Over the past few weeks we looked at the impact of different food groups (carbohydrates, protein, fats and vitamins and minerals) on optimum brain function. One thing that stood out throughout this discussion is the fact that brain nutrition is not something that we can simply leave to chance. Eating whatever takes your fancy and hoping for the best is not an option for those who are serious about battling the symptoms of ADD/ADHD through powering up the brain in the most efficient and beneficial way possible!
The purpose of this week’s article is to summaries the things that we have learned about brain function and to emphasize some of the most important insights. This will hopefully provide you with a ‘big picture view’ of this vital topic. I am going to do my best not to enter into too much technical detail while presenting this ‘big picture’. This is why I am going to present the information in the form of the “Top 8 Nutrition Tips for Optimum Brain Function”:
1. Maintain Balance: The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. To think therefore that it can operate successfully on just one kind of ‘miracle substance’ is a fallacy! Your brain needs a huge variety of nutrients and vitamins and minerals to function properly. Do your best not to deprive it of that by concentrating too heavily on just one type of food or supplement.
What foods are high in Omega 3, Omega 6 and ‘pure’ DHA?
I need help with 2 things:
1) supplements- my 12 year old fights me all the way about vitamins. Even when I get chewable ones, I’ll find them in his pockets and he’ll say he forgot. He complains every time I get them out.
2) Breakfast- I understand the importance of a good breakfast. I have to wake my son at 5:30 in order ot leave by 6:00. He stays at a daycare until school at 9:00 ish. I know- it’s a terrible situation but I tell you that because our mornings are often extremely rushed. We both have issues with low blood sugar. What can we prepare ahead of time- or buy to eat to get off to a sound start in the mornings??? Cooking is out of the question-
also what can I pack for him to eat later?
Cheryl
Have you thought about a morning chocolate drink (nutritious) that has protein? Wal-Mart sells low GI drinks that most kids will love. I think they are made by EAS. Even a slim fast has “some” protein in it. This could work for you!
My 8 year old son has been drinking the Carnation chocolate breakfast drink and loves it. I see a difference as well. I have even started using the Organic milk with added Omega 3 to mix it with and because the milk is expensive for cereal we use regular whole milk. Hope this helps:)
This is a GREAT tip! This is “real-life” application of the “3 Steps”
Jocelyn, keep us posted!
I buy my kids Yoplait kids yogurt its got Omega-3 and DHA and is low in sugar. It contains 16mg of DHA per serving which is 10% of the daily value. Its also got 5g of Protein and Vitamins A, C, D…they don’t like to take it to school (embarassed) because its DORA yogurt, but its good for them. They eat it at home for an afterschool snack.
I am confused on how to hear the response to the questions that are asked…
are the responses just between parents or are U responding?
I just found out my grandson who we are raising has ADHD. This is all new to me. I love the coments that have been shared and look forward to more to help me change our life style and help him. I am looking for types of foods that will be beneficial to him and meals that I can prepare. Him and his little sister love yogart and have requested breakfast drinks in the morning. This is a start. I have always fed them breakfast in the morning before school, but when they don’t eat it I can offer then a breakfast drink.
Thank you so much for you members page
Marye Bird
P.S. whatis a Gravatar!