Parenting Advice: How Fish Makes Your Children Healthy And Wise
Dr. Noel Swanson
There is an old wives tale that says fish is good for our brains and cod liver oil will keep us healthy. Apparently those old wives may be onto something.
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.
There are two main types of EFA's : the Omega 6 series, which is found in evening primrose and starflower oils, and the Omega 3 series which is found mostly in oily fish (sardines, herring, trout), and also in some nuts. The omega 6 series is involved in the immune system. Many women have found that supplements of evening primrose oil can help with pre-menstrual symptoms.
It is the omega 3 series, however, that is most lacking in modern diets. Of this series there are two oils that are particularly important. One, called DHA, is the building block of the brain, making up as much as 20% of its dry weight. Clearly it is important that the developing brains of unborn and young children get enough of this - and yet they are 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.
You may consider increasing amount of omega 3 oils in the diet of children, especially if they show symptoms of EFA deficiency or are struggling at school. The best way to do this add more fish to their diet. Unfortunately, it seems that fish stocks are suffering at the hands of pollution, so this may be rather risky. Perhaps a better option is to intorduce a high quality supplement. These supplements are not excessively expensive, and are available in all good 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).
Take them daily for 3 months. If after that there is no noticeable improvement, then you can stop the experiment. Very occasionally the oils might give some problems with loose bowels but otherwise are quite safe. Obviously if your child has any specific medical conditions, especially problems with metabolism, you would be wise to consult your doctor first.
Dr. Noel Swanson has years of experience in helping parents with their children's behaviors. To read more of his expert http://www.good-child-guide.com/expert-parenting-tips) parenting advice go to his website and check out his hugely popular GOOD CHILD Guide manual, jammed full of practical http://www.good-child-guide.com/ parenting advice.
|
