The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

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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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.