Is Fish Oil An Effective Remedy For ADHD?

3:29 AM

Is anyone you know suffering from ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)? Have they been taking medications but to no avail? Then fish oil is something they must consider.

Wondering how fish oil can help cope with ADHD? Then this is the post you got to read.

Fish Oil – An Overview:

Fish oil is a protein-rich by-product of smaller fishes like sardines, anchovy, mackerel, tuna, salmon, mullet, etc. These fish oils are rich in omega-3 poly saturated fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are very important for our body but our body cannot produce them. So they have to be acquired from the diet. Fish and fish supplements are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps to lower the levels of triglycerides and blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of coronary disease.

It is said that consuming 3 grams of fish oil daily is safe, but beyond that there may be a risk of bleeding. Recent research studies show that omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the development of a healthy baby and also in the health of the mother. But there are two types of fish oil available, one is safe to consume during pregnancy and the other is not. In case of pregnancy, it is better to consult a physician for the exact dosage of fish oil.

ADHD:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a chronic behavioural illness that makes it difficult for the person to focus on daily activities. A person with this condition has trouble concentrating, finds it difficult to sit still for some time, acts impulsively without thinking, and interrupts others during conversations. The symptoms of ADHD start showing at an early stage in life, and in few cases continue through adolescence and adulthood. More studies are required to know the exact cause of ADHD, but it is advised to contact a paediatrician as soon as possible. The treatment for ADHD is available, but stimulants are used for the treatment.

Omega-3 For Brain Development:

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids which our body cannot produce. They have to be attained through food. Omega-3 fatty acids are also called as n-3 fatty acids. They are essential nutrients, and they provide DHA for the growth of tissues and proper functioning of the nervous system. DHA plays an essential role in neurotransmission and also in behavioural performance. The human brain increases in mass during the initial five years of life, and during that period, DHA is very important for brain and eye development and for a healthy heart (1).

Fish Oil For ADHD:

ADHD occurs due to the lack of poly-saturated fatty acids in our body. Deficiency of these long chain fatty acids can affect behaviour and cognition, both directly and indirectly. Various studies have proved that fish oil might reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

Since children need DHA for their brain development, various studies have been conducted to check whether fish oil might reduce ADHD symptoms. The researchers have come up with mixed results. Few studies have shown that fish oil helps to alleviate problems of ADHD.

A study was conducted on a group of boys with ADHD in Europe. It was found that boys, who were on a dosage of omega-3 fatty acids, felt an increase in their ability to pay attention more than those kids who did not take fatty acids. According to experts, parents can help their children by including foods rich in omega-3 or by using fish or fish oil in their diets along with the prescribed medication. It is advised not to replace the prescribed medication with fish oil or with omega supplements. Fish oil along with the medication can provide relief (2).

We hope this post has helped you. Give us your feedback by commenting in the box below.

The post Is Fish Oil An Effective Remedy For ADHD? appeared first on STYLECRAZE.


by Chetana via STYLECRAZE

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