Back-to-school season is upon us! Or, if you’re like me, it’s barreling down the calendar at breakneck speed. My son is actually starting first grade this year—cue the confetti and the tears!
We all remember how monumental that “First Day of School” was, right? The excitement of donning new clothes, lacing up fresh kicks, and proudly strapping on a new backpack. It was practically a fashion show and a rite of passage all rolled into one.
But let’s be honest—it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows.
These days, school is often more than just an opportunity to show off a cool new outfit. It can bring a mountain of stress and anxiety for kids. Between the pressure of grades, the never-ending homework, and navigating the maze of social dynamics, it’s a wonder they don’t just run back to bed and pull the covers over their heads.
I mean, who wouldn’t panic if they couldn’t find their classes, couldn’t figure out how to open their locker, or—gasp—someone showed up wearing the exact same outfit? (We’ve all been there, and yes, it’s as mortifying as it sounds.)
And if your child already struggles with concentration and focus in school or has been diagnosed with ADHD, the thought of heading back to the classroom might feel like adding extra hurdles to an already challenging obstacle course. But fear not! There’s hope on the horizon in the form of some tried-and-true brain-boosting strategies.
With the right tools, we can help them turn things around, face the school year head-on, and maybe even start enjoying their time in the classroom.
Stay tuned, because we’re diving into some practical and fun ways to give our kids that mental edge they need to make this school year their best one yet. Let’s get started!
Fueling Young Minds with Omega-3s
We all need a little boost sometimes—especially when we’re trying to wrangle our kids back into the school routine.
Brain health is the perfect place to start, and it all begins with something as simple as a healthy cell membrane. That’s right, those tiny cell walls are the unsung heroes of our bodily functions. When cell membranes are healthy, they improve everything from our liver and digestive tract to our immune system and, of course, our brains. 🧠
Now, there’s a huge misconception out there that all fats are bad. But here’s the scoop: fat is not the enemy! In fact, it’s something our bodies need to function and thrive—especially for kids.
Fat is essential for growth and development because it literally builds the brain. Fat helps with cell signaling and repair, absorbs vital vitamins, and even serves as fuel for our bodies.
When it comes to brain health, the fats we consume play a massive role.
Omega-3 fatty acids are the all-stars when it comes to keeping cell membranes healthy. These fatty acids are critical for allowing cells to take in important nutrients, remove waste, and communicate effectively with neighboring cells. Plus, omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which give cognitive function a nice little boost.
But here’s the catch—most of us aren’t getting enough omega-3s, especially in the Standard American/Western Diet (appropriately acronymed SAD, because let’s be honest, it’s not doing us any favors).
Instead, we’re overloaded with omega-6 and -9 fats, which aren’t as beneficial. This imbalance leaves many kids deficient in omega-3s, leading to issues like dry skin, dry hair, and cognitive challenges such as ADHD or trouble focusing.
So, how do we fix this? One delicious way is by incorporating more oily fish into our diets. Salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are all packed with omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty fish not only help build membranes around brain cells, improving their structure and function, but they also play a key role in brain development and reducing inflammation.
Take a look at this table below, which lists foods high in omega-3 fats.
How many of these foods is your kid eating on a regular basis? (Chances are not very many since foods like flaxseeds and Brussels sprouts are not marketed as “kid foods.”)
If you and your family are not regularly eating these foods, I recommend adding an omega-3 (fish oil) supplement to help bridge the gap.
Magnesium: The Unsung Hero of Cognitive Function
Another key player in the cognitive function game—and overall health—is magnesium.
Just like omega-3s, magnesium is one of those nutrients that we often overlook, yet it’s absolutely essential. Shockingly, about 50% of the U.S. population isn’t getting enough magnesium on a daily basis, which can have a significant impact on everything from focus and energy to attention and mood.
When your body gets the right kind of magnesium, the benefits can be incredible.
Improved focus, increased energy, better sleep, and a calmer mind are just a few of the perks.
However, magnesium deficiency is more common than you might think, and it comes with its own set of warning signs. These can include constipation, fatigue, trouble sleeping, headaches, anxiety, and, for those with ADHD, even more challenges with focus and attention.
It’s also important to note that certain medications, like stimulants often prescribed for ADHD, can exacerbate magnesium deficiency. This makes it even more critical to ensure we’re getting enough of this vital mineral.
As you can see, magnesium is crucial for both our bodies and brains, yet it's surprisingly easy to be deficient in. That’s why supplementing your child with magnesium might prove beneficial.
But supplements aren’t the only answer. Adding magnesium-rich foods to your diet is another fantastic way to make sure your family is getting the nutrients they need to thrive this school year.
Check out the table below for a list of foods high in magnesium, and start incorporating them into your meals today!
Phosphatidylcholine: The “Liquid Gold” for Your Cells
Healthy cell walls are the foundation of many crucial bodily functions, from our liver and digestive tract to our immune system, lungs, skin, and, of course, our brain. 🧠
One of the key components that make these cell walls so effective is Phosphatidylcholine (PPC). As the largest of the four basic phospholipids, PPC makes up 80% of the membrane surrounding every cell in our body.
I like to call PPC “liquid gold,” and for a good reason. Think of it as an oil change for your cell walls—keeping everything running smoothly and efficiently.
Phospholipids like PPC are also essential for transporting long-chain omega-3s into cell membranes, where they provide flexibility and support vital cell functions.
But PPC’s role doesn’t stop there. It’s crucial for maintaining the integrity of cellular structures, from the outer membrane to the intricate inner workings of the cell, including the mitochondria—the cell’s energy powerhouse.
Mitochondrial health is vital, as dysfunction in these tiny power plants has been linked to nearly every disease known to man. By supporting mitochondrial function, PPC plays a critical role in maintaining overall well-being and ensuring that our cells are functioning at their best.
In short, PPC isn’t just important—it’s essential for keeping our bodies and brains running smoothly. So, next time you think about brain health, remember that giving your cells the right support can make all the difference!
Both PPC and Omega-3 supplements are available in capsule or liquid forms, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for all ages.
Supporting Your Child's Success
As the new school year kicks off, it's more important than ever to make sure our kids are equipped with everything they need to succeed—not just in their studies, but in their overall well-being.
From the right brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3s and magnesium to the cell-supporting powers of Phosphatidylcholine, these simple yet powerful strategies can help set the stage for a school year full of growth, learning, and confidence.
Remember, learning is better when we feel good! 📚✏️
By taking care of our children’s physical and mental health, we’re giving them the tools they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
So, let’s make this year a great one—full of energy, focus, and, most importantly, joy in learning. Here’s to a successful school year ahead!
Want to know more about how we can help YOU get to a place of health and calm with your child using natural strategies? Let’s chat!
I’m here to guide you through the next steps on your journey to better health for your child. It’s completely free, with no obligations—just a friendly conversation about how I can support you in reaching your health goals!
0 comments