Fortunately,
there are safe, natural substances that you can use
to help fight brain cell damage and increase cognitive
function. One of the most readily available compounds
are antioxidants. Consuming plenty of these nutrients
provides your child’s brain with powerful tools
for good health. The best sources of antioxidants
are found in fresh vegetables.
Wait!
Don’t give up just because we’re using
the “V-word” with regard to your child.
There are creative ways to convince kids that veggies
actually taste good. Experiment with recipes and types
of vegetables to find ones that your child will readily
eat. And let them in on the “secret superheroes”
that veggies contain. Don’t just say they have
to eat them because they’re good for them. Give
them a short, kid-friendly version about the special
nutrients found in vegetables that will help make
them Super Smart! You know your child best, so if
making a home science experiment with veggies stimulates
them to indulge – go for it!
Protein
is brain-food at its finest! Amino acids are the building
blocks of protein and there are eight essential to
health. Animal sources of protein such as meat, fish,
poultry, and eggs supply all eight of the essential
amino acids. Many of the brain’s neurotransmitters
are made from amino acids, so if your child doesn’t
consume enough quality protein, brain function and
mood are affected. Protein supports energy and nutrient
needs, plus it’s very good at satisfying hunger.
And that’s a good thing because a hungry child
is a grumpy child that lacks focus and concentration.
Including ample protein in your child’s breakfast
is a great way to start the day.
Another
supplement for brain health that has many exciting
studies behind its use is fish oil omega-3 fatty acids.
The brain is approximately 60 percent fat and most
of that is comprised of DHA and AA fatty acids. AA
is found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs
and poultry. DHA is found in cod-liver oil and fish
body oils. Studies prove that adequate amounts of
DHA are vital to learning, memory, and other brain
functions. DHA is probably one of the most important
supplements you can add to your child’s diet.
And don’t despair; supplements have come a long
way from our Grandmother’s fishy cod-liver days!
There are now fish oils that are deliciously flavored.
Because
cod-liver oil contains fat-soluble vitamins A and
D, it’s best given during the winter when there’s
less sunlight (and thus less vitamin D). During the
rest of year, use a good quality flavored fish body
oil. Give according to the directions on the bottle.
Carlson brand makes both cod-liver and fish body oils
that are good enough to pass most kid taste-tests.
And remember to tell them about how this supplement
helps them have a Super Brain. Every kid likes to
have some type of super power!
One
more thing you can do to support your child’s
brain health is to make sure they get enough exercise.
Studies in the U.S. and Japan prove that exercise
improves memory and other mental skills. In the studies,
people who received adequate exercise scored better
on tests and completed them faster than people that
did not exercise. So, get your child moving daily.
If they’re young enough to appreciate it, tie
a dashing cape on them, and let them exercise by zooming
around and enjoying their Super Brain super power!
About
the author
Kymythy Schultze is a Clinical Nutritionist (C.N.)
and has been a trailblazer in the field of nutrition
for nearly two decades. Her best-selling books include
“The
Natural Nutrition No-Cook Book ”
which contains delicious and healthy kid-friendly
recipes and “Natural
Nutrition for Dogs and Cats”.
Both are published by Hay House, Inc. Visit Kymythy’s
website at www.kymythy.com.
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