During the back to school season many parents start to think about ways to improve their children’s attention, focus, learning and overall brain function. But, supporting brain health is not just for students. Our brains need nourishment at every stage of life.
The brain is the control center of the body. It controls essential functions like breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It also plays an important role in memory, focus, emotions, vision, movement, and balance.
Support your brain with foods that can help with brain function:
- Choose healthy fats such as avocados and avocado oil, coconut oil, butter, and olive oil.
- Saltwater fish and sea vegetables (seaweed, kelp) can provide important nutrients for the brain including iodine and omega-3 fatty acids.
- For good sources of fish check out Seafood Watch
- Adequate, good quality protein. Protein supplies amino acids that help build and repair tissue. Egg yolks are valuable because they are a good source of choline which is excellent for brain health.
- Limiting refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates can contribute to blood sugar imbalances which can affect concentration and mood.
Certain supplements can provide additional nutritional support for the brain:
- B Vitamins to support the nervous system and energy production in the cells. B vitamins can help with attention, focus, mood, and energy. Some of my favorites are: B1, Inositol, Cataplex B (energizing), Cataplex B2 (calming), and Methyl B12 spray.
- Ribonucleic Acid from Standard Process is brain food. RNA can help with memory, vision, and focus.
- Bacopa and Ginkgo are herbs that can help with memory, cognition, alertness, and mental clarity. Bacopa is excellent for longer term retention/memory. Ginkgo can promote short term memory.
- Optimag Neuro is a great source of magnesium. It supports healthy brain magnesium levels, cognitive health, stress management, sleep quality, and mood.
- Iodine – Standard Process makes several different iodine products that can help with focus. Min Tran (calming, also good for sleep and stress), Organically Bound Minerals, and A-F Betafood all supply iodine to help with essential cellular functions.
So, whether it is for school or work or optimizing your health, feed your brain every day to improve your wellbeing and vitality. We are here to help you with your individual needs. Always talk to your Practitioner regarding the best supplement recommendations for you.
Yours in Health,
Kerry Cradit, B.S. Nutrition and Food Science
