If You Don't Like Salmon, Eat Kippers

I’ve always liked salmon, herring, and trout. Mackerel and kippers, less so.  Little did I know that by eating this fish, I was improving my ability to concentrate.

Researchers have recently been investigating the possible link between Omega 3 (an essential fatty acid required by the brain) and ADD/ADHD.  All the fish listed above is high in Omega 3s.

More than 100 children in Durham, England who didn’t want to have fish for breakfast took a daily fish oil supplement (in capsule form). After six months, many of the children with ADD symptoms increased their ability to concentrate.  In fact, the fish oil produced similar results as Ritalin.

Both Ritalin and fish oil increase dopamine in the brain. Brain scans have shown that low dopamine is often found in those experiencing ADD.

A similar double-blind research study with comparable results was also done at the University of South Australia. You can read about it here. http://www.newstarget.com/011395.html

Note: I am not a medical doctor. I am not prescribing fish oil capsules nor recommending that you or children stop taking Ritalin or other stimulant drugs prescribed for ADD. Before discontinuing any medication, you must talk to your
physician.

Don’t forget that you can get more research news, learning strategies, even contests and links to fun puzzles by subscribing to my Brain Boosters for Kids newsletter. Go to www.brain-based-learning.com