December 2011

One Supplement That is Essential to All Humans

 

We grew up hearing that fish was “brain food”. It turns out that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may be very beneficial to the brain. Taking omega-3 fatty acids may have a beneficial effect on cognition, mood, learning, child development and even ADHD.

Research that appeared in the Journal of Child Health Care (e-published ahead of print Aug 9 , 2 0 1 1 d o i : 10.1177/1367493511403953) measured omega-3 fatty acid levels in children with ADHD and in children with ADHD coupled with a learning disability. Researchers found that children with learning difficulties tended to have lower DHA (an omega- 3 fatty acid) levels than children without learning difficulties. Students with high levels of DHA (measured in the red blood cells) tended to have less anxiety and better word recall than children with higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids. High omega-3 fatty acid levels also correlated with better reading and spelling ability.

Other research looked at the omega-3 fatty acid levels of 96 boys between the ages of six and 12 and the relationship between learning and behavior. The study appeared in Psychology and Behavior (1996;59(4-5):915-920). It found a relationship between low omega-3 fatty acid levels and problems with learning, behavior, and with health problems in general. Interestingly, more colds and antibiotic use was noted in children with low omega-6 fatty acid levels.  

 

Eating fish a couple of times a week will not get you enough of the omega- 3 fatty acids.   You will need to supplement your diet with omegas in order to get enough into your system. 

 

Some patients have complained that when they take fish oils they burp up the fishy taste.  This does NOT mean that you do not need them.  It means that you have either a low quality product, or your body is not allowing you to digest them.  If that is the case, put the fish oils on the shelf and get into a doctor that will be able to help get your digestive tract healed back up so you can take them without any problems. 

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GMO – One Thing We Should All Avoid

Dr. Chris Heimlich, DC, DACNB, Phoenix Doctor Comments:

If you are suffering with low thyroid symptoms,  Hashimoto’s,  or Fibromyalgia, then you need to avoid Genetically Modified Foods.

In March, Hungary introduced a new regulation that states seeds must be checked for GMO before they are introduced into the market.  As a result, almost 1,000 acres of maize found to have been grown with genetically modified seeds have been destroyed throughout Hungary.  They ploughed it under and made sure the pollen has not spread from the maize.

The United States, meanwhile, is beginning to see the consequences of widely planted GMOs. In the mid-’90s, Monsanto introduced seeds genetically engineered to withstand its Roundup brand of herbicide. Today, these “Roundup Ready” crops are planted all across the U.S. — 94 percent of soybeans and more than 70 percent of corn and cotton contain the Roundup-resistant gene.

Here is why this should matter to you?

Several U.S. farmers reported sterility or fertility problems among pigs and cow fed on GM corn varieties.

Investigators in India have documented fertility problems, abortions, premature births, and other serious health issues, including deaths, among buffaloes fed GM cottonseed products.

GM peas caused lung damage in mice.

Bacteria in your gut can take up DNA from GM food.

Although it is important for everyone, it is critical for people suffering with Chronic Fatigue, Low Thyroid Symptoms, Hashimoto’s, and Fibromyalgia to only put the best food into their bodies. One good way to eat healthier is to join an organic co-op or shop at your local farmers market.

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