Back to School Is Your Child s Brain Starving

1. Back to School�Is Your Child�s Brain Starving? Our children�s potential is influenced by what we feed them.

2. Introduction We have known for a long time that for health and well-being a balance of nutrients is essential. We get these essential nutrients from our diet and/or supplements as they cannot be manufactured in our bodies. Yes, we really are what we eat. But what about our brains? ������Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer.��������Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer.��

3. Introduction It is easy to take the brain for granted. The brain, however, is the most important organ in the human body, automatically performing the most complex functions, and keeping us alive. It is the centrepiece of the nervous system that regulates all functions from the beating of the heart to the maintenance of body temperature. Moreover, the brain is the body�s headquarters for cognition, memory and mood. ���� Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer. ������� Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer. ���

4. Introduction The brain consists of billions of interconnecting nerve cells through which tiny electrical currents flow in any of a vast number of pathways via neurotransmitters. The well-protected but delicate human brain is constantly under attack. Stress, environmental pollution, internal toxicity and diet related nutrient deficiencies all take their toll. ������� Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer.������� Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer.

5. Introduction Impairment to mental acuity, verbal and visual memory, as well as symptoms of dementia and lack of the sense of well-being are just a few of the resulting conditions of a starved brain. The right nutrients such as essential fatty acids, B-vitamins and minerals like zinc can help, particularly those nutrients that feed the brain cells and promote brain metabolism by restoring cell membranes and regulation of neuron membrane excitability. ������ Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer. ������� Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer. �

6. Introduction Our fascination with the body has led to a wealth of recommendations on nutritional requirements for normal growth and development, but there have been fewer and lesser known recommendations for feeding our brain. ��� Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer. ������� Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer. ����

7. Introduction Today, the increasing focus on both ends of the lifecycle � promoting healthy babies and preserving memory function for seniors � is shedding light on several functional nutrients that may impact brain performance and emotional balance. Some of the nutrients absorbed during stages of early development may even offer long term benefit such as preventing impaired mental health in old age. ������� Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer.������� Source: Strategic Nutrition: Fortitech Website by Ram Chaudhari, Ph.D., FACN, CNC Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer.

8. Understanding The Links Between Food, Mood and Cognition The links between food, mood and cognition are subtle and complex. They are also subject to numerous and often uncontrolled variables which easily disguise any differential effects and their importance. For instance, the long-term role of the essential (linoleic and linolenic) fatty acids in emotional, intellectual and physical health is vital. ���Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart ��������Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart �����

9. Understanding The Links Between Food, Mood and Cognition Yet appreciation of their value is clouded by the popular notion that fat is bad for you. Mild-to-moderate functional deficits of omega-3 fatty acids are common in the modern era. Such deficits can contribute to a variety of distressing ailments such as atopic eczema and bronchial disorders. Essential fatty-acid deficiency can also cause depression; worsen attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); and increase the risk of dementia. ���Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart ��������Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart �����

10. Understanding The Links Between Food, Mood and Cognition There is a case for more TV ads promoting the sexiness of sunflower-seeds, and less glamorising sugar-coated junk food. The risks of fatty-acid deficiency start early. during infancy, a lack of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty-acid found in breast milk, increases the later risk of developing schizophrenia among the genetically susceptible. DHA ensures the fluidity of neuronal membranes. ������ ���Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart ��������Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart �����

11. Understanding The Links Between Food, Mood and Cognition It is thus essential for the transmission of nerve-signals in the brain. DHA-deficiency can cause clinical depression and coronary heart-disease in later life. It can be biosynthesised in the body from alpha-linolenic acid derived from dietary sources such as flaxseed oil. Scandalously, and in defiance of World Health Organization recommendations, infant-formulas in many parts of the world still fail to include Omega 3s. ������ ���Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart ��������Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart �����

12. Understanding The Links Between Food, Mood and Cognition �The major shift over the last hundred years in the ratio of n-6 (arachidonic acid, linoleic acid) to n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid, linolenic acid) fatty acids in the typical Western diet may have played a role in the increasing global incidence of depressive disorders. Processing and convenience foods has caused omega-6 to become dominant in the western diet. Our dietary intake of the omega fatty acids has shifted from a ratio of perhaps 1:1 n-6;n-3 on the African savannah to a ratio of somewhere between 10:1 and 25:1 in North America today. ����� ���Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart ��������Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart �����

