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Behavioural issues in kids: What to look out for, causes and solutions

young children smiling enjoying outdoors after having natural allergy treatment

Children’s behaviour can be disruptive, even painful, at times. They may arise due to temporary stressors in a child’s life (like changing schools); however, they may also be a sign of more long-term behavioural disorders such as ADHD or conduct disorder.

Left untreated, behavioural disorders may lead to problems in adulthood, such as substance abuse and mental illness. So, it’s important to stay aware of the signs, symptoms and treatment options.

 

First, let’s talk about medication.

While doctors often prescribe medication to help modify a child’s behaviour, it isn’t always the answer. Medications cannot change a person and may also come with side effects, dosage difficulties, and waning effectiveness over time.

Medications are also unable to address the possible root of the problem such as:

  • Food allergies/sensitivities
  • Leaky gut or healthy gut bacteria
  • Heavy metal and toxin accumulation
  • Blood glucose regulation issues
  • Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, yeasts, helminths, and parasites
  • Nutrient deficiencies
  • Neurotransmitter imbalances
  • Emotional traumas

In such cases, lifestyle changes such as improving diet, sleep, play, exercise, learning better social skills, counselling, supplements or removing stressors can be equally or more effective, than medication.  

 

Spot the common behavioural issues in children

Some of the most commonly reported behavioural issues include:

  • Conduct disorder – a condition which may involve aggression and law-breaking tendencies. Symptoms include being easily distracted, difficulty concentrating and learning challenges. Children with this disorder may also be violent, have trouble socialising, and perform poorly at school (even if they are bright).
  • Sleep disorders – a condition characterised by sleeping more or less than the necessary amount, which can impact school performance, brain development, moodiness, and hyperactivity. One underlying factor with sleep disorders could be airway size insufficiency.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – a chronic condition characterised by inattention and hyperactivity in children. Here, kids may have trouble sitting down and focusing on one thing, or completing everyday tasks like changing their clothes.
  • Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) – Much like ADHD, ADD is defined by inattention in children. However, unlike ADHD, kids with ADD are  not hyperactivity and are often described as being ‘daydreamers’ or ‘shy.’
  • Sensory processing issues – children with sensory processing issues can be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to stimuli such as light, noise, touch, and temperature. In some cases, they may even swing between the two.
  • Oppositional defiant disorder – a condition characterised by irritability and argumentative, defiant or malicious behaviour that occurs most days and lasts for more than six months. The onset of this disorder is usually before the age of eight.

 

The link between behavioural issues and diet

Many foods have been found to trigger behavioural issues, particularly in people with sensitivities. These may include:

  • Sugars
  • Gluten
  • Dairy
  • Egg
  • Soy
  • Yeast

 

The following chemicals, commonly found in foods, are also thought to spark symptoms:

  • Food additives – added to help preserve, enhance the colour, appearance, life and or production of food and beverages. These chemical additives can be natural but are mostly synthetic and can be copies of natural chemicals
  • Salicylates – a family of natural plant chemicals which help protect plants against diseases, insects, fungi and harmful bacteria. Salicylates are highest in unripened fruit and vegetables and are often concentrated just under the skin or in outer leaves. Salicylates can also be created synthetically, found in many medicines, perfumes and preservatives.
  • Glutamate or glutamic acid – an amino acid found naturally in a variety of foods, including aged cheeses and soy sauce. Glutamate is also used as a flavour enhancer in the form of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Added MSG gives a much more concentrated level of glutamate than what nature intends, which can have toxic effects on the brain.
  • Amines – natural food chemicals form during the breakdown of proteins in food. They can affect mental functioning, blood pressure, body temperature, and other processes and are frequently involved in the symptoms of migraines, eczema, hives, irritable bowel (IBS) and depression. Foods high in amines include jam, vegemite, tomato sauce, chocolate, cheeses and overcooked or processed meats. Amines levels also increase in ripening fruits that soften (eg. Banana or avocado) or through specific cooking methods such as browning, grilling or charring.

 

Natural allergy treatment for behavioural issues

At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), our Naturopaths use a form of muscle testing (kinesiology) to help pinpoint the food and environmental substances you may be reacting to. Following this, we perform a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT), which aims to reduce your reactions and symptoms to those substances.

PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:

  • draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
  • aims to re-train your body
  • may reduce your reactions to food and environmental substances that may be causing or exacerbating your symptoms.

Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements and herbs, and provide lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results.

 

Get in touch

  • Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
  • Send our PAT Naturopaths a question HERE
  • Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE

Please note that this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

 

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