Numerous studies have shown that food additives can promote hyperactivity in children, and that removing them from the child's diet may help improve behaviour. It has also been shown that many children with ADHD and behavioural problems react to food additives.

You will need to read the labels of packaged and processed foods to ensure the goods are free of additives. If you would like a full list of additives to avoid please contact our office.

SOME TIPS FOR IMPLEMENTING AN AFC DIET

• Choose natural, unprocessed foods whenever possible. The less that has been done to a food, the better. Choosing unprocessed, natural food is always best (e.g. fruit, vegetables, whole grains like brown rice vs. white rice or rolled oats vs. quick oats.
• Choose unprocessed snacks. Include snack foods like nuts, fresh fruit and sulphite free dried fruit. Avoid processed, packaged snacks as these often contain AFCs.
• Base your child's main meals around vegetables, fruits, whole grains and high quality proteins. Main meals should always include a balance of proteins (from meat, chicken, fish, eggs or dairy), whole grains (e.g. brown rice, quinoa) and lots of veggies.
• Change to preservative free bread. Several franchise bakeries and many popular brands found in supermarkets have preservative free bread (no added calcium propionate - 282).
• Choose plain or naturally coloured products. As a treat or when hosting a party there are many additive free options to purchase. For example, you can select:
  - Naturally coloured confectionary and icy-poles
  -Plain lemonade or unpreserved juice
  - Plain biscuits instead of biscuits with artificial colours and flavours
• Avoid obviously flavour enhanced foods. The plain variety of a food item is a suitable alternative to the flavoured version. For example, choose plain chips over flavoured chips or plain rice crackers instead of the BBQ flavour.
• Buy the preservative free option. For example, dried fruit without the sulphites (220-228).

For more information, visit some of the following sites:

http://www.additivealert.com.au

http://www.additiveeducation.com.au

http://www.additivefreekids.com.au

http://www.chemicalmaze.com