Too many families struggle with complaints from school counselors and teachers about their child’s attention deficit disorder (ADD) or the catch-all attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). From experience, parents are often asked to treat their child with prescription drugs for their “own good” and many parents are looking for alternatives. Perhaps much of the solution may be right in front of us on our kitchen table.
The nutrition link between focused attention, memory and learning in children is fairly clear. Similarly, the nutritional link with attention deficit is clear as well. The nutrient values of the foods we eat have declined substantially over the past 20, 30 and 40 years; as processed, prepackaged and GMO foods, and fast food restaurants have replaced nutrient-rich, made-from-scratch meals to accommodate our busy lifestyles.
We know that we should “eat better” but how does one determine what foods, vitamins and minerals are deficient or in excess, as too much and too little are both bad? The BioCorrect Nutrition™ Analysis (BNA) is a medically-proven, clinical laboratory test that measures 36 minerals and toxic metals in a person’s hair. The levels of these 36 key elements are directly related to the proper function of vitamins and enzymes; and once measured can be balanced to increase metabolic rates and energy production.
In other words, the BNA provides a mineral profile of how a person digests, absorbs, retains and utilizes food, and eliminates toxins and wastes. It also provides a blueprint of their geno-metabolic activity or the body’s genetic ability to adapt to improper nutrition, toxins, stress and their environment.
Iron, Magnesium and Zinc
Kids with attention deficit disorders benefit most from “mental-focus-synergizing foods” which have Iron as their most active nutrient. These foods have the highest correlation with attention span, mental awareness and intellectual performance. Nine high Iron foods are:
Pumpkin Seeds* ● Sunflower Seeds* ● Turkey ● Lean Beef ● Scallops ● Egg Yolks ● Lake Trout ● Prunes ● Liver
*raw unsalted seeds are best as opposed to roasted
Magnesium is a psycho-active nutrient which has been shown to improve memory. Some foods containing higher levels of magnesium include:
Broiled Bass ● Corn ● Cashews ● Wild Rice ● Garbanzo Beans ● Bananas
Zinc is a nutrient that has been shown to help slow learners. Foods that are known to contain higher zinc levels include:
Lean Beef ● Crab ● Whole Eggs ● Wheat Bran and Germ (if not allergic to glutens) ● Sunflower Seeds*
Effects of Lead
While other toxic metals will also interfere with minerals such as iron and zinc; Lead is well known to causes severe memory impairment, hyperactivity and attention deficit disorders, and is often overlooked by conventional medicine and parents. The toxic metal may be found in drinking water, may leach into water from lead-based solders in the plumbing of older homes or even from imported toys or dishes using lead-based paints.
It’s now fairly easy to determine if a child with memory/mental/attention deficits may benefit from these foods or removal of toxic metals from direct nutrition measurement. The BioCorrect Nutrition™ Analysis checks a child’s body for nutrient and 7 toxic metal levels before considering the benefits of mediation for attention deficit. A simple change in diet and nutrient levels may be all that’s needed to eliminate the need for pharmaceutical stimulants according to orthomolecular science.
Suggested Reading:
1. Tefft, GH. Your Personal Life. Westlake Village, CA: Angel Mind, 2006
2. Tefft, GH. For Your Body Only: Discover the Diet You Were Born to Eat. Dragon Door Publications, 2003
3. Watt, D.L. “Commonly Asked Questions About Hair Mineral Analysis.” US: Trace Elements, 1999
4. Watts, D.L. Trace Elements and Other Essential Nutrients. T.E.I., 1995
These statements have not been directly evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease as a substitution for standard medical care.
