BACKGROUND: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are conditions that become apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years. It is difficult for these children to control their behavior and/or pay attention. Estimates show between 3 percent and 5 percent of children have ADHD. That's about 2 million children in the United States. To put it in perspective, it's likely that at least one child will have ADHD in a classroom of 25 to 30 children.

COULD FOOD BE THE CAUSE? Renowned pediatrician Bill Sears, M.D., of San Clemente, Calif., says about half of the kids he sees that are labeled with ADD actually have NDD, or Nutritional Deficit disorder. "Most children with ADD can either lessen their medicines or go off medicine simply by changing their diet," Dr. Sears told Ivanhoe. "The brain, more than any other organ, is affected for better or worse by what we eat. If a child is a junk food addict, his brain is the first thing that will be affected."

GOOD FATS: According to Dr. Sears, children diagnosed with ADD should consume more good fats. More than 10,000 medical studies show the health benefits of Omega-3 fats. A recent study, published in Pediatrics in 2005, revealed school-age children given Omega-3 supplements showed improved reading and spelling scores. After the study was published, many teachers suggested school-age children should routinely be given Omega-3 supplements. These kinds of fats are found in especially high amounts in seafood like salmon. Researchers believe the high levels of Omega-3 fats in breast milk may help explain the differences in IQ between children who received human milk in infancy and those who did not.

OTHER "BRAINY" TIPS: Dr. Sears also suggests feeding children blue foods like blueberries. Their deep blue skin is full of antioxidants that keep growing brains healthy. Other "smart" foods include nuts, spinach, whole wheat toast and yogurt. Dr. Sears says dozens of studies have proven that children who eat a high protein breakfast perform better in school. He also recommends grazing because it helps to steady blood sugar levels. "I call it the rule of twos: Eat twice as often, half as much, and chew twice as long," Dr. Sears said. Exercise also improves the blood flow to the brain. Dr. Sears says parents should consider "movement" as another brain food. Keeping a food/mood diary can also be helpful. Parents should record everything their children eat and keep track of their corresponding moods.

WHAT TO AVOID: Dr. Sears says parents should discourage their children from eating foods with MSG, aspartame and preservatives on the label. He also says stay clear of foods containing hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup.