For the spirit of upcoming October as ADHD Awareness Month, it is
good to know a study has found that omega-3 fatty acids has worked in
the treatment for ADHD in rats.
Scientists have known that diet plays a major role in affecting
children’s behavior. A lack of certain minerals and vitamins are present
in children with ADHD, and multi-vitamin supplements have shown
positive changes against ADHD.
Having abundant and tasty foods containing omega-3 fatty acids in
meals can be a great alternative to the “over-medication” of those
suffering from ADHD in recent years.
Omega-3 fatty acids generally need to be consumed because it is an
essential fat that can not be produced in the body. Some sources of
omega-3 fatty acids are fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, and
herring), plant-based foods (walnuts, olive-oil, flax and chia seeds),
and supplements.
Recently, a team from the University of Oslo have discovered there is
a definitive link between reducing ADHD symptoms and consuming omega-3
fatty acids.
They examined rats that they bred to have ADHD symptoms. The rats’
diets were supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, including the mothers
before the test subjects were born. Then they made observations of their
behavior and studied their brain chemistry.
It was concluded that omega-3 fatty acids played a significant role
in reducing ADHD symptoms in male rats. Brain signals that dictate
chemicals being produced were also altered in the rats that showed
behavioral improvements. This proves the hereditary link in ADHD because
of the change omega-3 fatty acids had on the rats’ brain chemistry.
Though it still has yet to be determined if the treatment will work
for humans, this is a hopeful sign that this wonder food can possibly
alleviate ADHD symptoms in a more holistic way for human boys in the
future.
If you or someone you know may have ADHD, read on to learn more about it.
ADHD Facts and Symptoms
Millions of children and adults suffer from
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is a term that has a
household recall, but many people do not fully grasp what this learning
disability really is. In an effort to educate everyone better about
ADHD, October has been announced as ADHD Awareness Month.
ADHD can affect any race, age, gender, religious background,
socio-economic background, and IQ. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention estimated in 2011 that 9.5 percent of children in the United
States have ADHD. Boys have the condition two to three times more often
than girls.
Usually ADHD is coupled with anxiety disorder in 25-40 percent of
adults and 30 percent in children. Depression is also diagnosed and
treated in 70 percent of those who suffer from ADHD.
Research has shown that ADHD is hereditary and based in the brain.
Many symptoms of ADHD are linked to certain brain areas. ADHD is not
caused by poor parenting, immorality, family issues, insufficient
teachers and school, too much TV, food allergies, and/or excessive
sugar.
Sadly for those suffering from ADHD and don’t know they have it or
have not treated it, ADHD might cause serious learning disabilities and
may prevent someone from graduating in school.
The symptoms associated with inattention in ADHD are: having a hard
time following instructions, not listening, being easily distracted and
bored after a few minutes, missing details, forgetting or losing things,
constant daydreaming, and becoming easily confused.
The symptoms associated with hyperactivity in ADHD are: fidgeting in
seats, non-stop talking, playing or touching anything in sight, being in
constant motion, acting inappropriately and being unable to do quiet
activities or tasks.
Symptoms must be present for six months in order for them to be valid
signs of ADHD. If you have or someone you know has a majority of the
above symptoms, please visit a physician for a more accurate diagnosis
and possible treatment.
Perhaps someday soon, omega-3 fatty acids will be a nutritious and
proven remedy for ADHD. In the mean time, it is still a delicious and
healthy part of any diet regardless of what exact diseases or
disabilities it helps to treat.
(Op-ed)
By: Chelo Aestrid
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Related:
- 8 Ways to Help Kids with ADHD Succeed in School
- Thom Hartmann’s Hunter and Farmer Approach to ADD/ADHD
- Natural Alternatives to Treat ADHD in Children
- My Kids, ADHD and Frozen Food
- ADHD: What Parents Need to Know
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