Health News

Comprehensive Research Review Investigates Turmeric and Cancer

Cancer is a deadly disease that affects millions of people each year. In fact, it is the leading cause of death worldwide. Although there are a number of treatments that can be effective, including radiation and chemotherapy, there is no definitive cure. A recent research review took a closer look at the link between turmeric and cancer, particularly how the root’s active ingredient, curcumin, affects cancer growth.

What Do We Know About Cancer?

Cancer is a broad term that describes a number of different conditions in which cells act abnormally. The cells may either function improperly, or they may continue functioning for longer than intended. As these cells perform in unexpected ways, they begin to divide and multiply, creating even more defective cells.

When a large group of cells accumulates in one place, they come together to form a tumor. In other cases, cancerous cells spread throughout the body via the lymph nodes and inhibit the body’s immune system. During this process, which is called metastasis, the cancerous cells will travel to other organs and infect them as well.

Causes of Cancer

There are many different types of cancer and there are unique causes for each type. Even so, research has taught us that certain causes are preventable, while there are other risk factors that we can do nothing to change. Even when someone has high risk for developing a certain type of cancer, changing preventable causes can still decrease the likelihood that they will develop the disease.

Preventable causes of cancer include:

excessive alcohol or drug use
tobacco use
obesity
sedentary lifestyles
poor eating habits

A primary risk factor that cannot be changed involves genetics. For example, someone who comes from a family with history of leukemia will be more likely to develop that disease at some point in their lifetime. This is because genetics influence how cells develop, function and die in the body.

If the cells in the body lack the protein responsible for repairing them, those cells can continue to function in their damaged state. Ultimately, the damaged cell will divide and multiply, passing on the damage on to the new cells.

Treatments for Cancer

Chemotherapy is effective in treating most types of cancer. It involves the use of medication that targets cancerous cells and destroys them, so it’s effective in killing individual cells as well as tumors. However, the strong adverse side effects that the drugs cause encourage researchers to continue looking for more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

Radiation therapy is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy or other treatments. This is because radiation treatments can shrink the size of a tumor, but may not eradicate all of the cancerous cells in the body. Once the cancerous cells have been reduced, a surgical procedure may help remove the remaining defective cells.

Hormone therapy is effective in treating prostate and breast cancer, because these types of cancer grow as the result of faulty hormone functioning. Hormone therapy is used to limit the production of hormones that may promote the growth of these types of cancers.

An alternative method is immunotherapy, which involves taking drugs that strengthen the immune system. As the immune system becomes supercharged, it can fight cancer growth more effectively. Adoptive cell transfer and checkpoint inhibitors are two types of immunotherapy that are commonly used today.

Turmeric and Cancer

New research suggests that turmeric may be useful as an adjunct cancer treatment in the future, due to the effect that its main ingredient, curcumin, has on human health. While turmeric has been used as an ingredient in cooking over the centuries, recent studies have found that the curcumin it contains possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Since we already know that inflammation contributes to unhealthy cell growth, a recent study focused on the relationship between turmeric and cancer.

Specifically, the study looked at how turmeric affected the cell signaling pathways that promote the unhealthy growth of cancerous cells. Researchers narrowed their focus to specific types of cancer, such as breast and lung cancers, blood cancer and cancers that affect the digestive tract. The study revealed that curcumin exhibited an effect on four areas of cancer development:

transcription factors for replicating DNA
cell growth factors
cytokines for cell signaling
apoptotic proteins for regulating cell death

Challenges Warrant Additional Research

Before curcumin can be used as an adjuct therapy, further research on a method of delivery is necessary. When taken orally, curcumin is quickly broken down into metabolites, preventing the active ingredients in the compound from reaching the unhealthy cells in the body.

Some research on rats has found that enclosing curcumin in a protein nanoparticle helped to keep the compound from getting metabolized too soon. This may be one way to administer curcumin effectively, either alone or in addition to other forms of treatment.

Another challenge researchers face is in duplicating their results. So far, research on curcumin has been restricted to laboratory experimentation. This means the positive results achieved in the lab may or may not be the same in human subjects. Before a curcumin treatment can be developed and administered to patients, there will have to be additional studies that focus on the effects that curcumin has on human subjects.

While research is ongoing, there are supplements available that contain curcumin. Even though the substance may be broken down too early to affect cellular health, taking a supplement has proven effective in helping to modulate inflammatory processes in the body. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to be effective in promoting joint health, supporting healthy metabolism, aiding liver health and protecting nerve health.

Confirmed: Fish Oil May Help Reduce Inflammation

Feb 07 by Ewcopywriting

While the dangers of inflammation are often discussed, this process is actually a beneficial response that the immune system instigates when there’s an injury or trauma to the body’s tissues. Now, new research links fish oil and inflammation, adding to the broad range of benefits that omega-3 fatty acids are known to provide for human health.

What is Inflammation?

When any part of the body is damaged, the immune system initiates inflammation in that area in order to develop a protective barrier around the damaged cells. As the cells discharge pus and go through a granulation process, they are able to begin the healing process.

However, this process would be inhibited if the damaged cells weren’t protected by the swelling, or inflammation, which the body produces. However, inflammation becomes a problem when the cells heal and yet the inflammation doesn’t subside.

There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. In acute inflammation, the immune system is responding to a temporary or short-lived physical condition, such as a cut or fracture. In this case, inflammation can be observed as a reddening and swelling of the skin. The inflamed area will also be painful — either to the touch, or in regard to mobility. As the wound begins healing, these symptoms will subside and the inflammation will be alleviated.

The situation is different with chronic inflammation, which is an immune response to a long-term or permanent physical condition. This type of inflammation is present in conditions like asthma, Crohn’s disease, gum disease, sinusitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The Dangers of Prolonged Inflammation

Inflammation is intended to be a temporary condition that allows the body to heal itself. However, when chronic health conditions prolong inflammation, the initially beneficial immune response can actually cause these conditions to persist or worsen over time. It’s not uncommon for prolonged inflammation to also increase the risks of developing cancer, atherosclerosis and other medical conditions.

Common signs of chronic inflammation include:

abdominal pain
chest pain
fatigue
joint pain
fever
rash

Fish oil, and the omega-3 compounds that it contains, may beneficially affect inflammation by influencing the levels of anti-inflammatory molecules in the blood. When you ingest fatty acids, including the omega-3’s found in fish oil, specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) break them down and use them to reduce the inflammatory responses caused by red blood cells.

These anti-inflammatory molecules also have a strong impact on the functioning of white blood cells, which are responsible for carrying out the immune system’s response to infection.

New Study Links Fish Oil and Inflammation

While it has been known that the body uses fatty acids to help regulate inflammation in the body, a new research project on the relationship between fish oil and inflammation set out to determine if an omega-3 supplement in particular would have an effect.

Conducted at London’s William Harvey Research Institute, the study was aimed at observing the effects that a fish oil dietary supplement would have on 22 subjects, ranging in ages from 19 to 37. The participants were divided into two groups, with one group receiving the supplement, while the second group was given a placebo.

In the study, biomarkers were attached to the SPM molecules, allowing the researchers to see how omega-3’s were used by the body and what effect the fish oil supplements had on the white blood cells. Once the study began, blood samples were taken from all subjects at regular intervals. In all, five blood samples were extracted from each subject within a 24-hour period.

The testing confirmed that those subjects taking the fish oil supplement had a significant increase in SPM levels in their blood. Also, SPM increases spiked in accordance with the dosage time and amounts, confirming that the supplement was causing this effect.

The researchers found that the dosages also caused an increased immune response against bacteria, while acting to prevent blood clotting in the arteries. In reducing the risk of blood clots, SPM molecules help to reduce the inflammation which can damage healed tissue if it persists for too long.

What Other Benefits Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Provide?

One of the primary benefits of taking a fish oil supplement is the effect that it has on heart health. Consuming one gram of fish oil, or the equivalent in a supplement, can help protect against heart disease. Another study found that taking an omega-3 supplement helped to reduce the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease and lowered the risks of heart failure.

A daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids has also been found beneficial in treating Alzheimer’s disease, depression and anxiety. In one recent study, taking a supplement that contained both omega-3 and vitamin D helped kill cancerous cells in women with breast cancer. There was also a study that found that omega-3 supplements reduced the rates of mortality in patients suffering from prostate cancer.

Natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

Dietary Supplements

Since the FDA doesn’t regulate how much fish oil can be put into a supplement, there are a wide range of choices out there. Typically, you can expect to get supplements that provide one gram of fish oil, containing varying doses of EPA and DHA long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to fish oil supplements, these beneficial fatty acids are also found in krill oil and in supplements derived from cod liver oil.

Food Sources

Salmon contains the highest content of Omega-3 fatty acids at 4,123 milligrams, followed closely by mackerel, with 4,107 milligrams. Herring is another seafood that rates high in omega-3’s with an average 946 milligrams. Oysters (370 mg.), sardines (2,205 mg.), anchovies (951 mg.) and caviar (1,086 mg.) round off the various types of seafood that contain generous amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. If you’re not fond of seafood, omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in flax seeds (2,350 mg. per serving) and chia seeds (5,060 mg. per serving).

Air Pollution Increases Your Risk of Developing Osteoporosis

Feb 01 by Ewcopywriting

People with osteoporosis experience a loss in bone density as the body absorbs more bone tissue without replacing it. This loss of bone mass is an ongoing process that leaves the bones porous and especially weak, so it becomes extremely easy to break certain bones in the body. The bones that are more commonly at risk of breaking include the hip bones, wrist and ankle joints and the spinal vertebrae. According to new studies, air pollution increases osteoporosis risk and may be partly to blame for the growing number of women battling this condition.

Osteoporosis Symptoms and Risk Factors

It can be difficult for someone with osteoporosis to recognize that they suffer from the condition, because the only noticeable symptoms involve the breaking of bones. In extreme cases, something as simple as a sneeze can cause a bone fracture in the wrist or elsewhere. Breaks in the wrists and hips may be more easily observed, while fractures that occur to the spinal vertebrae can go unnoticed. An affected spinal vertebrae can result in a change of posture, or in clothes that no longer fit properly, so it’s important to pay attention to these changes. Anyone who experiences the onset of unexplained pain or discomfort should see a doctor as soon as possible, especially if they have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.

The body breaks down bones and replaces bone tissue in an ongoing process, which peaks as people reach their mid 20s. Once people get into their 30s and 40s, bone density gradually decreases and, in some cases, bone loss will become more significant. This process often affects post-menopausal women more severely than any other group, although older men are also at risk. Women face the greatest risk, because estrogen protects them against bone loss and menopause inhibits the production of that hormone.

Additionally, osteoporosis more commonly affects white and Asian people. Research has found that taller people (those over 5’7″) face a greater risk. Especially thin adults, or those who are under 125 pounds, also face a greater risk. Finally, people who come from a family with a history of the disease, or those with a history of bone fractures, are more likely to develop the condition. Certain dietary choices have also been linked to a higher risk of osteoporosis.

New Research Suggests Air Pollution Increases Osteoporosis Risk

Recent research that was conducted at Barcelona Institute for Global Health may have discovered a new risk factor for developing osteoporosis by examining the effects that air pollution has on the bones. There were 3,717 subjects involved in the study, including 1,711 women, and the volunteers were recruited from up to 28 villages throughout India. The researchers determined the quality of the air in each village by measuring the existence of carbon and fine particulate matter, the result of car exhaust fumes and other sources of air pollution. The study also accounted for the type of fuel participants used in cooking their meals.

To determine whether air pollution increases osteoporosis risk, the researchers also examined each participant’s bone density by testing their lumbar spines and left hip bones. The study did reveal a correlation between greater exposure to fine particles and lower bone density. The study’s author, Dr. Otavio Ranzani, believes the decreased bone mass was caused by the oxidative stress that the pollution caused after it was inhaled. He also suggests the polluted air increased inflammation, which contributed to advanced bone loss. The researchers added that bone loss results from air pollution across multiple economic levels and in every geographical location.

The Risks Associated With Osteoporosis Medications

While there are medications that doctors can prescribe to protect bone health, they also produce some adverse side effects that in some cases may defeat the purpose of taking them. For example, bisphosphonates slow the absorption of old bone tissue and help build up bone density and strength. However, studies have found that broken femurs are common among those who take these medications.

Parathyroid hormone drugs are also controversial treatments for osteoporosis. The doses are injected every day for up to two years and help to build up new bone tissue in the body. However, in tests on mice, it was found that administering the treatments for more than two years resulted in the development of bone cancer. Researchers are still unclear on what effects long-term use would have on human subjects.

Human monoclonal antibodies prevent additional bone loss and slow the advancement of osteoporosis. Unfortunately, reduced blood flow to the jawbone results in osteonecrosis, which is a condition in which the bone breaks down. This treatment also results in atypical fractures of the femur.

Estrogen replacement therapy has been a standard treatment for osteoporosis for several years. In addition to helping to protect and restore bone, it also helps reduce the symptoms of menopause. The long term use of the treatment has unfortunately been linked to some adverse side effects, such as an increased risk for breast cancer and cardiovascular events.

Calcitonin is an older drug that’s rarely used anymore. This is because the other treatments listed here have proven more effective. Additionally, Calcitonin increases the risk of certain types of cancer.

How Can You Protect Against Osteoporosis Naturally?

It may be true that air pollution increases osteoporosis risk, but what can you do to protect yourself naturally, aside from minimizing your exposure to airborne pollutants? Fortunately, a variety of ways to protect your bone health have been shown to be effective.

Red Clover

This natural plant is believed to have a similar effect to estrogen on the body. As a result, it may help promote bone health and strength when taken regularly.

Soy

Products made from soy, such as tofu and soy milk, contain isoflavones, which are compounds that simulate estrogen’s effects. Eating foods derived from soy may help strengthen and rebuild bone tissue.

Dietary Supplements

You can also find natural ingredients that help protect bone health in certain high-quality dietary supplements. Taking an effective supplement that provides the necessary nutrients your body needs to protect and strengthen your bones can greatly benefit overall bone health.

Acupuncture

This form of physical therapy is derived from an ancient Chinese practice that involves using needles to direct the flow of energy. Some believe it helps grow muscle and reduce inflammation, which may help in protecting against bone loss.

Cholesterol and Heart Health: Dietary Cholesterol Not Tied to Cardiovascular Risk

Jan 30 by Ewcopywriting

High cholesterol has long been recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. For many years, the theory has been that the quantity of dietary cholesterol (foods containing cholesterol) consumed was directly related to high levels of cholesterol in the blood, contributing to heart disease risk. However, more recent research has disputed this theory, sparking an ongoing controversy. According to new AHA guidelines, based on a review of current research, there is no connection between cholesterol and heart health, but taking steps to protect your cardiovascular health is still advised.

The Link Between Cholesterol and Heart Health

To understand the latest determination from the American Heart Association, it’s necessary to explore the causes of heart disease and the link between cholesterol and heart health. Coronary heart disease is the result that coronary artery disease has on the body, proving that a problem in one part of the cardiovascular system can lead to problems elsewhere in the body. The coronary arteries are responsible for delivering blood to the heart, but plaque build-up in these arteries inhibits that process. As a result, the heart doesn’t receive the blood flow it needs to function properly.

This condition is commonly known as ischemia and it can occur in one of two ways. Chronic ischemia occurs over a longer period, allowing plaque to build up on the artery walls over time and gradually inhibiting blood flow to the heart. This process often starts in childhood and progresses through adolescence, even though it may not be diagnosed until adulthood. Alternatively, acute ischemia occurs when plaque suddenly breaks away from the artery wall and causes a blockage, or clot, which abruptly stops blood flow to the heart.

The condition may be caused by low HDL, or good cholesterol levels, in addition to hypertension, diabetes and smoking. Pregnant women and adults over 45 are also more likely to develop coronary artery disease. In the past, it was believed that consuming foods high in cholesterol was another risk factor, but recent news from the AHA may dispel that idea as myth.

AHA Determines There is No Link Between Dietary Cholesterol and Heart Health

In the past, the American Health Association did link dietary cholesterol and heart health, advising that cholesterol intake should be limited to 300 milligrams per day, but new research has prompted the organization to redact that restriction. A group of researchers, led by Jo Ann S. Carson, Ph.D., who serves on the AHA’s board of nutrition, recently reviewed the nutrition guidelines that the AHA publishes as a means of reducing cardiovascular disease risks. Their findings prompted Dr. Carson and her co-authors on the study to recommend eliminating the cholesterol restrictions.

The recommendation to edit cholesterol restrictions from the dietary recommendations was the result of combing through existing research to find a correlation between cholesterol and heart health. The researchers noted that they could not find a link between high cholesterol intake and higher LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood.

Instead of limiting cholesterol intake, the new guidelines recommend adopting a healthier overall diet that doesn’t rely on counting numbers. This is partly because certain eating habits may not be as unhealthy as they seem. For example, eating at least one egg per day, a food that’s high in cholesterol, can reduce your risks of experiencing a stroke. For this reason, the best course of action is to focus on consuming a healthy diet that relies on foods that are rich in polyunsaturated fats instead of those full of saturated fats. Foods high in saturated fats are also high in cholesterol, so reducing your consumption of these foods will help to naturally reduce your dietary cholesterol intake. As a result, your LDL blood levels will be lower without having to count how many milligrams of cholesterol you consume each day.

What Can You Do to Lower Your Risks of Heart Disease?

Add Heart-Healthy Foods to Your Diet

One of the most important things you can do for your heart is to give it the sustenance it needs. This means adopting a healthier diet that relies on plant-based foods, whole grains and lean-cut meats. Healthy fats, legumes and low-fat dairy products can round off a heart-healthy diet.

Reduce Your Intake of Unhealthy Substances

While alcohol and soda consumption should be very limited in order to protect your heart, you should also be sure to stay away from other sugary foods and beverages. Salt consumption should also be reduced or eliminated. Doctors additionally recommend limiting how many processed carbohydrates you consume on a daily basis.

Take a Supplement

You can give your heart an extra supply of vitamins and nutrients by adding a daily supplement that provides the natural ingredients your body needs to fight against free radicals, while also helping to keep your cardiovascular system in good condition. Adding a supplement of this quality to a healthy diet will maximize the benefits your lifestyle changes have on your heart.

Quit Using Tobacco

While smoking has very negative effects on the cardiovascular system, tobacco in other forms can also restrict blood flow. It can also damage your heart and other organs by inhibiting the amount of oxygen transported in the blood supply. This is why many smokers and tobacco users have hypertension and an increased heart rate.

Physical Activity is Important

At the very least, you should attempt to get 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to high intensity exercise every day in order to maintain a healthy heart. This doesn’t mean you have to spend all of that time in the gym. In fact, it’s better for your heart and the other muscles in your body if you engage in a broad range of activities. For example, you can go bicycling one day and swimming on the following day. If you find the time to get more than an hour of exercise each day, you’ll be helping your heart to get stronger that much faster.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleeping doesn’t just help your mind rest. It helps your heart rest and, during sleep, your muscles heal and build mass. If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, look for ways to make your bedroom more relaxing. Try replacing your bedding, wearing a sleep mask and ear plugs, or listening to relaxing music. Alternately, taking a supplement like melatonin could help you to fall asleep sooner and get higher-quality sleep, in cases of occasional sleeplessness. If you’re still having trouble falling asleep, ask your doctor for help.

Exploring the Beneficial Effects of Melatonin

Jan 24 by Ewcopywriting

Melatonin is a hormone best known for its role in preparing the brain for sleep. Due to its effectiveness in this respect, it’s the primary ingredient in many sleep supplements. Outside of the United States and Canada, melatonin-based formulas are only available with a doctor’s prescription. While some argue that using melatonin for sleep isn’t always effective, people suffering from insomnia find that it can help them sleep better in most cases. We already know that there are many positive effects of melatonin, but new research is still uncovering more benefits provided by this amazing hormone.

What is Melatonin?

To understand melatonin and its effect on the body, it’s important to first understand how and why it’s produced. Our bodies rely on a biological clock to function, known as our circadian rhythm. Among the other bodily functions it regulates, the circadian rhythm helps the brain differentiate between wakefulness and sleep. This is a process that relies on the changes between light and dark. As the sun goes down and the sky gets darker, the brain recognizes that it’s soon nearing time for sleep and releases melatonin to promote drowsiness.

Unfortunately for those who work irregular shifts, melatonin production is inhibited during the day, which is why it’s harder to get to sleep in the mornings and afternoons. People who follow irregular sleep schedules experience insomnia and other sleep disorders more commonly because the production of melatonin has been interrupted. This is also why a sleep formula containing melatonin can be more effective for those who work these types of schedules. Their bodies need that extra boost of melatonin during the day, when their brains won’t naturally produce the hormone in sufficient quantities.

What are the Positive Effects of Melatonin?

There have been multiple studies on the effects that melatonin has on the body, leading to the discovery that it can do more than just help you get a good night’s sleep. One of the surprising effects of melatonin is that it can help alleviate the symptoms of jet lag. A study that started in 2010 and lasted for four years looked at the effects that melatonin had on 142 travelers. In that study, researchers found that subjects who were given melatonin supplements experienced less severe jet lag symptoms than travelers who were given a placebo. Those taking the supplement experienced more restful sleep, reduced instances of daytime tiredness and fewer digestion problems.

Melatonin was also found to help people suffering from delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, or DSWPD. This is a condition in which the individual can’t fall asleep until 2:00 a.m. or later and end up sleeping well into the afternoon. Including a 2016 study of 52 subjects, research has found that taking melatonin supplements at the right time in the evening helped people with DSWPD to fall asleep earlier. They also fell asleep faster, taking an average of 22 minutes to nod off.

A 2015 research project looked at 774 patients and found melatonin was also effective in reducing anxiety prior to surgery. Many people suffer severe bouts of anxiety just before undergoing a surgical procedure, but taking a melatonin supplement seemed to alleviate those emotions. While it wasn’t clear whether or not melatonin was effective in treating post-surgery anxiety, it was found to be just as effective as anti-anxiety medications in treating pre-surgery anxiety.

Research into the positive benefits of melatonin is ongoing. Current and future studies are looking into the hormone’s effect on cancer symptoms, high blood pressure, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and intestinal illnesses.

How Can You Get More Melatonin Naturally?

Take a Supplement

As the previously cited studies show, a melatonin supplement can help you maintain adequate levels of melatonin when you need it most. A high-quality melatonin supplement can be beneficial because a single dose contains a sufficient amount of melatonin to help you get the restful sleep you need. Additionally, certain time-controlled melatonin formulas ensure the melatonin will have the best possible effect on your sleep cycle.

Get More Daylight

Sunlight is beneficial in controlled exposure, because its rays encourage vitamin D production in the body. Additionally, exposing yourself to natural daylight will help regulate your circadian rhythm. The sun’s rays help promote the production of serotonin, which the brain needs to produce more melatonin. In this way, getting more sunlight in the mornings promotes more efficient melatonin production in the evenings.

Turn Off Your Electronic Devices

Most people don’t realize the harm they’re doing when they use their smartphone or tablet just before bed. The blue light that these screens give off disrupts the circadian rhythm, preventing the brain from producing sufficient levels of melatonin. Doctors recommend shutting off all electronic devices at least one hour before your bedtime to give the brain enough time to adjust. This will ensure the hormone will be properly released as you near your bedtime.

Eat Melatonin-Rich Foods

There are certain foods that promote the production of melatonin, so you should consider adding these foods to your diet to ensure you’ll sleep better. Some melatonin-rich foods include asparagus, corn, cucumbers, olives, nuts and seeds. Barley and rolled oats are also helpful in promoting melatonin production.

Sleep on Your Back

This position is a popular yoga pose that’s commonly called the corpse pose, because it helps the body reach a deeper state of relaxation. As you lay on your back and breathe deeply, the brain will begin releasing a higher concentration of melatonin. This is why many people find it easier to fall asleep in this position.

Omega-3 and ADHD: Can a Simple Supplement Improve Attention in Some Youth?

