Evidence is mounting that dietary changes may help children control their Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder at least as well as Ritalin does. Evidence also shows that some dietary changes - like increased Omega-3 consumption - can also enhance learning skills in children who do not have ADHD.Approximately 5 million American children have been diagnosed with ADHD. While the causes of ADHD (and its adult equivalent, Attention Deficit Disorder) are complex, until now treatment has primarily been medications like Ritalin. Studies indicating a link between diet and ADHD, however, are changing the way many parents - and medical professionals - approach ADHD treatment.
Children who took dietary supplements designed to help address the believed causes of ADHD showed behavioral improvements comparable to those displayed by children taking Ritalin, according to one study conducted by researchers in Massachusetts. Deficiency in Omega-3 fats, in particular, may play a role in behavioral disorders, according to another study published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Studies show that as much as 99 percent of the population does not get enough Omega-3 in their diets.
"When your grandmother told you fish was 'brain food,' she might not have known the science behind it, but she wasn't wrong either," says Roy Bingham, co-founder of Nourish Life, makers of Omega-3 supplements that address a range of health issues, including learning enhancement and ADHD. "Science now knows that the Omega-3 found in fish really does enhance learning."
"It is a competitive world, and I want my boys to have every advantage," Bingham says. "Like every parent I want them to be healthy and happy, and ultimately successful in whatever they choose to pursue. ADHD runs in our family and for this and many other reasons, we give them 1.5 grams of Pharmaomega concentrated omega-3 every day." For a free sample of Nourish Life's PharmaOmega Learn, go to www.pharmaomega.com.
While many parents may be aware of the benefits of the Omega-3s DHA and EPA in infant brain development, both nutrients also play a role in learning and brain development for school-aged children. PharmaOmega Learn incorporates both Omega-3s, making it specifically designed for school-aged children. The small, easy-to-swallow gel capsules contain no artificial flavors or colors, wheat, gluten, sugar, PCBs or mercury - many of which have also been linked to behavioral and brain development problems in children.
"Nutritional supplements, especially those high in Omega-3, can provide major benefits for kids," says Bingham. He offers the following supplement advice for parents:
* Nutrition is directly linked to physical health and mental performance for children as well as adults. Studies have shown that children with poor nutritional habits do not do as well in school as their better-nourished peers.
* Modern dietary habits, including consumption of fast foods and prepared foods, can make it difficult for a child to obtain his or her recommended dietary allowance of key nutrients like Omega-3. Further, cooking can strip nutrients out of even the most healthful foods.
* While the benefits of diets low in fats are well known, remember that not all fats are "bad" fats. Certainly parents should avoid saturated and trans fats, but children, especially infants and toddlers, require a certain amount of "good fats" - like Omega-3 DHA and EPA - for proper brain development.
* When giving your child a supplement, find a regular time to do so every day. Commit to trying the supplement for at least four to six months, to allow time to observe results. Finally, give the supplement with a healthy meal or snack.
To learn more about how Omega-3 can enhance learning potential and help control ADHD symptoms, and to receive a free sample of PharmaOmega Learn, go to www.pharmaomega.com.
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