We’ve been reading a lot about the importance of DHA as “brain food” for children and adults, alike, but what exactly is DHA?

DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an essential Omega-3 fatty acid found naturally in foods like salmon, tuna and other coldwater fish, as well as flax and pumpkin seeds. Most children and toddlers’ diets (not to mention many adults’ diets) lack sufficient quantities of these foods, which is why trusted pediatrician Dr. Sears recommends adding a DHA supplement to your child’s diet.

When the body lacks essential Omega-3 fatty acids, the cells try to build “replacement fatty acids,” which are similar in function but may cause depression and Attention Deficit Disorder. A diet rich in DHA lowers the blood level of these replacement fatty acids and also of harmful fats such as cholesterol.

So how did DHA earn its reputation as “brain food?” According to Dr. Sears, DHA is the primary structural component of brain tissue, as well as an important part of the enzymes within cell membranes that allow the membranes to transport valuable nutrients in and out of the cells. DHA also affects the brain’s neurotransmitters, and helps brain cells communicate with each other more effectively. Simply put, a healthy brain is a smart brain!

A diet rich in DHA has been shown to improve focus, behavior and cognitive function, and even increase learning capacity in young children. Children who are more focused and can concentrate better also tend to remain in better moods longer — less tantrums and more time to play, study and learn!

DHA also helps vision development because the retina contains a high concentration of the fatty acid. Improved vision development also leads to greater learning capabilities, since the eyes are such important tools in education.

When the body has enough DHA, the brain can function at its highest capacity. This is especially important in infants and toddlers, because brains grow more rapidly in the first few years than at any other time of life. Evidence shows that the increased academic performance of breast-fed children is due, at least in part, to the DHA-rich diet breast milk provides. Breast milk contains DHA for growing infants, and most infant formula today is fortified with DHA. But toddlers don’t receive DHA from these sources, which is why a supplement is important. Dr. Sears offers a variety of vitamin products to insure that your child is getting enough of the crucial fatty acid.

Dr. Sears’ specially-developed Go Fish Brainy Kidz Omega-3 DHA natural fruit-based soft chews contain optimal levels of DHA for improved brain function. Each soft chew contains 100 mg of DHA and is certified by Safe Source ™ to be free of detectable levels of over 250 environmental contaminants, including mercury, heavy metals, dioxins, PCBs and pesticides. The pediatrician-developed, kid-approved, tasty vitamin supplements are all-natural and do not contain any high-fructose corn syrup.

Some of you must have read about a report by Copenhagen University Hospital investigators in Cochrane Review suggesting that antioxidant supplements containing beta-carotene, selenium, vitamins A, C, and E do prevent cancer or heart disease but may even increase the risk slightly.

David Katz, MD, however, questioned the validity of the said report. According to him, there are 3 possible explanations why antioxidant supplements may not give the desired effect or even cause harm. First, we may have used the wrong dosage. Anything that is taken more than what is required can be harmful healthwise. Second, antioxidants in foods work together with many other nutrients. It is possible that some antioxidant supplements may have the wrong combinations or should be combined with other supplements to make it work. And lastly, the participants in the said research were already ill. It is possible that antioxidants have different effects on sick or healthy users.

As a doctor, his advice was to be careful in selecting or using antioxidant supplements. He also suggests consulting your doctor to see if the supplement is suitable for you. And most importantly, he also wants to remind everyone that antioxidant supplements are not substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Besides, the best source of vitamins and antioxidants are still fresh fruit, vegetables, and nuts.

Sources:

Bjelakovic et al JAMA. 2007 Feb 28;297(8):842-57

David Katz, MD, PREVENTION, Yahoo

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Epilepsy can be a very distressing condition and the medication from the doctor is not always as effective as we would like. However, the correct diet can help the condition. First of all it is necessary to follow the guidelines recommended for general health such as plenty of water, plenty of fruit and vegetables and not too much salt and sugar. A good quality multinutrient is also important to ensure that we have adequate vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutrients. Seizures may be caused by various nutritional problems, including low blood sugar levels, nutritional imbalances and excess alcohol.Many nutrients can help epilepsy, one of the more common ones is a vitamin B complex. More B vitamins are required when you are under stress, and seizures can cause and lead to stress. Because B vitamins are water based, it is difficult to have to much of them, because any excess will be washed out the body.

