Adolescent behaviors and food have been proven to be closely linked throughout the years. There’s so much information floating around the internet stating what you should and shouldn’t feed your child and claims regarding the cause and effects on behavior. It’s important to separate opinion from fact before embarking on the challenging task of changing your child’s diet. However, you can look forward to a sign of relief when you make these subtle changes and see positive behavioral outcomes. The three hot topics in the media nowadays are gluten, dairy, and food dyes. There are some myths out there that can be misleading, but there is also so much fact available regarding the truth. Here’s what we know…

Gluten

Gluten has been proven to be a food trigger causing negative behaviors in children. Gluten is mainly wheat products – bread, cereals, crackers, etc. Gluten and hyperactivity has been proven to go hand in hand in children who are displaying signs of irritability and aggressiveness.

Dairy

Did you know that dairy is one of the most common food allergies and sensitivities in children? Studies show that ADHD symptoms and hyperactive behaviors and dairy products have an association with each other. Next time your children consumes a dairy product (milk, cheese, yogurt), pay close attention to their behavior after. If they are acting our more than usual, this could indicate a sensitivity to dairy. Physical symptoms would include congestion, bloating, or fatigue.

Artificial Food Dyes

This has been one of the hottest topics in the media over the years regarding behavior and nutrition in adolescents. We know that food dyes are commonly found in cereals, juices, candies, and processed foods. To name a few – Red 40, Blue 1, and Yellow 5 are the ones we are often looking for here. Numerous studies have linked hyperactivity to food dyes, which has even resulted in these synthetic dyes because banned in several European countries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQzOHAwCfXs

Process of Elimination

Changing your child’s diet can be terrifying. It’s not an easy task. A behavioral nutritionist would recommend a subtle elimination diet to determine any presence of an intolerance or sensitivity in your child. Many parents are even conducting these elimination diets on their own. What this entails is simple in nature, but complex when working with your own child. Eliminate what you hypothesize could be a trigger food from their diet slowly and nonchalantly. Do not make a big deal about it to them. Keep record of behavior trends observed before and after eating certain foods so you can track their progress. Nutritionist will recommend that children take a “compete multivitamin” when going through a process like this, just to compensate for any nutritional changes that their body may experience.

Video Links:

1. Autism & Gluten Free Diet – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGVnf9Eg9t8
2. Healthy Eating habits for Kids – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBdvVzdTRuc&feature=emb_logo
3. Food Dye Affects Children’s Behaviors – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9p8tD-Rd34
4. The Effects of Artificial Food Dyes – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQzOHAwCfXs

References:

1. Balance, B. (n.d.). Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome. Retrieved from https://blog.brainbalancecenters.com/2014/04/understanding-leaky-gut-syndrome?_ga=2.11089268.1197783942.1589473418-1630325089.15894734182.
2. Elimination Diets for Kids: When to Consult the Experts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.childrenscolorado.org/conditions-and-advice/parenting/parenting-articles/food-intolerance-elimination-diet-tips/3.
3. Greutman, H., Sarah, Sarah, Greutman, H., Parkman, N., Parkman, N., … Lvova, Y. (2020, February 17). Does Your Child’s Diet Affect Their Behavior?: Is it Behavior? Or is it Sensory? a series. Retrieved from https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/does-your-childs-diet-affect-their-behavior.html