Kids Brain Health - overcoming learning and behavioural difficulties, ADHD and stress
Here at Healthy Nature, home of MassAttack and Bump Fertility, we not only help with natural weight loss and fertility enhancement, but are also available to help with many other health issues. This month’s newsletter focuses on children’s brain health, including coping with ADHD, learning and behavioural difficulties and stress.
Learning and behavioral difficulties and ADHD in children
The incidence of learning and behavioural disorders in children is increasing. One in 10 Australian children are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), and learning difficulties such as dyslexia are increasing as well. This increase in incidence is linked to a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic and epigenetic factors.
- Maternal stress, which during the prenatal period has a significant impact on neurological and endocrinological development in the foetus.
- Sub-optimal nutrition both pre- and post-natally, which interferes with crucial developmental periods.
- Food intolerance can also contribute to behavioural and learning difficulties.
- Poor gut and immune development, which may affect the developing brain due to increased oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Home stress, school stress, abuse and/or neglect, which strongly predispose children to cognitive and mood problems.
The great ADHD debate: genetics versus environment?
It appears that ADHD "runs in families" as 10-35% of children with ADHD have a first-degree relative with ADHD. Approximately half of parents who have been diagnosed with ADHD themselves will have a child with the disorder. However, whilst approximately 50% of ADHD cases have a genetic link, clearly there are other causative factors. Investigators have suggested that some of the following could be linked to ADHD symptoms:
- Prenatal or early childhood exposure to toxins (such as lead and mercury).
- Complications during pregnancy - such as oxygen deprivation.
- Low birth weight (less than 1.5kg).
- Low omega-3 essential fatty acids prenatally, in early childhood or by the mother prenatally.
- Excessive hours watching television.
- Dietary factors such as high intake of sugar, caffeine and/or food colourings.
- Troubled home and/or school life.
Brain health starts before birth
One of the most vulnerable times for brain injury and developmental delays is in utero. Exposure to toxins, nutrient insufficiencies, maternal stress and hormonal changes can all have a substantial impact on future brain health. Supporting parents prior to and during pregnancy can be one of the most powerful strategies for optimising brain health in their children.
Iodine is an essential mineral needed for foetal brain growth and development. Unfortunately, the iodine status of Australians and New Zealanders has declined significantly in the last 50 years to levels indicative of mild to moderate iodine deficiency. Studies have shown that many pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand have suboptimal iodine status.
Peak performance requires a healthy brain
Many parents are looking for solutions for improving concentration and alertness at school. ADHD, learning difficulties and sluggish thinking can be a limiting factor for many children, reducing their capacity to succeed and decreasing their enjoyment of life. Optimising mental performance requires an individualised blend of nutritional support, dietary and lifestyle interventions and cognitive therapies. A number of herbs and supplements may be useful for improving mental performance, improving behaviour and relieving strss and anxiety.
Herbs to support mental performance and nervous function
Herbs that support mental performance and nervous function include brahmi, ginkgo and gotu kola. These herbs have been shown to improve memory and learning in children by improving their focus and resilience under pressure.
These herbs may be particularly helpful if your child has poor concentration and are available from this clinic in a great-tasting chocolate-flavoured powder that you can mix with water or milk.
Herbs for overcoming stress and anxiety
If your child becomes stressed and anxious at the prospect of going to school, a combination of calming herbs may be helpful. The herb passionflower can help to calm children whilst improving focus and behaviour. German chamomile is another great herb for children to gently calm their anxiety. Other nutrients such as magnesium and calcium also play a role in normal sleeping patterns and nervous system function. These herbs and minerals are also available at our clinic in a pleasant tasting powdered form.
Fish oils to improve mental focus and behaviour
The omega-3 essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are vital for the developing brain, from pregnancy to childhood and throughout adulthood. DHA has been shown in a number of experiments to enhance learning and memory, and infants supplemented with DHA have been shown to have greater mental development scores at 12 months of age. DHA has also been shown to benefit students under high academic stress. Research also shows that behavioural disorders are associated with essential fatty acid deficiencies, and multiple trials show that omega-3 supplementation benefits a number of behavioural disorders including ADHD, autism and aggression. Good sources are oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. Aim for at least 2 servings a week, or great tasting, kid-friendly supplements are available through our clinic.
Vitamins and minerals for the brain
To support the chemical messengers of the brain, key micronutrients are required. Neurotransmitters are vital for learning and brain health in children as they complete the brain circuitry required for learning, memory, understanding and communication. Reduced levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the prefrontal cortex are implicated in ADHD, leading to the characteristic symptoms of inattention and impulsive behavior. Several key nutrients are required for production of these neurotransmitters, including zinc, magnesium, iron, B vitamins, folate and vitamin C.
Iron is a key nutrient for the brain, and is essential for energy production. Iron is commonly deficient in children, leading to lethargy, irritability, apathy, fatigue and an inability to concentrate and decreased IQ. Good sources of iron include red meat, sesame seeds, and eggs.
A high quality multivitamin and mineral is a great way to provide all the essential key nutrients required for general wellbeing and to support healthy brain development. If you are interested in providing your child with some extra nutritional support, we have a number of options we can discuss with you.
Simple tips to improve your child's school year
As well as the supplements discussed, there are some simple things you can do to help your kids cope with all the challenges and excitement of the new school year.
- Make sure your children eat a nutritious breakfast - there are many cereals out there that contain high levels of sugar, which can affect their concentration. Choose a healthy wholegrain cereal for their breakfast. Eggs are also a great way to start the day, as the protein can help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels throughout the morning.
- Get your children off to bed at a reasonable time. Children need more sleep than adults and lack of sleep can affect their learning.
- Get into a regular routine and stick to it; this will make the start and end of the day less stressful for both you and your children.
- Encourage your kids to talk about their day. This helps them develop their communication skills and can give you valuable insight into how they are going. If you sense any problems, discuss it with their teacher.
As Natural Healthcare Practitioners we can help address many of the factors that affect a child’s brain development and learning by providing nutritional strategies and dietary protocols to support healthy brain development, address potential food intolerances and support gut immunity. Please contact us today so we can specifically tailor solutions to meet the needs of your child.
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