Back to school is such a crazy time. School lunches, busy drop off and pick-ups, new experiences, rushed dinners and just surviving the new after school hectic schedule. Keep in mind that a parent’s decisions can very much effect the brain function of their child during the school day. It’s hard to concentrate if you are hungry or have a sore belly or lack some key nutrients for a full day of heavy duty learning. Some things to keep in mind, as if you’re not busy enough:
- Sleep is very necessary for a child’s brain. Early to bed and early to rise are the old adage that is the best for a child’s brain. Routine
- A strong breakfast with good protein, essential fatty acids, and lots of vitamins and minerals is important to start the day and sustain the brain. Some great examples are: http://againstallgrain.com/category/breakfast/ or http://www.elanaspantry.com/gluten-free-recipes/breakfasts/. Avoid all packaged foods, sugar, juice, artificial flavours and colours. Brains crash on foreign substances.
- Proper bowel health. We want our kids to have 2-3 bowel movements a day. In our house we call them hot dog poops so you get the idea on the size if not larger and longer. The bowel makes more decisions in 24 hours than your brain makes it’s entire life. When the digestive system is working well, it fuels the brain and makes good metabolites to nourish the brain and body. A good probiotic and also assist in optimizing this system. I prefer Multi-strain 11 from Cytomatrix as a daily with my family. It’s probiotics or good bacteria with extra sugar added and strains of bacteria more consistent with stabilizing the digestive system.
- The brain is made up of mostly of fat. We supplement with essential fatty acids as most people in North America are deficient in omega 3 and sometimes 6 essential fatty acids. We use EPA+ from Ascenta and everyone gets a teaspoon to start the day off with the brain fed.
- Lunches!!! Please do not send processed foods to school, the body doesn’t’ recognize foreign substances and concentration is often the key area effected when the body cannot break down a substance. Here are some ideas to keep you pantry stocked. http://naturalcareclinic.ca/blog/2014/08/29/tips-for-st/
Dr. Carissa Doherty, Natural Care Clinic
*** as posted in momstown Burlington newsletter Sept 2014
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