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If a child's behavior is off, check the food

By Flavia Kreis

Many people do not realize that food sensitivities and deficiencies can contribute to unwanted behavior in children and teens.

When children and teens have deficiencies and allergies, they can develop behavioral problems. In this fast-paced world, most young people eat a fast-food diet loaded with sugars and chemicals, which lack many vital nutrients a growing body needs.

Even in adults, food and environmental sensitivities can create behavioral problems that can mimic mental disorders; but in younger people it can be more prominent.

The main causes of such problems are sugars, artificial ingredients, yeast, chocolate, sulfites, preservatives, food coloring, wheat, corn products, dairy, peanut butter, cinnamon and MSG. Teens can also be sensitive to or lack fatty acids.

Heavy metal poisoning could also contribute to mental problems, such as confusion and fogginess. Many substances in our environment contain metals, so if you suspect their presence, it is worthwhile to have your child tested.

One organ that should be fully tested is the thyroid, since there is a connection between thyroid malfunction and depression and irritability.

Systemic (entire body) yeast invasion, also called candida, can create many unpleasant physical and mental manifestations such as irritability, depression, bloating, digestive disturbances, skin problems and constipation.

Amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) are essential for the absorption and effectiveness of vitamins and minerals, and certain amino acids are very important for a proper function of the brain. Many physical conditions can make a person deficient of amino acids, even in the presence of a good balanced diet. Some of these are malabsorption, infections, lack of digestive enzymes, allergies, recreational and prescribed drugs, alcohol, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

A shortage of amino acids has been linked to conditions like ADHD, learning disorders, fatigue, lack of concentration and depression. Also, deficiencies of B vitamins can mimic mental conditions such as schizophrenia, irritability, depression and anxiety. The correlation between B vitamin deficiency and mental conditions is well known in the health field, but too often is forgotten.

The following list provides more information about the importance and benefits of these vitamins and what their deficiencies can bring about. This list describes some of the manifestations of deficiency, but not all.

* B1 (thiamin) helps the brain convert energy from glucose and protein. Deficiency: fatigue, behavior problems, confusion, insomnia and irritability.

* B2 (riboflavin) helps myelin (a substance that covers the nerves and assists nerve conductivity) in making energy available to the brain. Deficiency: behavior problems and impedes the normal growth of the brain in young children.

* B3 (niacin) assists the assimilation of proteins and the brain to produce essential chemicals. Deficiency: anxiety or tension, depression, schizophrenia, poor memory, headaches, insomnia.

* B5 (pantothenic acid) helps with energy production, is fundamental for brain and nerves, and supports the body in manufacturing anti-stress hormones. Deficiency: apathy, poor concentration, anxiety or tension, lack of energy.

* B6 (pyridoxine) is important for digestion and absorption of proteins, synthesis brain function, and supports and balances hormones. It is a natural antidepressant and diuretic (increases discharge of urine). Deficiency: edema, nervousness or depression, irritability, lack of energy.

* B12 (cyanocobalamin) is needed for the absorption of proteins. It helps the blood carry oxygen, is very important for energy and vital for nerves. Deficiency: eczema or dermatitis, anxiety or tension, fatigue, irritability, constipation.

As with minerals, fatty acids and amino acids, these vitamins are responsible for supporting systems in our body. Often, however, our bodies lack the correct internal balance to process and utilize them properly. There are many alternative methods that can help your child with these imbalances.

Before being diagnosed with any type of mental disorder, a child should be physically evaluated for these deficiencies by a competent medical doctor, possibly working in cooperation with an alternative practitioner.

Flavia Kreis is a certified nutritional consultant and the owner of Integrative Nutrition and Wellness Center, located in downtown Mountain View. For more information, visit www.integrative-nutrition.com.