Vitamin E has been indicated in research to reduce the quantity of seizures. The contraceptive pill can lead to a deficiency in vitamin E.

Chromium can help blood sugar levels, which can be an important factor in epilepsy. In those women where seizures occur premenstrually, it is particularly likely that there is a blood sugar issue.

A deficiency in magnesium is known to be a factor in seizure frequency, and if a supplement is taken, this should also include calcium as it helps the absorption of magnesium. Calcium has a sedative effect and a deficiency can lead to depression and allergies.

The quantity of zinc in the body can be reduced by taking anticonvulsants or the contraceptive pill. Zinc is very important in the correct functioning of the nervous system and is used to treat mild mental conditions and schizophrenia.

Dimethyl-Glycine (DMG) is an amino acid that has been used to treat epilepsy. It helps the oxygen flow to the brain. Another useful amino acid is taurine, an increase in which can lead to improved brain function.

Essential Fatty Acids are also very important with any neurological condition.

Things to be avoided are MSG (monosodium glutamate, E621) which is a flavor enhancer and used in many foods particularly crisps and Chinese takeout. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener which has been linked to seizures. Alcohol and coffee can have a negative effect. St John?s Wort and Evening Primrose Oil may also lead to an increase in seizures.

Further information

Epilepsy and Nutrition

Low Blood Sugar – Hypoglycemia

Epilepsy and Hormones

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

It’s still winter here but it’s sunny somewhere, in the last few weeks summer fruits have been appearing in my local supermarket. Seeing mangos in Minnesota always makes me smile!

Mangos taste great, and are full of vitamins and anti-oxidants. They are a particularly good source of vitamin C, which is often hard to get into babies. What are the alternatives? Broccoli? And citrus fruits are usually too acidic-tasting for younger babies, as well as often causing rashes or allergic reactions in younger babies.

For babies starting out on solid food, puree ripe mango for a sweet desert. You can also mix the puree with yogurt, or other fruit purees like bananas, apples or apricots for slightly older babies.

Older babies can eat small cubes of mango as finger food, and usually love the soft texture and sweet taste.

Frozen mangos are good too, and make great smoothies. My son loves mango, banana, a couple of cherries, and yogurt blended together.

My son hated chicken, but loved chicken and mango pureed together. Actually, it does taste nice, but a bit strange to for an adult’s taste!

One thing that often puts people off mango, is how do you get into the thing? Here’s the easiest way, the “Hedgehog Method“. You’ll have to look at the photos to see what I mean!

One warning – the skin of mango contains a chemical that can irritate sensitive skin, so don’t let babies handle them and avoid touching the peel on the flesh. You should also wash your hands after handling them.
I’m making myself hungry now. See you later – I’m off to the supermarket!

Eating healthy during your pregnancy will help you to maintain quality nutrients in your body to help you and to help in the growth of your baby. Although the majority of your nutrition will come from food you eat, Iron could possibly be one nutrient your Physician will have you take in both you pre-natal vitamin and an additional supplement.Hemoglobin is a red blood cell protein that is created by iron. This protein helps to transport oxygen to tissue and your organs. Once you are pregnant, your body will need to make additional blood for you and baby. Additionally with blood increase, your body’s requirement for iron will increase by as much as 50 percent.

Some simple tips for iron supplement consumption – take on an empty stomach for easier absorption, plus it will cut down on nausea. Both calcium and caffeine will affect iron absorption into your body, so make sure to take iron and calcium separately and try to drink caffeinated products some time after iron consumption.

