Attention problems and Raw

[crunchyquest]

I'm not saying my dd (10) has ADD, but she does have a hard time focusing and paying attention. We homeschool so it's not an issue for me, but she's on a competitive dance team and that's the one thing I constantly hear about her.

I am currently going back to a raw diet (shooting for 100%!!) and I was wondering if anyone knows if a raw diet would help my dd. She loves eating raw food, but I never considered it helping with her inability to focus. My gut is saying it will definitely help, but I would like to hear stories (links, anecdotes, anything) from others in the same situation.

Anyone?

CQ

[juliebove]

Could be a food allergy. My daughter was thought to have ADD but after being diagnosed with allergies to 7 different foods and changing her diet, that problem has lessened dramatically. Oddly the one place she never had problems though is dance. Just in school.

[dreamrawalwz]

Yes, it can, definitely! If you'd like to transition for her or just cut out certain foods that are cooked I'd take out dairy, sugar, and wheat AT LEAST if you havn't already (i don't know her current diet.).

[NuttyRawMom]

I have posted this link before for people facing add/adhd problems or worse:

www.feingold.org

This is not raw in any way. It is an organization that promotes a diet without artificial additives created by Dr. Feingold. They provide detailed lists of products (not just food related) that are approved for their elimination diet.

My 6 year old son also has certain 'symptoms' that are like night and day difference since before and after this change. I have never had him diagnosed by a doc. Wouldn't use the drugs, anyway, so it is no use labeling him! This was before we found raw.

It also eliminates many fruits in stage 1 of the program, so it can feel limiting on raw. But those won't be permanent. If your daughter isn't on raw yet, I would suggest starting here to determine if there are any 'allergies' then transitioning to raw. At least try vegan/high raw. This program allows for all SAD foods providing you buy the correct brands without the additives. It is really useful for bath products, too.

Hope this helps!

[Lay-Lay]

I have never been diagnosed, but I am believed to have.had ADD. I am sure in children it may present itself different. I have always had issues with focus. Since going raw I am able to focus better then most people I know. I am getting more done. Getting more out of business meeting and continuing education classes. I am better able to understand my clients needs and in return I am making more money. In my ministry work I am noticing that I am becoming a better listener enabling me to help others better. At my christian meetings I am coming away from each with new points to apply to my life and the people whom I assist in helping in my ministry. I am now able to fine tune my teaching skills. Raw was the best thing for my focus issue.