Fish oil isn’t exactly a miracle cure for every ailment out there but it’s believed to help children with ADHD. ADHD is a major mental disorder that affects millions of children everywhere so how can supplementing fish oil make a difference in their lives?
Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids that are scientifically proven to improve basic brain functions such as memory and cognition. It does help but it is advised to be cautious with the amount taken as overdosing with Omega-3 will cause problems elsewhere.
For the time being, there is no definite cure for ADHD but every little thing helps. Fish oil contains fatty acids that help with brain activity among other benefits and will lead to a kid living a better life in the future. What does fish oil contain that helps kids with ADHD?
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What Exactly In Fish Oil Helps Kids With ADHD?
Fish oil is extracted from fish and contains Omega-3 fatty acids which are proven to optimize brain functions. This fatty acid can be obtained through eating fish regularly but eating it directly can increase your intake of Omega-3s without you needing to binge on fish all the time.
Studies show that kids with ADHD tend to have a lower Omega-3 level in their blood and that kids who have lesser Omega-3 in their diet have a higher chance of getting ADHD with the risk being as high as 31%
With the average intake of fish for the average kid, there just isn’t enough Omega-3 oil to make a significant difference which is why it’s important to supplement their current diets with fish oils either in their natural or capsule forms.
But how do Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil help with a kid’s ADHD?
How Does Omega-3 In Fish Oil Help Kids With ADHD?
Omega-3 fatty acids help kids with ADHD particularly by improving their brain functions directly. The brain is mainly composed of fat and supplementing it with the right kind will help improve its basic functions.
When Omega-3 levels are low in a kid, many things occur such as the degeneration of membrane covering the brain, malformed neural receptors, lesser bridges between neurons, and so forth. This is more prominent when it comes to kids with ADHD.
Studies have shown that having optimal Omega-3 levels in a kid’s blood can help improve basic functions such as memory, cognition, motivation, and focus
Hyperactivity
Kids who take fish oil regularly are less likely to be distracted and more reasonable and obedient. That is because they are less likely to suffer from brain hyperactivity which is the main concern that plagues people with ADHD.
They tend to also sleep better as their brains are put to rest easier due to lessened activity. Not only that, but this also means that they can function better in the day due to them getting the right amount of sleep.
Less fatigue means more focus which also means better interactions with the world.
Mood
Omega-3 also helps to improve a kid’s mood by heightening the body’s ability to synthesis dopamine, the compound that makes you feel happy. This is also commonly found in normal ADHD medication which explains why.
It is proven that kids with low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in their bloodstream have an impaired ability to synthesize dopamine. This literally makes them unable to feel happy and makes them less cheerful overall.
Kids with ADHD taking fish oil are less hostile to others which helps them to develop a better relationship with other kids. They are more likely to behave which allows them to cooperate with other kids.
Learning And Memory
Scientists have also found that fish oils help improve the overall learning capabilities of kids with ADHD as well as their memory. Omega-3s help to improve “working memory” which is a key component when it comes to learning.
Since the brain is less likely to register every little thing which may overwork it, memory is also improved as they have “more capacity” in their brains. Kids who take fish oil have better spelling capabilities as well.
How Long Does It Take For Fish Oil To Help Kids With ADHD?
Nothing in the world happens instantly and it takes time before anything comes into effect. Supplementing your kid’s diet with fish oil should be a long-term thing as it takes some time before the benefits start to surface.
It could be anywhere between months or years before any significant difference happens and it all depends on how well your kid absorbs the Omega-3 in fish oil and how bad their current condition is with ADHD.
It still doesn’t invalidate the fact that supplementing kids with fish oil does make an improvement.
How Much Fish Oil Is Needed To Help Kids With ADHD?
As previously mentioned, having a diet that consists of fish isn’t enough to make a difference for kids with ADHD. The exact amount varies but experts recommend anywhere around 500mgs to 1000mgs of fish oil daily for kids aged 6 onwards.
They also recommend picking a supplement that also helps with DHA and EPA levels which creates the best results. Still, it is recommended to make a visit to the doctor’s to ensure that you’re giving the right amount to prevent any other issues from occurring.
It is also worthwhile to note that though fish oils have proven to help kids with ADHD, it doesn’t mean that they should replace their usual ADHD medication completely. It is important to remember that it should only be taken as a supplement as you can overdose with it…
Is Fish Oil Safe For Kids With ADHD?
Fish oil is completely safe for kids in general as long as they are taken properly. Many fish nowadays are poisoned with other substances such as mercury and other toxins which may enter your kid’s system through the fish oil.
It should be obvious but kids who are allergic to seafood shouldn’t be taking fish oil in the first place. Opt for things such as vegetable-based Omega-3s which provide the same benefits without the fish component in them.
Fish oil capsules are believed to be mercury-free but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Sometimes, fish oil may cause issues with digestion but it shouldn’t cause too much of a problem as their bodies start to get familiar.
Some medication is also inhibited by fish oil which is why it’s important to consult a doctor before making it into a regular supplement to ensure that you’re not causing harm instead.
Other Things That Might Help A Kid With ADHD While Supplementing Fish Oil
Lesser Sugar
Sugar is known by all to stimulate brain activity, which is why the term “sugar rush” is known to everyone. Sugar may not be the direct cause of ADHD but it does contribute to the symptoms associated with the mental illness.
Cutting down on sugar will really help reduce the risk of hyperactivity and inattentiveness which makes kids feel so much worse in conjunction with ADHD. Not only that, but it will also cause other health problems related to the heart and liver.
Supplement your kids with more Omega-3s and reduce as much sugar as possible. Sweetened beverages such as sodas, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks are the highest offenders when it comes to sugar.
Phosphatidylserine
This is a fat that helps cover the outer parts of a cell’s membrane, brain cells included. Neurons with a healthier membrane are better at communicating with each other which helps with the problems of ADHD.
It works on its own but supplementing it with Omega-3s will create a better result as they work in tandem with each other.
Summary
Fish oil helps to improve the basic neural functions in the brain of a kid with ADHD and it’s scientifically proven. It may not be as good as the medication that they are supposed to take but it does significantly improve their symptoms.
It will take some time before you see any effects but it’s good to start somewhere. Just make sure that you’re taking it safely and within the advice of a doctor to ensure your kid’s safety with the supplement.
Taking it alone can help with their disorder greatly but there are other things you can try for a great result. Fish oil is amazing and will definitely improve anyone’s quality of life.