Foods rich in Iron are:

• Liver
• Lean beef
• Chicken
• Iron-fortified cereal
• Spinach
• Lentils
• Kidney beans
• Raisins

Some benefits of Iron are:

• Produces hemoglobin
• Produces collagen
• Protects body from infection

Some risks associated with vitamin E are:

• Not enough will cause iron deficiency
• Iron deficiency could cause heart issues

Recommended daily intake:

• Infants
  • Birth to 6 months, .27 mg/day
  • 7 months to 12 months, 11 mg/day

• Women
  • Pregnant, 27 mg/day
  • Nursing, under 18, 10 mg/day
  • Nursing, over 18, 9 mg/day

Other Nutritional links:
Essential Nutrients during Pregnancy
Vitamin A and Pregnancy
Women Need More Folic Acid
Vitamin E and Pregnancy

This information is offered to you as information only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional for information and or questions.

Source: Iron, A Healthy Me

Remembering to eat a healthy, balanced diet is your best nutritional defense during pregnancy. One vitamin that will be derived from much of the food you eat will be Vitamin E. Yes, we know that this is a great vitamin for skin to help fight against free radicals, but review below and see what else Vitamin E can help you with.Foods rich in vitamin E are:

• Asparagus
• Corn
• Green leafy vegetables
• Whole grain cereal
• Liver
• Peanut Butter
• Sunflower seeds

Some benefits of vitamin E are:

• Lung function (adult and fetus)
• Forms and uses red blood cells
• Proper function of reproductive system
• Proper muscle function
• Protects cells from damage
• May lower risk of heart disease
• May lower risk of stroke

Some risks associated with vitamin E are:

• None known in dietary vitamin E
• Vitamin E from supplements may cause blood clotting issues

Recommended daily intake:

• Infants
  • Birth to 6 months, 4 mg/a-TE
  • 7 months to 12 months, 5 mg/a-TE

• Women
  • Pregnant, 15 mg/a-TE
  • Nursing, 19 mg/a-TE

Other Nutritional links:

Essential Nutrients During Pregnancy
Vitamin A and Pregnancy
Women Need More Folic Acid
Why Calcium is Important during Pregnancy

Source:

Vitamin E, iVillage Health

Everyone is familiar with the Food Pyramid. A colorful diagram of food groups you should eat on a daily basis and how much of each group will give you your daily nutrients. Simple and easy to use, but what guidelines are in place during pregnancy? According to the My Pyramid Plan for Moms, expectant moms should increase their calorie intake approximately 300 calories per day. This increase will depend on several factors such as weight before pregnancy, height, and physical activity and should be under the advice of your Doctor.

Always remember to eat a good variety and balance of foods from each food group. Making sure you get complete nutrients from the foods eaten will help to avoid taking extra supplements during pregnancy. If you do take supplements during pregnancy for added nutrients, do so at your Doctor request and under their supervision.

To gain a better understanding of the servings suggested of each food group during pregnancy, please visit My Pyramid Plan for Moms. This information is dependent on personal information prior to pregnancy. Once you have submitted your information, you will see a guide built based on your specific input. Print it out and take it to your next appointment to discuss with your Doctor.

Tip: If you do take a pre-natal vitamin or additional supplements, try to take them during a meal or snack to avoid nausea or possibly at bedtime with a small snack. Ask your Doctor for his recommendation.

Source:

My Pyramid Plan for Moms, MyPyramid Web site
Pregnancy Nutrition, American Pregnancy Association Web site

There has long been some debate about whether vegetables are better for you raw or cooked. Recent research by the University of Parma printed in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has shown that the level of antioxidants (the nutrients in fruit and vegetables that are good for our immune system and overall health) varies depending on how the vegetables are cooked. Broccoli, for instance, has more antioxidants when steamed than it did when raw, but in other cases the cooked vegetables had less antioxidants than the raw versions. It seems that there is no pattern that is best for all vegetables, some are best boiled, some steamed and some raw.

This research only covers the levels of antioxidants, other vitamins, minerals and enzymes still need to be researched. Another area that needs to be studied is whether cooking enables the nutrients to better absorbed.

Further Information

Cooking Veggies May Not Cut Nutrients

Living and Raw Foods