Parenting Advice: Brain Food For Kids - An Old Wives Tale Is True
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by: Dr.NoelSwanson
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The old wives tale says that fish is good for your brain, and cod liver oil keeps you healthy. Once again it seems that those old wives were absolutely right!
These days many of us are working hard to cut fat from our diets. Recent research is showing that in actuality, not all fats are bad. We need essential fatty acids (EFA) and many of us are deficient in them. Essential fatty acids help us develop immunities and improve brain function. If we don't take in enough of them we (especially children) can end up with poor concentration, hyperactivity, dyslexia, and trouble with coordination. If your child is experiencing any of these problems, you may need only to supplement his essential fatty acid intake to improve his ability to function.
EFA deficiencies, which are very common, can also cause problems such as eczema, dry skin, dandruff and excessive thirst.
The two main types of essential fatty acids (EFA's) are the Omega 6 series, found in evening primrose and starflower oils, and the Omega 3 series, found mostly in oily fish (sardines, herring, trout), and some nuts. The omega 6 series supports the immune system. In fact, some women find relief from have pre-menstrual symptoms merely be adding supplements of evening primrose oil.
Most modern diets are seriously lacking in the omega 3 series. Within this series are two oils that are especially important. DHA, the building block of the brain, makes up as much as 20% of the brain's dry weight. Clearly, unborn and young children should get enough of DHA - but it is rarely included in infant feeding formulas.
EPA is the other major oil in the Omega 3 series, and it too is crucial to brain function. To enhance it we also need enough vitamin B6, C and zinc. Once again our diets lack these essential nutrients. To make matters worse, some processed foods, such as margarine, actually counteract their benefits.
If your children are having learning problems or show other signs of EFA deficiency, then you should think about increasing the Omega 3 oils that they take in. The natural way would be to serve more fish. Unfortunately, our waters are becoming so polluted that fish isn't always the health food we once thought it to be. It might be a better idea to buy good quality supplements. They don't cost too much and are readily available at the better chemists and health food shops.
So what do you look for?
Aim for a daily intake of 1/2 to 1g of EPA. This will normally require a daily total of about 1 - 3g of fish oil. Avoid fish (cod) liver oils - they are too high in vitamin A.
Also use a general vitamin and mineral supplement, or look for brands that include vitamins B6 (30 mg/day) and zinc (15mg a day) with the oil (e.g. Cardioace).
Choose capsules rather than bottles - they keep better. Make sure they include Vitamin E as a preservative.
Use a reliable high quality brand, with fish caught in the deep oceans (not farmed).
Use the capsules daily for 3 months. You can stop if you see no improvement at the end of that period. Occasionally the oils can cause loose bowel problems, but they are generally very safe. If your child has metabolism, or other medical problems, be sure to speak with your doctor first.
About the Author
For more articles full of parenting advice by Dr. Noel Swanson, why not visit his parenting advice website?
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