I came across a recent blog article written from Michael Phelps mother, Deborah Phelp’s point of view. If you don’t know who Michael Phelp’s is, you should. He is currently in Beijing, representing U.S.A as a phenomenal swimmer. This 23 year-old athlete, is the world-record holder in the two events that include all four strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. He won 8 medals in the 2004 summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, 6 of which were gold. The number of medals he won tied him with Alexander Dyatin as the most medal winner in a single Olympics. And that record happened to have been held since the 1980.

What’s amazing about Michael is that he was labeled a problem child of sorts in his youth. Often reprimanded by teachers for being disruptive, unable to focus, unable to concentrate, unable to stay quiet, he was put on Ritalin at a young age, a medicine he would have to take during lunch time. Two years later when Michael asked his Mom, who was also a teacher, to be taken off the medicine, she did the best thing a parent could do in her shoes. She listened to her instincts and her child.

Michael, the child who had been told he would never, ever be able to focus, became nationally ranked as a youth swimmer. At 11, his coach then, who is still his coach today, began outlining to Ms. Phelps his envisioned time line for the young athlete, the Olympics among them.

His story is really one that gives parents of children labeled with a chemical disorders such as ADD, ADHD, Hyperactivity, hope. The lesson I gleaned from reading Ms. Phelps story is that a parent can always set high standards for their child, even if others would like to set the bar low. And that with guidance, even your “problem child” can find what makes them tick, and ignites their passion.

Zinc is a mineral that is involved in the functioning of over 300 enzymes and takes part in a great many biological functions. This means that inadequate intake can lead to a range of problems. It was first discovered to be an essential element in 1934. It is the mineral that is most commonly deficient, it is estimated that one fifth of people across the world are deficiency in zinc.

Food processing reduces the quantity of zinc in the food. When food is boiled, the zinc is leeched out into the water. There is a increased need for zinc for people who are under stress, suffering from infections and pre menstrual syndrome, who are on the contraceptive pill, who have excess copper, who have frequent alcohol consumption, who have unstable blood sugar levels and those who have a genetic increased need for zinc.

Symptoms of a zinc deficiency include a blank mind, confusion and lack of concentration, depression, loss of appetite, lack of motivation. It also seems that a deficiency in B6 and magnesium leads to poor dream recall.

Zinc supplementation is recommended in a whole range of conditions, which can be sorted into various categories.

Digestive problems such as food allergies, diarrhea and gastric ulcers. Zinc is essential for digesting food proteins and the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Skin problems such as acne, stretch marks, eczema and psoriasis. Zinc is important for collagen production, elastin synthesis and DNA repair.

Neurological conditions such as ADHD, autism, anorexia, schizophrenia and post natal depression.

Immune system conditions such as general immune system weakness, gingivitis and herpes. Zinc is important for many immune functions, such as protein synthesis.

Hormonal conditions such as pre menstrual syndrome, menopausal problems and fertility. Zinc is important in o estrogen production.

Other conditions such sickle cell anemia, Down Syndrome, high cholesterol, burns, hormonal imbalances, fertility and growth.

Good food sources include oysters, herrings, wheat, oats, meat, eggs, seafood, nuts, seeds, black eyed beans and tofu. Alternatively a supplement can be taken. A dose of 15mg is recommended for a standard long term dosage, with larger quantities to be taken under professional advice.

Zinc (Zn) – Easy Way to Natural Beauty

International Zinc Association ? Zinc and Human Health

Zinc ? Contributing to Better Health

Zinc Health Article

This information is not meant to constitute medical advice, please speak to your doctor before changing your diet.

Since the 1970s food additives have been under the radar of toxicologists, psychiatrists, nutritionists and environmental/public health watchdog groups. In the last decade however, with what seems to be a growing set of diagnoses of hyperactivity and other childhood behavioral and diet-related disorders, interest in food additives has increased. So has the research.

Among the latest and most controversial studies, was a 2007 Southampton University done with a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with three-year olds and eight- to nine-year-olds to test for indications of hyperactivity associated with specific food additives and food colorings. The additives and colorings tested were tetrazine (FD&C yellow no. 5/European food code E102); sunset yellow (FD&C yellow no. 6/E110); quinoline yellow (FD&C Yellow No. 10/E104); carmoisine (Food Red 3/E122); and ponceau 4R (Food Red 7/E124).

Researchers recruited 153 local three-year-olds and 144 children aged eight or nine for a six-week trial and assigned them to either of two groups. One group was given regular fruit juice without additives and the second group was given a similar looking and tasting drink that contained the above-mentioned additives. The drinks were assigned anonymously and in un-marked, sealed bottles.

The drinks with the additives were further split into two groups: Mix A and Mix B. Mix A contained the same amount of artificial colorings found in a two-ounce bag of candy or two small bags of commercial ?fruit snacks.? Mix B contained the equivalent of twice that amount. Both mixes contained the same levels sodium benzoate.

The children were assessed prior to the trial for evidence of hyperactivity. The first week of the trial all of the children followed their typical diets. The following weeks, parents were asked to remove from their children?s diets all sweets and drinks with additives were and to start using the trial drink in amounts equal to that of the foods/beverages removed from their usual diets. On the even numbered weeks Mix A, Mix B, and placebo were administered in a random sequence and was blinded to the child, the parents, the teachers and the researchers. On the odd-numbered weeks all children received the placebo. At the end of the study, the children were assessed again for hyperactivity.

According to a 2007 report by the Agence France-Presse, ?Mix A had a ?significantly adverse? effect on the three-year-olds, although Mix B made no difference on this group. In the older children, both Mix A and Mix B had a strong effect.

?Overall, children who took the mix moved about 10 percent closer to the definition of being hyperactive,? lead author Jim Stevenson, a professor of psychology at the university. ?We now have clear evidence that mixtures of certain food colours and [sodium] benzoate preservative can adversely influence the behaviour of children. However, parents should not think that simply taking these additives out of food will prevent all hyperactive disorders. We know that many other influences are at work, but this at least is one a child can avoid.??

This study was similar to a 2004 study presented in the June issue of the Archives of Diseases in Childhood, but seems to have produced more conclusive evidence for a correlation between artificial additives in food and childhood behavioral problems, leading researchers to conclude that artificial colors or a sodium benzoate preservative (or both) in the diet result in increased hyperactivity in three-year-old and eight- to nine-year-olds in the general population.

In part two, each of the food additives studied will be discussed.

For more information:

• Abstract of the 2007 Study
• 2004 Study

I’ll admit I’ve never been much of a fish eater. Because of this, I don’t serve it often in my house as a main course, so my kids probably don’t know even know such a thing exists. But it may be time for a change. A new international study shows conclusive evidence of improved brain growth and development, increased attention and improved learning in children who have diets rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Many healthcare professionals also recommend increased Omega-3’s in children who suffer from ADHD or learning disabilities such as dyslexia.

How can you add Omega-3’s to your child’s diet? For starters, oily fish are the best source of fatty acids. Good ones to try are:

• salmon
• mackerel
• fresh tuna (not tinned)
• trout
• sardines
• kipper
• herring

If your child is a lot like I was and isn’t willing to try fish dishes on a regular basis, there are also Omega-3 supplements you can buy in flavored packets, such as chocolate or orange. And while you’re revamping your child’s Omega-3 levels, you may want to make sure your diet is rich in the essentials as well. People whose bodies are lacking in Omega-3s often suffer from anxiety, mood swings, depression and lack of concentration, among other things.

How do you fit Omega-3s into your family’s diet?