Leading author and Nutritionist Patrick Holford firmly believes the research suggesting a increasingly powerful link between poor dietary food choices and lowered brain function - especially in children and teenagers - where the high incidence of refined nutrients, low essential fats and high sugar diets offer a potentially dangerous long term mix.

Recently, Patrick appeared on 'Tonight with Trevor MacDonald' (ITV Television, UK) and 'tested' his unique approach on three teenagerers, all of whom had been experiencing difficulties with mood, concentration, impulse control, short term memory and marginal aggressive behaviour

>From the outset and results of clinical testing, it was clear that the combined diets of all the teenagers in the study did not reach minimal levels of the functional nutrients needed to achieve optimal health. The Holford approach, once applied is very sinple and consists of the following key stages:

Remove foods with excess added sugar and food additives. These food groups have been shown to create erratic behaviour, hyperactivity and significant mood changes across many age groups, especially children.

Increase fruit, vegetables and foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Junk food is not the answer (although sometimes it seems the easy option from the point of view of convenience). Fresh food is high in essential vitamins and minerals shown to be linked to emotional and brain health.

Boost levels of Essential (Omega) Fats. Saturated fats found in processed foods, meats and spreads can actually slow brain function, clogging pathways and slowing the transfer of essential brain functions - the brain is over 60% fat and is fuelled by good sugars found in 'whole' foods and highly bio-active fats from oily fish, grains and seeds as well as supplements if chosen.

Take supplements. Diet alone may not bridge the gap in the early stages of the 'treatment'. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats are essential as well as the mineral Zinc. Most people benefit from a high dose multi vitamin and mineral formula to underpin dietary changes in the long-term. (Specific supplements are available for all age ranges - see our shop catalogue for details). Many people also report positive feedback from using a B Vitamin Complex within their regime as B Vitamins generally are involved in energy and nerve function.

Eliminate allergens and high intolerence foods from your diet. Test - find out if removing key food groups like wheat and dairy make you feel better - most people report that they do as these foods alone are shown to be amongst the highly refined and therefore most likely to cause allergic readtions when consumed long-term as a staple part of the diet.

This is just a brief outline of Patrick Holford's approach to this key area of child growth and development. For more information, why not visit his website at: http://www.patrickholford.com