LEARNING DISORDERS AND NUTRITION

Behavioural drugs in children and teenagers are being dispensed as more children every year are diagnosed with learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), having difficulties with reading, writing, math and information processing retention. The usual treatment involves mind altering stimulant drugs. If Ritalin helps our children learn, it does so at a terrible cost. Long-lasting side effects include insomnia, headaches, irritability, abdominal pain, excessive sadness or crying, suppression of growth, increased heart rate and blood pressure, nightmares, constipation and skin rash, according to research done at the University of Buffalo and may cause long-term changes in the brain.

With school, home and peer stress, coupled with body and mind stresses with too much processed, refined and sugary foods, mental and emotional health and cognitive function are diminished.

But help is on the way. Nutritionist Simone Gabbay tells us about essential fatty acids, EFA's called that because they cannot be manufactured by the body without the help from whole foods, rich in fresh vegetables, unrefined grains, nuts and seeds. Cold pressed, unrefined vegetable and seed oils are excellent sources and naturally supply EFAs. Flax oil is great added to salad dressings and keep the system smooth as well, better than any laxative. Ocean fish, salmon and mackerel provide similar health benefits. These foods help our children learn, providing proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats to nourish the brain and nervous system and your child can grow and learn without the need for prescription drugs, says Simone Gabbay, RNCP. Her books are available in most libraries and might be an interesting group assignment for students in a school project as they feel increased learning ability. Further information about Gabbay's books can also be found by calling toll free at 1-866-322-8209.