Did you know that in the first five years of life, a child's brain makes more than a million neural connections every second, influencing their future behavior, health, and ability to learn?

No wonder early nutrition is so important — as is protection from environmental pollution.

A review of 40 studies found striking differences in brain structure when researchers compared kids from areas of low and high air pollution, which might be from wildfires, coal-fired plants, traffic, or various industries.

If you and your kids live in high-traffic or industrial areas or are exposed to wildfire smoke, it’s smart to use HEPA air filters in your home. The researchers from UC Davis also encourage schools to use high-quality air filters, so talk to your parent-teacher association.

Also make sure your kids get out into nature (when there's no air pollution warning).  

Other studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids, a multivitamin with vitamins C, D and the B vitamins, as well as olive oil help protect against the damage air pollution can do.

Make sure your kids get fatty fish such as salmon and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. And talk to their doctor about providing a vitamin supplement (don't give them too much).