The Benefits of Omega 3 and ADHD

Omega 3 fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are essential to our health, but our bodies cannot produce it.

Since our bodies cannot make omega 3 fatty acids, we must obtain them from food. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, halibut, marine life such as algae, krill, certain plants and nut oils.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as growth and development. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish especially fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout and herring, sardines at least twice a week. If you do not like fish you can take omega 3 fatty acids by way of dietary supplements that are certified mercury-free.

Different Types of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

There are 3 major types of omega 3 fatty acids that the body uses:

alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Once ingested, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega 3 fatty acids more readily used by the body.

Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be important for cognitive and behavioral function. Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, poor memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings, depression and poor circulation.

A Balanced Diet

In your diet you should have a balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, these two substances work together to promote a healthy body. When this balance is off these essential fatty acids contribute to the development of disease, but with a proper balance they help to maintain and improves health.

Clinical studies suggest that omega 3 fatty acids may be helpful in treating a variety of health conditions. One such condition is attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Studies on Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Children with ADHD may have low levels of certain essential fatty acids including EPA and DHA. In a clinical study of 100 boys, those with lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids had more learning and behavioral issues such as temper tantrums and sleep disturbances, then boys with normal omega 3 fatty acid levels.

Another study used omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids supplements in 117 children with ADHD. The study found significant improvements in reading, spelling and behavior over a three months time.

Listol for ADHD

Progressive Health does make a supplement called Listol that can be used with a balanced diet in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

Listol is the most potent alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for alleviating ADHD in adults and children. With an ingredient list backed by years of clinical research, Listol affords you a revolutionary nutritional tool that promotes:

increased attention span and focus
increased information processing
mental consistency
decreased impulsiveness

To learn more about Listol and how it helps with ADHD, click here.