Soothing Overexcitabilities with Food (continued)

Strategies to Avoid Additives

Working successfully with OEs often involves careful planning and insight to avoid triggers. Food is a vital component in this planning. In order to steer clear of food-related meltdowns and unwarranted hyperactivity, it is necessary to shun high concentrations of starches and sugars, especially on an empty stomach. High fructose corn syrup is a great offender in many unsuspected processed foods. Even natural sugars such as honey and fruit leather can be triggers for irrational behavior. Provide healthy snacks consisting of foods such as yogurt, cheese, nuts, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread, and crackers. Couple meals containing starches (e.g., noodles, potatoes, rice, bread) with high protein foods (e.g., meat, eggs, tofu) and vegetables to reduce glycemic spikes.

One good way to avoid many food additives, high fructose corn syrup, and pesticides, not to mention help your planet, is to buy organic. Organic food is produced by farmers emphasizing the use of renewable resources and conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality. Natural and organic meats, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic grains and produce are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled organic, a governmentapproved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all of the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified as well.

Be wary, however, of organic processed foods. Just because a product is organic, does not mean that it does not contain MSG. Although an organic product will most likely not list MSG in the ingredients, it may contain hydrolyzed protein, spices, natural flavors, or another MSG alias. The most important thing your can do to protect your children from harmful food chemicals is to become an avid label reader. You will be amazed at the ingredients you find that have noting to with real food, many of which have been proven to be harmful in a variety of ways.

Steer clear of products with MSG, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. As you become more additive savvy, you may want to expand your list of chemicals to eschew. It isn’t necessary to carry around a list of food additives, however. Here is a good rule of thumb to follow: If a product contains ingredients with long names that you cannot easily pronounce, it likely best avoided. Gravitate towards natural, whole foods. The more foods are processed, the more likely they are to have additives in them. Eating healthy is a lifestyle. It takes a concentrated effort, especially with today’s typically hectic routine and abundance of junk and fast foods. This effort is very rewarding, especially when we see that the results of our efforts benefit our children in all their complexities.