According to an Australian study, the Western diet is linked to higher incidence of ADHD.
The researchers looked at the diets of 1,800 teens involved in an ongoing long-term health study. They classified the participants' diets into two categories, "Western" and "Healthy," with a "Healthy Diet" being one high in fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and fish.
Wendy Oddy, one of the study authors, summarized the findings (via Science Daily): "We found a diet high in the Western pattern of foods was associated with more than double the risk of having an ADHD diagnosis compared with a diet low in the Western pattern, after adjusting for numerous other social and family influences ... having an ADHD diagnosis was associated with a diet high in takeaway foods, processed meats, red meat, high fat dairy products, and confectionery." The researcher believed the lack of Omega 3 fatty acid affected the brain negatively.
Lastly the article asks poignantly, at what point, does the medical establishment and FDA ask themselves is diet, pesticides and food coloring -what are they and how they are working for us? Bringing you the latest in psychology topics, till next time, Dr. Lily out.