Learning Issues - A Natural Approach

The answer to children’s hyperactivity, learning issues, behavior issues, developmental issues, does not always come from a prescription pad. More often the answer comes from common sense combined with good information. Common sense tells us that good nutrition is basic to maintaining good health, so the first step in helping a child reach his or her maximum health potential is to assure that a child’s nutritional needs are being met. For example, one of the signs of low iron in the diet is learning and behavior issues. Many times when there is any type of health challenge, additional nutrition is necessary to achieve the desired results. Follow common sense advice in Eating A Whole Foods Diet.

There are many different genetic and environmental factors that can affect a child’s health and consequently his or her ability to learn. Psychological factors in the home, the quality of AIR the child breathes, the water the child drinks all have an impact. There are certain nutrients listed below that can minimize the impact of genetic and environmental factors.

The caloric energy in the foods we eat comes from the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that naturally occur in food. To be more specific, essential amino acids come from certain protein foods, essential sugars come from certain carbohydrate foods, and essential fatty acids come from foods containing fats. The following foods and supplements will help with all types of learning issues.

• Essential amino acids are found in beef, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, cottage cheese, cheese, yogurt, nuts and their butters (i.e. peanuts, almond), beans and legumes, sprouted grains, quiona, wheatberry, millet, spelt and other high protein grains. Proteins are an essential component of all cells in the body and are necessary for the brain to receive and send messages. Protein foods help to stabilize blood sugars which aid in concentration. An easy breakfast in the morning: Mix a scoop of soy protein powder with juice and mix well. This mixture can also be put in the blender with a banana or berries.

• Omega-three essential fatty acids are found in flaxseed oil, hemp seed oil, deep cold water fish (salmon, herring, sardines), cereal grasses and dark green leafy vegetables. Omega three fats are essential for brain development and are necessary for proper transmission of messages to the nerves. Order Omega-Guard.

• Butter is Better recipe: Blend together 2 sticks of organic butter and 1 cup of flax seed oil. Store in a closed jar.

• Essential sugars, or glyconutrients are found in aloe vera juice, corn, wheat, leeks, carrots, radishes, pears, red wine, coconut meat, tomatoes, onions, figs, beans, peas, the herbs curcumin and echinacea, human breast milk, maitake and shiitake mushrooms, apples and grapefruit (from Sugars that Heal, Emil I. Mondoa, M.D.). Essential sugars are necessary for ALL cell to cell communication in the body. We know that any relationship is only as good as the communication, it is no different with cellular communication. Excellent results have been obtained using glyconutrients for learning issues. Read about the many benefits of glyconutrients at www.glycoscience.org.

• Lecithin is found in small, but insignificant amounts in many foods. The highest amounts are found in soybeans and egg yolks. Lecithin is essential for nerve signal transmission in the brain. Lecithin is also a natural detoxifier so will help eliminate any toxins in the body that may be interfering with learning. Order lecithin.

• If there is inadequate calcium in the diet, supplement the diet with calcium. Food sources include dairy products, green leafy vegetables, soy milk, and black strap molasses. Order a calcium supplement.
  
  Copyright, 2005, Stephanie Richards, Registered Dietitian.