optimising your child’s learning and development

How well your child grows, develops, learns, behaviours and processes emotions is determined by their environment; their external environment and internal environment (the state of their health). Your child’s health is maintained by their homeostasis, their internal biochemistry and how this biochemistry is maintained is largely depended upon nutritional resources. Periods of growth, development, change and stress have greater nutritional requirements.

The brain has high metabolic requirements (needs a lot of energy to function well). However, this means more than your child just consuming a lot of energy (kilojoules). The right variety and levels of nutrients are essential to promote alertness, concentration and mental stamina. Nutrients for the brain include the following:

Protein- contains key amino acids such as phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine that help the brain function. They support the action of the key neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are important for attentiveness, task completion and the ability to remain calm when appropriate. Children with specific leaning difficulties such as ADD/ADHD specifically need their amino acid status evaluated. For amino acid rich foods, see the protein ideas under the article ‘Recipes for healthy Kids’. Minerals- needed include iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, molybdenum, iodine, manganese and copper (as well as trace elements such as chromium and selenium). Magnesium supplementation will usually reduce irritability and hyperactivity in children with behavioral issues. Clinical studies show that iodine and iron deficiency states result in lower intellectual performance.

Vitamins B vitamins are essential for energy production and this includes energy production by the brain, with the brain consuming around 20-25% of the body’s energy. Foods high in B vitamins include turkey, liver, tuna, chili peppers, lentils, bananas, potatoes, brazil nuts, legumes and tempeh. Vitamin E is a neuro protective nutrient; it’s anti oxidant properties protect nerve tissue and minimize cognitive damage (and neurological aging).

Fatty acids A huge amount of interest and research over the last decade has confirmed that Essential Fatty Acids are a crucial nutrient for brain health. Research shows that supplementation improves mood, alertness and concentration (as well as helping the immune response and many other facets of health). Dosages are according to weight, age and symptoms. A healthy 30 kg 9 year old needs 3000 mg of Essential Fatty Acids per day. The base line guide is 1000mg EFAs per 10 kg body weight.

Other factors that may impede brain function include food allergies and toxins. Food allergies can result in behavioural problems and should be addressed to improve your child’s health and happiness. Similarly, toxins such as heavy metals like lead impede neurological function. Heavy metals are extremely toxic substances and thorough analysis and detoxification must be augmented if suspected to be affecting your child.

Other major factors in a child’s health include safety, love, stability and encouragement. If a child is under more stress (which may be overlooked and seen as minor by an adult) the child will need have greater nutritional requirements, as stress depletes the body of many essential nutrients.