Earlier in the week, an interesting discussion popped up in a quickie post about the FDA examining the impact of food dyes on hyperactive behavior. I was swamped this week and didn't have a chance to foster the discussion, so I thought we could return to it today. 

In the special ed community, there is a huge debate about whether or not kids are over medicated and whether or not special diets can change behavior.

I have one group of friends who refuse to put their kids on ADHD drugs. They say that kids are over-medicated today, these drugs all cause terrible side effects, and that schools push the drug solution, so they don't have to do the hard work of teaching kids to learn to focus or to control their bodies. This group often believe in holistic solutions, including gluten-free diets and vitamin supplements.

The other side says that Ritalin and its cousins really help kids. They are able to sit in their chairs and take their tests. These drugs enable the kid to function in a normal world and gives their brains a chance to catch up with their peers. They point out that there is no scientific evidence that gluten-free diets make any changes in behavior or attention. And removing pasta from a picky child's diet is traumatic from everyone. 

For me, a life without proper pasta isn't worth living. 

I'm open minded on this topic. I'm curious what you think.