So SAD…
The Standard American Diet (aptly named SAD), also known as the Western diet, is
full of processed and fried foods, refined carbohydrates and sugars, and saturated
and trans fats. It is low in fiber, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins
and beneficial fats (like omega-3s). This diet has been blamed (and rightfully so)
for so many different health conditions, most notably, heart disease and diabetes.
But cheer up! A change in diet and increase in exercise can reverse
both these conditions.
Another recent study links another condition to SAD. Attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHC, or as it used to be known ADD) is one of the most common childhood
disorders, and may continue into adulthood. It involves difficulty staying focused,
difficulty controlling behavior and hyperactivity.
In adolescents, consumption of a Standard American Diet was found
to more than double the risk of being diagnosed with ADHD when compared to a diet
low in the foods found in the SAD diet. The suggested reasons for this difference
were:
SAD diet has a less optimal fatty acid profile (too much omega-6
and not enough omega-3).
SAD diet may not provide essential micronutrients needed for brain
function.
SAD diet contains more artificial colors, flavors and additives
linked to ADHD symptoms.
More studies need to be done to figure out which came first, but I simply can’t
wait that long to get the word out about how detrimental the SAD diet is to our
children’s health.
I know that children and adolescents are picky eaters, but it is essential that
they get all the nutrients they need for the best start in life – one that will
carry them through the years. The earlier they begin eating well, the more likely
they will eat that way for life
Yours in Health,
Brenda Watson, C.N.C. |
