deficiency, it is good to mitigate dyslexic-like symptoms by giving the essential fatty acids early. Research strongly indicates
that the DHA in fish oil helps to increase
the integrity of the connections in the
brain. For most moms, this just means
that they give a teaspoon of flavored,
emulsified (best digested) cod liver oil
daily. Since the cod liver oil contains
DHA and another important brain fat,
Vitamin D, it has been found that many
learning disabilities can be reduced when
this supplement is taken. Researchers are
finding a strong correlation between a
deficiency of DHA and Vitamin D and
dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD, autism, allergies and asthma.
2
Take repeated ear infections seriously,
because these can be one of the causes
of auditory processing problems later
in life. In Dr. Mary Ann Block’s clinic
in Texas, children never have more than
one ear infection, because she replaces
all dairy and soy products in their diet.
If a child is given an antibiotic for an ear
infection, many moms know that by also
giving a good probiotic, like Primadoph-ilus, the child’s memory and behavior are
not negatively impacted by the temporary yeast/fungus overgrowth that tends
to come with repeated antibiotics.
3, 4
Mitigating Symptoms of ADD/
ADHD
In pregnancy, research shows that moms
who take adequate amounts of fish
oil (especially when Vitamin D is in-
cluded) have fewer issues with learning
and focusing with their children. Al-
ways check with your doctor before
adding any supplements while pregnant
or nursing. Have your Vitamin D3 levels
checked first.
5, 6, 7
If your child needs
an antibiotic or
steroid, also give a
good probiotic three
times a day . . . .
Try to nurse your child exclusively
as long as you can. When introducing
foods, select fresh, whole foods as much
as possible. Many parents do this by just
making many of the baby’s first foods by
simply mashing bananas, steaming carrots, or making pureed chicken in the
blender, etc. Make sure the child is getting good fats like avocado, butter, and
whole fat dairy products. If a child has
had early ear infections, or antibiotics, it
is good to put off introduction of dairy
products as long as possible.
Limit intake of sugar and packaged,
processed foods as much as possible. Use
whole oatmeal for breakfast with berries,
rather than packaged cereals.
If your child needs an antibiotic or steroid, also give a good probiotic three times
a day for several months after the medicine has been given, to restore the child’s
gut ecology. Remember that the bowel is
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the manufacturing plant for the calming,
focusing neurotransmitter, Serotonin.
Play much outside in the sunshine,
without sun block on for part of the time.
8
If the child has hypotonia (low muscle
tone), research the information on the
role that Vitamin D plays in this condition. It is fascinating.
Consider giving emulsified, flavored
cod liver oil to any child with speech delay
or articulation issues, sensory processing
issues, or difficulty sitting still. This has
worked for hundreds of years with children. We have just forgotten the importance of this food in our children’s diets.
Email your short questions to Dianne at
this address: craft@ecentral.com.
Dianne Craft has a master’s degree in
learning disabilities. She speaks widely
at homeschool conventions across the
country. Her books, Brain Integration
Therapy Manual, Right Brain Phonics
Program, and her DVDs, Understanding
& Helping the Struggling Learner, Teaching the Right Brain Child, Smart Kids—
Who Hate to Write, and The Biology of
Behavior have helped hundreds of families
remove learning blocks in their struggling
children at home. Visit her website, www
. diannecraft.org, for many articles on children and learning and to download her
free Daily Lesson Plans for the Struggling
Reader and Writer.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not
intended as medical advice. Everyone
is encouraged to make their own health
care decisions, with advice from qualified professionals.
Endnotes:
1. Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP, Brain Integration
Therapy Manual.
2. Dr. Jacqueline Stordy, Ph.D., The LCP Solution
for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD.
3. Mary Ann Block, D.O., No More Ritalin.
4. Leo Galland, M. D., Superimmunity for Kids.
5. William Crook, M.D., Help for the Hyperactive
Child.
6. “Fish Oil Supplements for Pregnant Moms
Boosts Kids’ Eye/Hand Coordination and Learning,” Science Daily, June 29, 2012. www.science
daily.com.
7. “Giving DHA Supplements to Pregnant Mothers,” Science Daily, May 1, 2010. www.science
daily.com.