests that there is a direct correlation between, nutrition and lifestyle and child behavior. Good nutrition, for example, has been shown to improve mood and behavior in children. Brain food improves the brain and an improved brain brings about better behavior. Exercise has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain that enhance a child's sense of well-being and sense of control, which can lead to positive behavior. Medication Option: Pros and Cons Sometimes medication is required by children with behavior problems. Medication is needed to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness so that behavioral modification therapy can take place. There is a place for the use of drugs in severe cases of ADHD, Bipolar Disorders and
Depression.
Parents should do some research on medication to learn about its effects and safety. For example,there are several safety issues associated with stimulant medication. Long term effects of stimulants on the developing brain are not known. Some stimulant drugs have been associated with suicide and depression. Other non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants have also been associated with suicide risk. Lifestyle Changes Lifestyle changes are proving to be quite effective in helping children deal with anger, hyperactivity and behavior problems. There is a strong connection between good nutrition and lifestyle and good behavior. For more information on the connection between nutrition and lifestyle, watch this video. Why are Lifestyle Changes connected to Child Behavior? Research shows that there is a direct correlation between nutrition/lifestyle and behavior. A diet rich in omega fatty acids, low in sugar, free from food coloring and preservatives has been shown to improve child behavior.Similarly, daily exercise has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain; serotonin levels are directly associated with a child's sense of well being and control which has a direct impact on his behavior. Exercise also stimulates the growth of new neurons, a situation that contributes to the development of the executive functions of the brain. The executive functions are responsible for emotional control, working memory and attention. There is no harm in giving the lifestyle option a serious try first. You might be able to see enough improvement in your child's behavior to preempt the medication option. Further adjustment can be made to the child's diet and lifestyle to increase their overall effectiveness.Nutrition and lifestyle changes can also be used in conjunction with medical prescription.In fact, this will increase the effectiveness of the overall treatment. Helpful suggestions and information can also be found at ADD and Diet Another particularly helpful website is Shared-Care.com which provides information on alternative healing strategies for various emotional and behavior problems. Check it out by clicking the link below!
Proper Nutrition is guaranteed when you take the time to cook. Home cooked meals are generally more nutritious and healthy; they are lower in fat, salt and chemicals. And they are better tasting. They are, however, time-consuming. A good idea is to get professional help for the other details of the house--from window cleaners to child care helpers, electricians to physicians. Then take your time in the kitchen and cook your heart out!
Disclaimer: The above information is meant only to inform and should never displace professional consultation. For more information on nutrition and lifestyle changes specific to a disorder, check out the following links.
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