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Natural Awakenings Space & Treasure Coast Florida

Prepare Your Kids to Make the Grade

Studies have shown that good nutrition and plenty of sleep can boost brain function, enhance memory, and improve concentration. Researchers are learning that certain types of foods help to build better brains, supply the nutrients to help children focus and create the energy needed for physical activity. To prepare your children for a day at school consider these nutrition tips:

Eggs or oatmeal: Eggs, of course, provide protein but also contain choline, which is used for the creation of memory cells deep within the brain. Oatmeal is a whole grain that is high in fiber that can provide a steady source of energy as it is slowly digested.

Fruit: Strawberries and blueberries are high in antioxidants, which have been shown to boost cognitive functioning. Fruit on a whole, are a great way to also help children stay regular and easy to add to cereal or oatmeal. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, constipation can make children feel sluggish, lethargic or even anxious and distracted.

Fluids: Water is very important to maintain brain and body functions. Water is often overlooked by both adults and children. Dehydration makes children listless, lethargic and irritable. Most children, depending on age, should be drinking 4 glasses of water a day, half of the recommended daily amount for adults.

Plenty of Sleep: A child between the ages of 6 and 12 needs on average, 10 hours of sleep a night. Sleep can influence the temperament of your child. Lack of sleep can lead to problems of irritability or make ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, worse.

Joanne Livingston, Acupuncture Physician, specializes in weight loss, smoking cessation, and fertility at Living Well Acupuncture located at 1905 Knox McRae Drive in Titusville. Call 321-268-9433 for more information.