Tag: omega 3

DHA Improves Learning in Children With ADHD

May 14th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

Results of a new study in the journal Nutrition have determined that children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have increased learning and improved behavior when given DHA everyday.

According to the study, these effects were more evident in a subgroup of 17 children with learning difficulties and also included improved spelling, improved ability to divide attention, and lower parent ratings of hyperactivity and restlessness.

DHA (docosahexanoic acid) is an omega-3 essential fatty acid. It is an essential component of the brain and central nervous system. DHA can be taken in through the diet by eating fish or fish oil. The body can also convert alpha linolenic acid (ALA) from vegetable sources like flaxseeds, into DHA. However, some people have difficulty converting the ALA to DHA, resulting in deficiency.

Personally, I like Nordic Naturals Pro DHA. It comes in liquid or softgel, and is also available in flavors like strawberry or orange. Both my children take this and have since birth. If you do not tolerate fish, Neuromins is a vegetarian DHA.

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Happy Heart Month: 10 Tips for a Healthy Heart

February 7th, 2012 by Paula Gallagher

You may think cancer is the leading cause of death in America, but you would be mistaken. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, equal to 2,200 deaths per day.

February is American Heart Month, and unfortunately, most of us know someone who has had heart disease or stroke. Follow these 10 tips for a stronger, healthier heart:

1. Monitor your blood pressure

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack by up to 25% and stroke by up to 40%. So it’s important to monitor your blood pressure level.

High blood pressure is defined as a reading above 140/90, measured on multiple occasions. A single high reading does not necessarily mean a blood pressure problem. Additional readings will likely be monitored before high blood pressure is clinically diagnosed. Check your blood pressure at the same time every day for a more accurate reading. Continue reading “Happy Heart Month: 10 Tips for a Healthy Heart”

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Faster Recovery After Exercise With Omega-3’s

October 12th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

A new study in the Clinical Journal of Sport and Medicine reported that participants who supplemented with 1.8 grams of omega-3 fatty acid per day significantly reduced post exercise inflammation up to 48 hours after exercise, compared to those who didn’t.

The study was done on men who had not exercised in the 60 days prior to the study. They were tested prior to exercise and supplementation, and then after a 24- and 48-hour period for certain inflammation markers. The study found that omega-3’s reduced exercise induced inflammation.

This is just another reason to take a good quality omega-3 supplement. You can also load up on an omega-3-rich meal post workout to help reduce soreness and inflammation. Try a salad topped with walnuts and some salmon.

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4 Tips for Healthy Kids: Back to School

September 26th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

It’s back-to-school time. But homework isn’t the only thing your children will be bringing home. The spread of germs and viruses leading to colds and flu will probably make their way into your front door as well.

Children need to eat healthy foods and exercise every day to maintain good health, concentration and mood at home and at school. The following four steps are what I recommend to parents to prepare their children for a healthy start at school.

1. Sleep. If a child is trying to stay awake and it’s only 10 am, they are probably not getting enough sleep. Instill an early and consistent bed time. Continue reading “4 Tips for Healthy Kids: Back to School”

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Back to Work

September 12th, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

I’m back. Returning to work after my maternity leave has meant that I am now using my brain again! Not that I haven’t used my brain in the last 3 months, it’s just that it is a different sort of thinking. I’ve had to do a ton of parenting research and test theories by trial and error, but at the end of the day, as long as I’ve outsmarted a 2 ½-year-old and a 3-month-old, I consider it a success. I thought it would be easier with a second child, but apparently there are many more surprises and no rules. I look forward to solving a wider variety of problems and multi-tasking with phone calls and emails instead of bottles and diapers.

So, in order to prepare myself, I have been loading up on my prenatal vitamins (still important especially if nursing), vitamin D and omega-3’s. There is so much research on the importance of the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA found in omega 3’s, particularly when it comes to memory, focus and brain health in general, that these are a real a no-brainer to take. Continue reading “Back to Work”

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