13. Understanding The Links Between Food, Mood and Cognition The role of several key amino constituents of proteins is also vital to mental health. They serve as the precursors to the monoamine neurotransmitters which help mediate mood and emotion. In effect, different precursor amino-acids compete to get into the brain. Dominant or over-supplied amino acid reaches the receptor cells before the other amino acids. The amino acid composition of the blood is in large part a reflection of one's last meal, e.g.an imbalanced simple carbohydrate breakfast like boxed cereals and sugar, compared to a complex-carbohydrate breakfast like oats. � ����� ���Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart ��������Source: Nutritional Medicine by Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart �����

14. Brain Health and Early Cognition The most important period of development of the central nervous system begins before birth and continues until a child is three years old. During this period thousands of neuron connections are formed; 70% of the brain develops during the foetal stage and the remaining 30% during the preschool period.

15. Brain Health and Early Cognition Cognitive development also depends on a wide range of factors such as: Genetics Individual factors The environment (family relationships) Culture � socio-economic factors Overall health

16. Brain Health and Early Cognition Neurons are more susceptible than other cells of the body to both deficiencies and excesses. A growing body of research points to the impact a mother�s diet can have on prenatal development and the child�s brain performance years after birth. In general, the investigation of the impact of nutrition on cognitive development in children is still in its early stages. This impact must depend on when the intake (or deficiency) occurs in terms of brain development. The various parts of the brain develop and mature at different rates.

17. Brain Health and Early Cognition The close relationship between some nutrients which are covered later and cognition has been investigated in great detail generally by supplementation studies in children presenting the deficiency: These studies included Iron, Zinc, Folic Acid, B1, B2 B6, & B12, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Choline, Acetylcholine, and Tocotrienols.

18. A Brief Overview of The Individual Nutrients and Brain Health. IRON. Large amounts of iron are present in the brain. It is involved in the metabolism of the neurons and can effect cognitive and behavioural functions. According to data from WHO, iron deficiency is very common and can lead to impaired brain function and immunocompetence. Even if they do not display signs of anaemia, the children of mothers with iron deficiency will have lower iron levels and/or very soon develop iron deficiencies themselves. Iron supplementation can increase the mental development scope of anaemic children.

19. A Brief Overview of The Individual Nutrients and Brain Health. Zinc. Like iron, zinc is also present in large quantities in the brain. The mechanism of its action is not yet clear, but it seems to modulate the transmission of nerve signals, and plays a part in the metabolic processing of fatty acids. What is also clear is that zinc plays a role in cell growth and neurological development. Zinc deficiency during the embryonic and postnatal periods may result in a wide range of malformations of the nervous system.

20. A Brief Overview of The Individual Nutrients and Brain Health. Folic Acid and other B-group vitamins. The synthesis of various neurotransmitters requires a large number of the B-group vitamins. Folic acid deficiency is particularly important. An insufficient intake of this vitamin by women in the early stages of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of malformations of the neuronal tube.

21. A Brief Overview of The Individual Nutrients and Brain Health. Fatty Acids: Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Lipids can influence the neuron function in various ways. In many species, Docosahexaenioc Acid (DHA) is found in abundant quantities in the phospholipids [Fat soluble phosphorous containing lipids essential for maturation and functionality of body cells. Among them phosphotidylserine and phosphotidylcholine. Phosphotidylserine is a key membrane building block for brain cells. It is one of the only nutrients proven to partially reverse age-related memory impairment and this research is ongoing.] Omega-3 Fatty acids are also said to promote a general sense of well-being and positive mental outlook.

22. A Brief Overview of The Individual Nutrients and Brain Health. Choline. Choline, sometimes referred to as a B vitamin, has been found to contribute to the development of early visual memory as well as to offer longer-term benefits, including: facilitation of learning, as well as protection against toxic assaults and health conditions including Alzheimer�s and seizures. Without ample choline levels, the brain may not be able to produce enough acetylcholine for proper communication between neurons, resulting in slowed learning.

