Numerous studies have shown that certain food can affect behavior, especially in children.Nutritionist Harvie de Baron – who conceptualized the Baron Method, has seen first hand the effect of food on children’s behavior in the course of his work with pediatricians and clients.
“Look at a child who eats or drinks something that is very high in sugar,” he points out. “You will definitely see their activity jump up to another level. They become extremely hyperactive, they’re difficult to communicate with, and it becomes difficult for them to follow instructions. To a certain extent, they are almost difficult to deal with. And then right after that, they ‘crash,’ their energy drops way below to a level where their body is not going to respond,” he elaborates.
The numerous attempts to explain the correlation between a child’s behavior and the food he eats is also explained by Dr. Cynthia Castillo, the developmental pediatrician who collaborates with De Baron. Years of research show that children manifest increased behavioral changes after consuming artificial flavors and preservatives. There’s also evidence to support the hypothesis that artificial food colors can contribute to symptoms of hyperactivity in some children.
The behavioral reaction to food becomes more pronounced when it’s exhibited by a child diagnosed with a chronic disorder like ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). “It’s magnified much, much more,” emphasizes De Baron. “Communicating with a child who has autism, ADD, or ADHD is difficult as it is, so when you give them the kind of food that doesn’t really enhance their communication skills, it will affect them more because it takes them a while to get rid of the stuff from their system.”
But if food can cause strange behavior, then food can also help correct. De Baron advises parents to view food as an ally meant to heal our bodies, improve the quality of our lives, and bring out the best in us. Simply put, everyone – children and adults alike – need to eat the right kind of food: home cooked, real food that allows parents to see and regulate what ingredients are put in the dishes. Naturally, this rules out food that comes in plastic, foil, or cardboard containers, say De Baron.
“Parents, stop giving your kids fast foods, chips, dips, and artificial drinks. Junk food and processed food are bad for them,” the nutritionist stresses. The same goes for simple sugars, hydrogenated oils, MSG, and aspartame, “which either makes children extremely hyperactive or extremely lethargic.”
For truly lasting change, eat healthily as a family, says Dr. Castillo, adding that families who are more willing to alter their dietary habits and nutritional preferences together have a better success rate, with the children showing more consistent and sustained behavioral improvements over time.
But mothers know that children can be picky eaters, and De Baron’s advice is easier said than done. His solution? Cook the food that kids like and substitute them with healthier ingredients, or present them with healthier alternatives altogether. Kid got a sweet tooth? Offer her fruits. Son craving for salt? Put out some raw nuts. Instead of boxed cereals for breakfast, give him muesli mixed with low fat yogurt.
Parents can expect a struggle as they make changes in the way their children eat, but they can also anticipate improvements in the behavior as well. While De Baron has witnessed kids turn hyperactive from wrong food choices, he has also seen kids with autism, ADD, and ADHD show significant improvements with healthy tweaks to their eating habits. “Their learning curves have improved so much and they are able to function better as children,” the nutritionist says proudly.
For more information, contact the Baron Method at (0917) 852-2854; behealthy@baronmethod.com or visit www.baronmethod.com. Follow the Baron Method on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @baronmethod.