The Feingold Diet and Childrens Multi Vitamins for Treating Symptoms of ADHD

In the 1970s, Benjamin Feingold, a pediatric allergist, created a diet for treating children who were suffering from hyperactive behavior and learning disabilities. He believed that artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, as well as naturally-occurring salicylates were a major cause of conditions such as ADD and ADHD.

Studies of the diet have been mixed, and new recommendation have been made in the last thirty years. Today, dietary therapies for treating ADHD include the use of childrens multi vitamins, incorporating more foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates, and eliminating sugar and artificial sweeteners.

What to Look for in Childrens Multi Vitamins
There are several vitamins and minerals commonly found in childrens chewable vitamins that have been shown to have an effect on symptoms of ADHD. These include magnesium, vitamin B6, and zinc.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include irritability, decreased attention span, and mental confusion. Some ADHD experts believe that children who show symptoms of ADHD may actually have a magnesium deficiency. In a study of magnesium deficient children who were diagnosed with ADHD, the addition of magnesium showed a measurable improvement in behavior compared to those who did not receive the supplement.

Vitamin 6, another vitamin commonly found in childrens multi vitamins, is needed for the body to produce serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine – all brain chemicals that can affect children with ADHD.
Zinc is a mineral that regulates brain chemicals. Without adequate amounts, individuals can have a variety of symptoms similar to those of ADHD.

There is new evidence about ADHD that is being published on a regular basis. And much of this has to do with improving the diet and getting adequate nutrients to support brain health.  By providing your child with a balanced diet and well-formulated children multi-vitamins, you can give him or her the best chance to overcome the symptoms of this common disorder.

Can Natural Kids Multi Vitamins Help Prevent Colds And Flu?

This time of year, kids are being exposed to a wide variety of cold and flu viruses. Many parents wonder if providing their children with natural kids multi vitamins would help prevent illness. In some cases, it may be beneficial.

Ideally, children should get their nutritional needs met by eating a balanced diet. However, there are many children who simply do not get a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. These include picky eaters, as well as those with chronic conditions, food allergies, or restricted diets.

If your child falls into one of these categories, the addition of a natural kids supplement that contains both vitamins and minerals can be beneficial – particularly during cold and flu season.

Vitamin C, E, and A, as well as the mineral zinc are particularly important for the body to fight off viruses such as colds, RSV, and the flu. A natural kids multi vitamin such as Animal Parade Gold from Nature’s Plus can provide these essential nutrients in a chewable supplement that children like. And because these supplements are flavored naturally without added sugar, they are safe for a wide variety of children – even those with sugar sensitivities.

A healthy diet has been proven to keep the immune system strong in both adults and children so they are better able to fight off illness. When this isn’t attainable, a natural kids supplement is a good way to augment the diet. To find out if a supplement is right for your child, consult with your family doctor.

Can Multi Vitamins For Babies Help Prevent RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious viral infection that often spreads during the winter months. The majority of children will have been exposed to the virus by the age of two. Symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge.

While most children suffer only mild symptoms of the virus, others get complications that lead to wheezing, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Premature infants are at a high risk of acquiring dangerous secondary infections. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent RSV, there are ways to minimize the risk. Many believe that multi vitamins for babies can potentially help reduce the risk of this highly contagious virus.

Besides baby multi vitamins, some common sense preventative measures can help, too. These include frequent hand washing and not sharing items such as cups, glasses, and utensils with individuals who have RSV. Because the virus spreads quickly in environments such as day care centers and schools, excluding children with respiratory illnesses from these locations can help minimize the spread of RSV and other viruses.

Why Multi Vitamins for Babies Can Help
Vitamin C, D, and E commonly found in baby multi vitamin formulas can help bridge any nutritional gaps in a baby’s diet. While breast milk or formula offer substantial nutrients, they don’t always provide sufficient nutrients for a growing baby – particularly one who is partially relying on solid food for calories. A well balanced formula of multi vitamins for babies can help boost the immune response which could reduce the risk of acquiring RSV and other viruses.

Of course, it’s a good idea to speak to your baby’s pediatrician before introducing any multi vitamin into his or her diet. With the right information and taking some preventative measures, you can minimize your baby’s chance of catching RSV and developing complications of it.

Getting B6 from Multivitamins for Treating Symptoms of ADHD

An increasing amount of research is indicating that symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be treated with getting adequate amounts of vitamin B6 – commonly found in kids multivitamins.

What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a developmental disorder that is characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. It is estimated that eight to 12 percent of school-aged children have the disorder. In most cases, symptoms show up before the age of seven and can lead to problems in school and in social settings. Approximately one to two thirds of the children who are diagnosed with ADHD will continue to have problems in adulthood.

Symptoms of ADHD
The symptoms vary between boys and girls and from individual to individual. But, some of the most common symptoms include:
• Failure to pay attention to details
• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Difficulty listening to someone when spoken to
• Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Loses things needed for tasks or activities
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful
• Fidgeting
• Difficulty remaining seated
• Interrupts or intrudes on others

Risk Factors and Causes of ADHD
Heredity is a primary factor of ADHD with most children with the condition having at least one first-degree relative who also has the disorder. Boys are four to nine times more likely to have ADHD.

From brain scans, there appears to be differences in the brains of children with ADHD – particularly in their prefrontal cortex that works as the command center of the brain. This part of the brain affects the ability to control impulses and hyperactive behaviors.

Maternal and childhood exposure to toxins may also play a part in the development of ADHD, as well as pre-term birth.

Treating ADHD
There are a variety of stimulant medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD. These boost the amount of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Diet also plays a part in treating ADHD. Vitamin B6, as well as magnesium, and zinc commonly found in childrens multivitamins are typically recommended.
When choosing a diet, most medical experts recommend that children with ADHD are given kids multivitamins that contain no sugar and no artificial flavors as these can exasperate the symptoms of the disorder.

Nature’s Plus has a line of kids vitamins that are particularly beneficial for children with ADHD because they contain a balanced formula of vitamins and minerals as well as no sugar or artificial colors.