[Guest Post by Julie Masci from New Life Nutrition ]

Reading Time: 3 Mins. 

 

It is widely accepted that nutrition can have a significant impact on our physical health (1, 2, 3), however emerging research suggests that for some people nutrition may also play a significant role in brain development and behaviour (4, 5, 6).

A new article published in Wise Traditions identified several connections between nutrient deficiencies and violent behavior (7). The increase in violent behavior is especially critical for young people who commit over 41% of violent homicides each year according to the World Health Organization (9).

School shootings are becoming more common in many countries and many children seem to have a greater amount of behavioural problems in school and at home. Although there may be several factors for this increase in violence, nutrition may play a key role in helping reduce the amount of violent behaviour and mental disturbances in our world today (10).

Part of the reason for increased health challenges may be our reliance on processed foods which are mostly devoid of nutrients and contain potentially toxic chemicals such as, sugar, artificial food coloring and MSG (11, 12).

The brain and nervous system require fat and fat-soluble vitamins to function properly(13). The brain is 60% fat and needs essential fatty acids to stay healthy. Consuming excessive “fat free” processed foods can lead to an essential fatty acid deficiency which may hurt the ability for our brain to function optimally (14)  .

Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin found in high fat foods, also plays a role in maintaining proper cognitive function (15). Lack of vitamin D, another fat-soluble vitamin, may increase depression, reduce memory, and reduce the ability of the brain to properly produce serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter (16). 

Unfortunately, due to our reliance on highly processed, low fat foods that are missing essential fatty acids and critical vitamins, our brains are functioning without proper nutrition (17).

Not only are processed foods devoid of essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins that can influence our behavior, they are also generally also full of sugar or high fructose corn syrup.

The average Australian consumes approximately 20 teaspoons of sugar daily (17). Our bodies are not used to dealing with concentrated doses of sugar at a one time, such as what is found in a soft drink(18).

In a study of high school children in Boston researchers found that children who drank the most soda were also more likely to have exhibited violent behaviour at some time(19).” 

Fluctuations in blood glucose, caused by consuming foods too high in sugar, may result in difficulty concentrating and other cognitive deficits(20). Excess sugar in children may decrease concentration ability and may promote violent behavior (21). In a study of high school children in Boston researchers found that children who drank the most soda were also more likely to have exhibited violent behaviour at some time(22).

What Helps?

If you or your child is struggling with learning or cognitive difficulties, outbursts of anger or other behavioural problems, it may be helpful to take a look at their diet.

1. The first step is to eliminate all processed foods (i.e. if it’s not in the fruits and vegetables section of your grocery store, there’s a good chance it’s processed). Think green and growing e.g. fruits and vegetables. If they don’t like the taste, here’s a sneaky solution, superfood sweets (Click Here to Order Online)! 🙂 

2. Include essential fatty acids from healthy sources such as coconut oil, olive oil or flaxseeds in your diet.

3. Eat at least 2-3 portions of fish weekly, for omega-3 fats or take an organic Omega 3 supplement

4. Include rich sources of protein and vitamin A from foods such as eggs,tofu, lean cuts of beef or liver.

5. Get at least 15 minutes of sunshine daily to increase vitamin D levels. 

6. Have them do at least 20 mins of physical exercise each day (tip: first thing in the morning before school is great, take them to a field or park and do some fun active activity, as it helps them release a lot of energy, making it easier for them to concentrate in class later on). 

7. Reduce or eliminate added sugars in diet, especially those from sweetened beverages (e.g. Cokes, Sprites and even processed Fruit Juices!) Add in Clean Pure Water or Organic Juice.

[Ed’s Tip:  For a brilliant natural ADD and ADHD Diet Plan: Follow this link. For a great guide for Kids struggling with ADD or ADHD, follow this link Concentration Challenges from ADD, ADHD

 

Bottom-line:

A balanced diet should consist of clean water, plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and whole unprocessed grains.  A healthy diet can give you and your family the foundation needed for a healthy brain and a healthy life.

 

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Julie Masci is from New Life Nutrition.  NLN is a team of dedicated dietitians and nutritionists based in Brisbane, Australia. Their focus is on providing practical lifestyle solutions that are simple and easy to follow, specializing in weight loss, chronic disease management, irritable bowel syndrome and food intolerances.

 

Connect here: http://newlifenutrition.com.au/ 

 

 

Article Sources:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23432189 
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515569/ 
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3649104/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20693348 
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22412070
  7. https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/environmental-toxins/violent-behavior-a-solution-in-plain-sight/
  8. https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/world_report/en/abstract_en.pdf
  9. https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/environmental-toxins/violent-behavior-a-solution-in-plain-sight/
  10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022347606801642
  11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20057976
  12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20329590
  13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20329590
  14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20077419
  15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21664231
  16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20329590
  17. https://thatsugarmovement.com/
  18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1945637
  19. http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/early/2011/10/14/injuryprev-2011-040117.abstract
  20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1945637
  21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1945637
  22. http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/early/2011/10/14/injuryprev-2011-040117.abstract

 

 

Disclaimer: This article is only for informational purposes. Be sure to consult you professional healthcare provider, before embarking on any diet or lifestyle changes. The views expressed are that of the guest author and not that of www.organichealth.co.za.  

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