According to Western medicine, stimulant medication is the only effective treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although widely accepted, this position is slowly being challenged by the growing number of alternative treatments and natural remedies for ADHD. One of these is omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, which has a high success rate in treating the disorder in children and adults.
For decades, researchers have observed that children with ADHD seem to share the symptoms of an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapenataenoic acid) and DHA (docasehaxaenoic acid) are physiologically essential nutrients needed for proper brain development and function. Since the human body cannot manufacture omega-3 fatty acids, we have to obtain them through eating deep-sea fish, nuts, and vegetable oils - foods that are unpopular with children. The lack of omega-3-rich foods in children's meals may be the reason why ADHD is more prevalent today than it was fifty years ago. The scientific evidence showing the effectiveness of omega-3 supplements in treating ADHD is suggestive:
A Pediatrics Journal issue describes a study in which 117 children with ADHD showed noticeable improvements in academic performance and behavior after receiving daily doses of omega-3.
In 2007, the Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that omega-3 fish oil supplements reduced the inattention, hyperactivity, and manic symptoms experienced by children with ADHD and bipolar disorder.
The Department of Food and Nutrition at Purdue University discovered that giving daily doses of EPA and DHA reduced instances of conduct problems, disruptive behavior, and defiant behavior in children with ADHD.
The findings of these studies and anecdotal evidence from parents make omega-3 supplements an essential component of any natural treatment plan for ADHD. But do not make the mistake of thinking that omega-3 fatty acids are the magic pill that can cure ADHD. In order for your child to benefit from this supplement, he or she will have to follow a holistic treatment plan that includes some lifestyle and dietary changes.
The best way to go about correcting an omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is to slowly increase the consumption of omega-3 rich foods, followed by fish oil supplements. Use canola oil for cooking and serve more green leafy vegetables and deep-sea fish like tuna and salmon during meals. Instead of chips, give your child unprocessed, unflavored nuts. Eliminate all junk food, processed food, and foods that contain trans-fats, vegetable oils, and saturated fats, because they impede the body's ability to absorb omega-3 fatty acids.
0 comments