Jan 23 by Ewcopywriting

Approximately 8.4 percent of American children develop attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The fact that only 2.5 percent of adults suffer from the condition suggests many youths outgrow the condition in time. Even so, research hasn’t been able to pinpoint the cause of the condition. It is known that ADHD develops in children aged as young as three and it can be instigated by other mental disorders. New research has found a link between omega-3 and ADHD, suggesting the beneficial fatty acid may help treat children more effectively.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is marked by an inability to remain focused on a single task for any length of time. Children who suffer from the condition are often seen fidgeting or moving about tirelessly. Whether an adult or child, an individual with ADHD will have difficulty in concentrating on complex tasks. He or she will also be more easily distracted than others in the same age group. Some of the symptoms of ADHD include:

inability to pay close attention to assigned tasks
frequent mistakes that seem to be caused by carelessness
failing to listen to others
poor organizational and time management skills
failing to fulfill obligations
always active, or consistently moving about
running and engaged in horseplay at inappropriate times
habitually interrupting conversations

Diagnosing Treating ADHD

While there isn’t a specific test that’s designed to diagnose ADHD, doctors can determine whether an individual suffers from this condition by ruling other problems out. This process usually begins with conducting vision and hearing tests. The diagnosing physician will also try to rule out other conditions, including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and learning disabilities. The doctor will look at a list of criteria for establishing ADHD and for determining the severity of the condition. This will involve asking the individual and the parents about past behavioral problems.

While there is currently no cure for ADHD, there are a number of treatments that are effective. Primarily, the individual will attend behavioral therapy sessions that are designed to teach them social skills and learning techniques. Stimulants may also be prescribed, because these medications can enhance attention and comprehension. Additionally, parents, teachers and school counselors will often be provided with educational materials to give them a better understanding of the challenges a child with ADHD faces.

New Research Links Omega-3 and ADHD

According to a new study that links omega-3 and ADHD, there may be a more natural way to improve attention in children with ADHD. The joint study was conducted by researchers at King’s College London and China Medical University in Taiwan. It focused on studying the effects omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may have on children suffering from ADHD. The researchers recruited 92 subjects for the study, aged six to 18 and all suffering from ADHD.

The participants in the study were divided into two groups for the 12-week study. During that time frame, the subjects in one group received regular, high doses of omega-3 supplements. The youths in the second group were given a placebo. Those children receiving the omega-3 supplement showed improved attention and vigilance once the omega-3 levels in their blood increased. However, the research also found that too much omega-3 in the blood caused more severe instances of impulsive behavior. This suggests that the best use of the data would be in closely monitoring an ADHD child’s omega-3 intake to ensure they receive a moderate level of the fatty acid.

Fatty acids are important in that they serve a number of functions in the body. They help create cell membranes, produce eicosanoids (signaling molecules) and help the body produce more energy. People with a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids are at a greater risk of developing ADHD, so these levels should be monitored in children who seem to be hyperactive.

What is Omega-3 and How Can You Add it to Your Diet?

Omega-3 fatty acids are most commonly found in fish oils, along with vitamins A and D. Although research on the benefits of omega-3 is varied, it has been commonly found that it does help to improve heart health. The two most common forms of omega-3 are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA is common in fish because it’s derived from the algae that makes up their diets. This particular type of omega-3 is beneficial in creating the compounds necessary to combat inflammation and unwanted blood clotting. DHA helps promote healthy sperm production, while also benefiting the retina of the eye. It also helps protect the cerebral cortex.

Some medical conditions that omega-3 fatty acids may benefit include:

multiple sclerosis
prostate cancer
post-partum depression
heart health
Alzheimer’s disease
healthy vision
epilepsy
fetal growth

Natural Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The best source of omega-3 fatty acids are oily, wild-caught fish, particularly white fish. Just a few of the fish that are high in omega-3 content include salmon, trout, anchovies, sardines, mackerel and herring.

Here are more ways to add omega-3 to your diet:

Dietary Supplements

If you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough omega-3’s through your dietary choices, you can take a high-quality supplement. This can ensure you’re getting access to omega-3’s even on days when you may not eat fish.

Eggs

While all eggs do contain omega-3 to some degree, certain types of eggs have a larger content of this fatty acid than others. Usually, those with higher omega-3 content will say so on the packaging, or it will be written directly on the shell.

Vegan-Friendly Choices

While fish and eggs are the top choices, vegans can get this beneficial compound without violating their dietary choices. Some vegetable-based options include flax seed, hemp seed, walnuts, chia seeds, fresh basil and spinach.