Nutrition and Brain Health

Did you know that adequate nutrition is needed for countless aspects of brain functioning. Poor diet quality may be a modifiable risk factor for depression. The ability of the brain to adapt and respond to stress is correlated with nutritional status. High antioxidant intake prevents oxidation tissue stress in the brain. Scientific studies have documented that when lipid peroxidation in a person is high, depression is much more likely. Adrenaline is produced during times of stress.

For instance children in school are experiencing stress. The adrenaline give them a burst of energy, but their blood-sugar level drops after the crisis is past. If they had protein for breakfast their body will be able to deal with these fluctuations of their blood sugar level. If they had sugary foods, starches or even worse soft drinks which often have as much as 8 spoonfuls of sugar in them, their body chemistry will create havoc. If they didn't have breakfast they will go into a phase of being tired and feeling like they are in a fog.

Either way is not a good foundation for learning. Sustaining foods are needed to replenish their bodies.

Certain foods increase the physical stress on your body by making digestion more difficult, or by denying the brain essential nutrients. Stress itself can cause bad digestion. Children need protein to grow and regulate their blood sugar level, omega 6 and 3 oils for healthy brain function, Vitamin B Complex to sooth their nerves.

Learning about healthy nutrition can increase their capacity for learning, and sooth their mood which makes them mellow and allows them to focus and interact in a respectful way with others. Send your child to school with healthy snacks and include some natural almonds, sunflower seeds and apples and whole grain foods and some protein. You just might see a great improvement in their report card.

Previous | Next