What is useful linseed oil for children and how to apply it?
Flaxseed oil is a valuable plant product that is useful to take at any age.It is especially important for children, as it helps a small body to develop quickly and harmoniously.
What is the product valued for?
The most important component of flax products is omega 3, 6, and 9 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In the body, they perform the following functions:
- are part of the cell membrane;
- improve the functioning of nerve cells;
- regulate metabolic processes;
- stimulate immunity;
- participate in the formation of bone tissue;
- improve eyesight;
- promote maturation of the cerebral cortex.
Children who regularly consume flax-based oil develop faster both mentally and physically. They strengthen the skeleton, better developed coordination and thinking. They are agile and quick-witted, less susceptible to stress, and their neuropsychic development is normal. In children of school age, memory and concentration of attention are improved, the process of puberty is more relaxed, and in girls, the menstrual period is softened.
With a lack of fatty acids in the body of the child increases the permeability of cell membranes. Because of this, pathogenic bacteria easily infect cells, causing pathological processes and disrupting immunity.
Oil contains many vitamins and minerals. Thanks to vitamins A and E, it performs an antioxidant function: it releases the body from harmful radicals and protects cells from destruction. In addition, the plant product strengthens the immune system and improves digestion, normalizes the mental background and increases vitality. It has a beneficial effect on the state of all body systems: it cleans the blood vessels, increases blood circulation and restores the flow of lymph, as well as stimulates metabolism and regulates blood sugar levels.
Recommended age and method of use
Cold-pressed product has healing properties. Linseed oil for children in the diet can be entered as early as 6 months. Since it has a bitter bitterness and a specific consistency, It is better not to give babies in their natural form - it is better to add the product to ready meals: cereals, mashed potatoes, juices, that is, in complementary foods. Well combined with butter curd. They even soak the bread.
The dosage of the product for an infant is up to 15 drops per day. This amount can be taken in several approaches.
Older children already consume the oil in its purest form. At the age of 1 to 3 years it is allowed to drink half a teaspoon 2 times a day, 3-7 years - 1 tsp. 2 times a day, from 8 to 14 years old - 1 dessert spoon 2 times a day.
Oily liquid can be added to vegetables, in salads. At the same time do not combine it with other fats - they will reduce the beneficial qualities of the product. Also, do not expose linseed oil to heat treatment. The product as an additive to dishes enhances the absorption of nutrients contained in food. If the child prefers to use it in its pure form, it must be done on an empty stomach.
There are recommendations according to which flax oil can be introduced into the diet of newborns and children, even up to 6 months. It is added to the expressed milk in drops, the number of which corresponds to the month of the child, once per day.
Another method of receiving oil is in capsules, but they are shown only from 5 years.
By the way, flax oil is able to completely replace the hateful for many fish oil, because the benefits of it will be no less. Flaxseed oil contains three times more fatty acids than is present in fish oil.
At whatever age you start giving this great remedy to your child, start with a few drops, and then bring the dose to the age norm. Watch the reaction. If you experience a rash, dyspepsia or complaints of feeling unwell, stop taking the medication immediately.
Before the first introduction of oil into the diet of the child is better to consult with your pediatrician.
Other methods of use
Besides the fact that linseed emulsion consumed inside, it is suitable for external use.For example, it is buried in the nose during the cold season before going outside - this is how the oil will protect the baby from viral infections.
The product has a regenerating effect, so it is successfully used for diaper rash, dermatitis and inflammation. It promotes the healing of wounds and abrasions - the affected surface can be smeared with a healing agent or a compress.
Very useful for kids to do massage with flax oil. It contains vitamin E, which nourishes and tones the skin, has a calming effect. After such a procedure, good sleep is provided to your baby.
When to apply the oil
Very often, linseed oil is prescribed for children suffering from constipation. This is correct only if it develops due to:
- malnutrition;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- peristalsis disorders;
- fecal blockage.
Oil envelops the intestinal wall, protecting it from negative influences, it softens the fecal masses and facilitates their excretion. The flax-based emulsion stimulates the functioning of the intestinal muscles and thereby enhances peristalsis, and also accelerates metabolic processes and removes harmful substances and toxins from the body. The oil in the intestine inhibits the development of pathogenic microflora and stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria. This allows you to get rid of the causes of dysbiosis and its symptoms: bloating, abdominal pain, and stool disorders.
When constipation will be useful such a recipe. Mix flaxseed oil with a glass of milk and refrigerate for 30 minutes. The child should drink this mixture at night, and the result will be in the morning.
Also, the oil is shown to receive if your baby has:
- appetite was gone;
- poor immunity;
- high physical activity;
- hyperexcitability;
- frequent diseases of the respiratory system;
- reduced vision;
- developmental lag;
- fast fatiguability.
In general, oil is recommended to take everything for the prevention and strengthening of the body.
Contraindications
Despite the useful properties of the tool, it should not be given to the child in such cases:
- with a tendency to allergies;
- with poor blood clotting;
- in case of gastrointestinal diseases: cholecystitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis.
If you overdo it with a dosage of oil, its beneficial properties will turn into harm. First of all, the child in this case faces an allergy in the form of urticaria, edema and itching. There are digestive disorders in various variations - worried about nausea and vomiting, there is increased gas formation. Due to the choleretic effect, the work of the gallbladder increases, which causes pain in the right hypochondrium and bitter taste in the mouth. The child's appetite is getting worse, there is a disorder in the chair in the form of diarrhea. Flax product also dilutes the blood, and therefore its overdose threatens the development of bleeding.
It is very important to comply with the storage conditions of flaxseed oil, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the health of the baby spoiled product.
The principles of oil storage are as follows:
- hide the product from direct sunlight;
- give him a cool place;
- tightly close the bottle with emulsion;
- the container must be dark in color;
- Avoid long direct contact of oil with air, that is, quickly close the bottle after use.
It is not recommended to store the oil for a long time, because it is impractical to stock them in advance. It is better to purchase it immediately before use. The fact is that polyunsaturated fatty acids instantly oxidize under the influence of sunlight and air. This leads to the formation of free radicals, from which they are called upon to protect us.
Perfect for storing flaxseed oil refrigerator, but there it can deteriorate. When using the product, pay attention to its smell - if it has acquired specific notes, it has become unpleasant and musty, this indicates that the oil is damaged. Also about the unsuitability for use speaks his pronounced bitter taste.
Consumer reviews
Analyzing the reviews of mothers about oil on the basis of flax, we can distinguish two groups of conditionally negative comments. Some say that they have heard a lot about the benefits of the product, but do not dare to give it to children. Most likely, this opinion is due to misinformation or its lack. Representatives of the second group say that children, especially toddlers, refuse to eat food with flaxseed oil. In this case, it is recommended to reduce the dosage, divide it several times or use the product in its pure form, immediately sticking or drinking it - this will eliminate the aftertaste.
Those mothers who have managed to find an approach to the product have an unambiguous positive result. The child has a normal chair, he is full of strength and energy. Such mothers regularly give oil to their children, repeating the course again and again.
Summing up, I must say that flaxseed oil is an excellent product for restoring and maintaining the health of your child. Use herbal remedies for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, using a quality product, and notice how your child flourishes in front of his eyes. You can take care of your baby in the womb, taking the emulsion yourself, during pregnancy. This will be useful for both future mother and baby.
About the benefits and dangers of flaxseed oil, see the following video.