Juvenile Diabetics Get Help from a Fish

Sometimes simple solutions rule. Isn't it great when that happens? Well, recent research shows that a simple solution can help prevent juvenile diabetes for millions of children all around the world - and simple salmon is the solution!

Research from a nationwide study at the Norwegian Institute of Health revealed that when parents give their children cod liver oil (don't worry, I'll get to the salmon), during their first year of life, the risk of juvenile diabetes goes down by more than 25%. That's significant. And the discovery was so important it was published in the highly respected, peer-reviewed American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Scientists believe the reason for these results is the inflammation reducing capabilities of omega 3 fatty acids in certain fish with high EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Those names are a mouthful, but they work wonders. And salmon is the highest source of EPA and DHA. (See, I told you I'd get to the salmon!)

There are two kinds of diabetes - type 1 and type 2. In both diseases, the body is unable to make insulin properly or use and store glucose. This causes blood sugar problems. Type 2 diabetes is traditionally adult onset. But, because of poor lifestyle health habits, more and more children are developing Type 2 diabetes.

Juvenile onset diabetes (type 1) usually begins in childhood or adolescence. And then the production of insulin shuts down entirely requiring daily insulin injections. Over time, there are often complications for insulin-depend diabetics. Within 15 years of the onset, over 80% end up with major eye damage. Some have kidney failure and need kidney dialysis to survive. And 35% of juvenile diabetics die from heart attacks before their mid-fifties.

Isn't it great that omega 3 fish are swimming to the rescue? But, it's not the first time. Over the past two decades, research has proven that EPA and DHA have many incredible health benefits, including positive results for people with type 2 diabetes. Now this new study shows omega 3 fish oil can also help prevent type 1 juvenile onset diabetes. Kind of makes you want to kiss a fish. (Or maybe not!)

EPA and DHA are found in cold water fish like cod and salmon. And salmon, from unpolluted Arctic Ocean waters, is the purest, most potent source. Since a common cause of type 1 diabetes is autoimmune disease, scientists believe the extraordinary natural, anti-inflammatory, immune building properties of omega 3 fish are what helps to prevent juvenile diabetes.

When taken by a mother during pregnancy and nursing, pure fish oil with EPA and DHA provides many other life-long health benefits for children. For example, it greatly improves a baby's nervous system, vision and hearing. Research also shows omega 3 fish oil is vitally important for the development of a baby's brain and produces higher intelligence.

So, if you want your child to grow up smart, strong and healthy and be well equipped to swim up stream, my recommendation is to make sure you and your family eat more cold water fish and add high quality omega 3 salmon oil capsules to your diet.