Parenting Advice: How Fish Makes Your Children Healthy And Wise

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!

Most of us are trying to cut down our fat intake in our diet. However, recent research shows that not all fats are harmful. In fact, a lot of us have deficiencies in some very important fats called the essential fatty acids. These oils are essential to the development of the immune system, and brain functions. A shortage of these oils can lead to problems with concentration, hyperactivity, dyslexia, and coordination problems. Dramatic improvements in performance can result merely by correcting this deficiency, particluarly in children.

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.

The Omega 3 series are missing from much of our daily diet. DHA is one of two oils that are the most important in this series. It makes up as much as 20% of the dry weight of our brains. It's a major building block of the brain, and therefore is essential to the development of unborn and young children's brains. Sadly, DHA is hardly ever included in infant 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.

What should 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.

At the same time use a multi-purpose vitamin and mineral supplement. Look especially for brands containing vitamin B6 (30 mg/day) and zinc (15 mg/day) with the oil. An example of fish oil is Cardioace.

Choose capsules rather than bottles - they keep better. Make sure they include Vitamin E as a preservative.

Use a well-known, quality brand, made from wild ocean fish, rather than those from fish farms.

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.

Article Source: http://www.yourarticle.info

Dr. Noel Swanson specializes in helping parents with their children's behaviors. To read more of his expert parenting advice visit his website and check out his GOOD CHILD Guide manual, jammed full of extremely helpful parenting advice.

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