When parents come to me that are dealing with behavior and learning issues, my first recommendation is always Omega-3 fatty acids.
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What are Omega-3s?
Omega-3s are a “polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential nutrients for our health. We need omega-3 fatty acids for numerous normal body functions, such as controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain.” Consider this: At least 60 percent of our brain is made up of fatty acids, so doesn’t it make sense that we need them for optimal neurological health?
Fats actually influence brain development and performance. This is especially important for babies. During the first two years of a child’s life, the brain is sensitive to nutrition (the same is true for the last couple years of life for a senior citizen). According to Dr. Sears, “both growing and aging brains need nutritious fats”.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t take Omega-3s in every stage of your life. There are benefits for people of all ages:
- During pregnancy, omega-3s are crucial for brain health
- In young children, they can decrease the risk of developmental delay
- In older children, nutritional fats can help with behavioral issues and reduce symptoms of ADHD.
- In adults, omega-3s can fight depression and anxiety, as well as decrease risk of heart disease and fight autoimmune disease.
How to Add Omega-3s?
One way to add fatty acids into your child’s diet is through certain fish – salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, trout, sardines and herring. But most families do not eat enough fish, so for years the recommendation has been to take a Fish Oil supplement daily to increase omega-3 intake, however now we’re learning that unless your Fish Oil is pure, which most are not, it may be doing more harm than good. Fish Oil comes from fish that can possibly contain toxins such as:
- Mercury
- Other heavy metals, like arsenic, cadmium and lead
- PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl)
- Strontium, which is a radioactive substance
Allowing these items in your body can lead to cognitive impairments, nervous system dysfunction, blindness, chronic bronchitis, and the development of certain cancers.
P.S. doTERRA’s IQmega liquid fish oil supplement is what I give my kids. It’s great because the orange flavor of doTERRA Wild Orange CPTG® essential oil takes away the fishy taste. And my husband and I take their xEOmega, which is doTERRA’s own formula of essential oils with natural marine and plant-sourced omega-3 oils and carotenoids.. Click here to learn how to get doTerra essential oils & products at 25% off.
Do you take an omega-3 supplement? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.