My 4 year old grandson is going to be tested for ADD on the 21st of June. my grandson and his dad (which is our son) live with us. I have been trying to pay close attention to what he eats and what might "trigger" some of his behavior. I have noted that he wakes up quite happy, but after the first glass of milk, his behavior gets quite aggressive and erratic. this is not every time, but most of the time. He does not complain of his tummy hurting or any other physical pain, so I'm sort of at a loss. Just wondering if this might be a milk allergy or if anyone has advice. thanks!!
This might be diet-related, but it doesn't sound like milk is the culprit. It sounds behavioural. if your grandson had a milk allergy, or even an intolerance, you would definitely know. He would have diarrhea, stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Ive never known a child with ADD where the behavior couldnt be traced back to their diet, and training.
Anything that comes in plastic or in a box, dont eat it. the act of processing food for dry packaging breaks it down into simple carbs. these are like sugar in our bodies. plus the additives and preservatives are not readily metabolized in the bodies of many people, so they build up and act like stimulants.
This includes cracke snacks, mac and cheese mixes, breads made from bleached wheat, that sort of thing. Even some lunch meats and hot dogs can trigger it. fake cheese, that sort of thing.
It doesnt sound like a milk allergy at all.
I'd look at his relationship with his father, ive also never known a learning disabled, ADD, or ADHD child who had a proper relationship with its father. Generally there is no correction from the parent, or too much, or its delt out incorrectly.
I know it sounds asinine, but this is nearly 14 years of experience.
If he were lactose intolerant (allergic to the lactose sugar in milk) he would get gassy and have a stomach ache an hour or so after drinking it.
There are lots of other ways to be "allergic" to milk, however Milk will make respiratory symptoms worse in some kids who already have asthma or other allergies. A very, very few kids are truly allergic to milk proteins – this can result in a serious anaphylactic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing) and is a medical emergency.
It's good that you're keeping track of his diet. Remember that food effects can take hours to show up. if you can afford it, an allergy skin test and some other tests like glucose tolerance and tidal volume may also help you find some problems. (He won't like the tests, but find an allergist who knows how to deal with kids and he'll get through it ok).