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Change Your Diet, Find Your Focus

Studies show that protein promotes alertness in the brain. Carbohydrates do the opposite. And artificial colors and flavors are even worse. Which may explain why Fruity Pebbles are so awful for your child with ADHD. Read on for more trigger foods, and for healthier alternatives.

1 Comment: Change Your Diet, Find Your Focus

  1. “Flaxseed and canola oils are good sources of omega 3s.” Canola oils are higher in omega 6 and are genetically modified leading to inflammation. Better choices for healthy omega 3 in addition to flaxseed are chia and walnut in addition to high-quality fish oil capsules (Green Pasture Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil, or EPA/DHA Life Extension).
    For cooking we use the cleanest oils we can find: First cold-pressed organic extra virgin olive oil (California Ranch), organic extra virgin coconut oil (Wegmans), and grass-fed organic ghee (Pure Indian). It’s not only what you add to your diet to maintain a healthy balance of omega-6 to omega-3 (4:1 ratio or less), but what you can do to decrease an omega 6 imbalance. (Corn oil, has an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 66:1; for sunflower oil, the ratio is 77:1.)

    Since the late 1970’s, all of our major grains (corn, wheat, barley, rye, etc) have been hybridized multiple times (bioengineered to change protein structure for increased yield per acre). Even “organic wheat” is hybridized. This leads to pro-inflammatory responses in our body since the structure of the genetically modified protein is no longer as compatible with our DNA as the wheat prior to the 1950’s.

    Glycemic index: the lower the better since it impacts insulin, inflammation, fat storage, neurotransmitters, etc. 1 slice of whole wheat bread (71) has more impact on the blood glucose level (glycemic index) than a Snicker’s candy bar (55).
    For healthy carbohydrates and stable blood sugar levels, we use 80% organic vegetables and 20% organic fruit. The choice of and amount of grains in a meal is an important consideration.

    Glycemic index and omega-6 to omega-3 ratio are only 2 considerations.

    Healthy fats are 60% of the brain, powerful antioxidants, as well as the building blocks for hormones and neurogenesis. They comprise a portion of our diet at every meal.

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