Did you know that people with ADHD have less omega-3 in their bodies than people without ADHD? Low levels of omega-3 can result in poor attention, focus, working memory issues and mood swings, all of which are very much like ADHD symptoms.
Of course, low levels of Omega-3 do not cause ADHD, nor does increasing your omega-3 levels cure ADHD. However, researchers have found that taking a supplement does improve ADHD symptoms.
7 Benefits of Taking Omega-3
*Improves classic ADHD symptoms. For example it increases focus and attention.
*Increases memory, motivation and learning. Watch this compelling video about how omega-3’s helped transform Elliot’s life.
*Reduces feeling blue or depression. This is one of the biggest benefits clients report to me.
* Can help reduce symptoms of conditions that often co-exist with ADHD, such as anxiety.
* Improvement in PMS symptoms. This is great news for ADHD women as many struggle with PMS and an increase in their ADHD symptoms.
* Might reduce the side effects of stimulant ADHD medication. Talk with your doctor before taking omega-3 with your prescribed medication.
* Better quality sleep.
What Exactly is Omega-3?
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid. They are aptly named ‘essential’ because they are vital for your health. They keep our brain and nerves working well and are used to build new cells. Since our bodies cannot produce this type of fat, we need to make a conscious effort to consume it.
The main categories of essential fats are omega-3 and –omega-6. If you are eating a typical western diet, you don’t need to worry about getting enough omega-6. You will already be getting lots from rapeseed soybean and sunflower seed oil.
However, it is much harder to get enough omega-3 without careful planning.
The ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 is also very important. One hundred years ago, the ratio between the two fats in the average person’s diet were 1:1; now our average ratio is around 20:1, weighted towards omega-6.
Omega-3
There are 3 types of omega-3 fats: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
DHA is found in cold water fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and rainbow trout.
EPA is also found in fish; however, the fish don’t produce it; instead they get it from eating algae.
ALA is found mainly in seed oils like flaxseed. Our bodies then convert it to DHA and EPA.
Do I need to Take a Supplement?
Since Omega-3 has so many benefits when you have ADHD, and because it is quite hard to get enough from your diet alone, taking an omega-3 supplement is a good choice. Paul Montogomery, researcher at the University of Oxford in England, says that people would be ‘lucky’ to increase their omega levels with diet alone.
When you are choosing a supplement, look for one that has more EPA’s than DHA’s. The ideal would be 3 or 4x EPAs to DHA’s.
Ways to Include Omega-3 Into Your Diet
In addition to taking a supplement, you can still include omega-3 into your diet. Here are some ideas.
Fish, such as Salmon, tuna, mackerel, rainbow trout
Walnuts
Flaxseed
Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale.
What if I am Allergic to Fish?
If you are allergic to fish or are a vegetarian, you can still get the benefits from omega3. Check out this article to learn more.
What About Cod Liver Oil?
Cod liver oil is a fish oil;however, the levels of DHA and EPA are lower in cod liver oil than an omega-3 supplements. To learn more about cod liver oil for ADHD, head here.
Speak With Your Doctor
Omega-3 supplements are sold at pharmacies, health food stores and on the internet. However, speak with your doctor before you start to take them. Like all supplements they have side effects and can change the way your body uses prescribed medication.
What if Omega-3 Supplements Don’t Agree With Me?
Some people find that Omega-3 supplements upset their stomach, give them fish burps,or just generally make them feel off. To avoid this, start with a low dose and gradually increase to your recommended dose. Take your supplement with your main meal of day. Sometimes the ingredients in the capsules can be the reason why you feel ‘‘off’. In which case, a liquid form of omega-3 might be helpful. The liquid is often flavored, sometimes with lemon, so that it tastes pleasant when you swallow it.
How Long Does it Take for Omega-3 Supplements to Start Working?
Research has shown that it takes approximately 4 weeks for improvements to be noticed. However, many of my clients notice differences in as little as a week. Some people say they haven’t noticed any improvement and decide to stop taking their omega-3 supplements. It is only after they stopped that they realize that they had been working after all.