23. A Brief Overview of The Individual Nutrients and Brain Health. Acetylcholine Acetylcholine is vital for communication between neurons, particularly in the brain. A deficit of acetylcholine, a powerful neurotransmitter responsible for storing and recalling memories, has been linked to some neurological disorders, including Alzheimer�s disease. Production of this neurotransmitter is affected by levels of vitamin B1 as well as choline.

24. A Brief Overview of The Individual Nutrients and Brain Health. Antioxidants. Vitamins C and E, beta carotene and selenium are also essential to optimal brain function. The theory is that the antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging the brain cells � damage that inevitably increases as people age. High blood levels of antioxidants are associated with high mental function, including memory.

25. �Sudden� recognition that there's a problem �As the clock ticked down to the January 1, 2006 deadline for food manufacturers to disclose trans fat content on package labels, the Center for Science in the Public Interest reported that many food processors, supermarkets, and restaurant chains had eliminated or significantly reduced the trans fat in their products. CSPI executive director Michael Jacobson credits nutrition disclosure for the trend, saying, �Including trans fat on food labels has had a much greater positive effect than most people imagined.� ����� ���Source: Center for Science in the Public Interest�������Source: Center for Science in the Public Interest����

26. �Sudden� recognition that there's a problem �The oversized woman had a guilty conscience to judge from the belligerent glare she gave me as we passed in the late afternoon at the supermarket entrance. I suppose I was giving the game away a bit as I had been staring incredulously at the burden she had in her arms on her way to her car. Source: Sunday Star Times New Zealand by Frank HadenSource: Sunday Star Times New Zealand by Frank Haden

27. �Sudden� recognition that there's a problem �She had three giant bottles of Coca-Cola trapped in some way under her arms, a feat in itself. I would never back my ability to carry more than two of them at once. But piled under her chin, were two equally vast plastic packs of potato chips. And she was used to doing it. She was walking easily. | Here, I thought was the key to New Zealand�s rampant obesity problem. Source: Sunday Star Times New Zealand by Frank HadenSource: Sunday Star Times New Zealand by Frank Haden

28. �Sudden� recognition that there's a problem �She was taking this stuff home to the old man and the kids, to stuff themselves while watching TV. I knew exactly what the family would look like.� Frank Haden, Sunday Star Times,New Zealand Source: Sunday Star Times New Zealand by Frank HadenSource: Sunday Star Times New Zealand by Frank Haden

29. �Sudden� recognition that there's a problem 'Pack-a-day crisp habit' warning The ad carries the caption "What goes into crisps goes into you"Half of UK children "drink" almost five litres of cooking oil every year as a result of their pack-a-day crisp habit, experts warn. Nearly a fifth of children eat two packets of crisps per day, says the British Heart Foundation. Its Food4Thought campaign aims to expose hidden salt, fat and sugar in common foods. Source: BBC News 21 September 2006Source: BBC News 21 September 2006

30. Should we be concerned? Daily unhealthy snacking is a worrying habit Professor Peter Weissberg of the BHF Figures from Mintel reveal that we eat a ton of crisps every three minutes in the UK. Source: BBC News 21 September 2006 Source: BBC News 21 September 2006Source: BBC News 21 September 2006

31. Some Important FACTS about FATS Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid, are considered essential fatty acids because they cannot be synthesized by humans. The long-chain omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA) can be synthesized from LA. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA can be synthesized from ALA, but EPA and DHA synthesis may be insufficient under certain conditions, such as co-factor nutrient deficiencies. Written by: Jane Higdon, Ph.D. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University Written by: Jane Higdon, Ph.D. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University

32. Some Important FACTS about FATS Researchers believe the ideal omega-6 intake should be no more than 4-5 times that of our omega-3 intake. Although limited preliminary data suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be beneficial in the therapy of depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, larger controlled clinical trials are needed to determine their efficacy. Source: Jane Higdon, Ph.D. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University Written by: Jane Higdon, Ph.D. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State UniversityWritten by: Jane Higdon, Ph.D. Linus Pauling Institute. Oregon State University

33. In Conclusion The more attention given to healthy meal choices the greater our chances of developing healthy brain functionality in our children, e.g. grains, unprocessed foods, organic, fresh, seasonal organic produce, rather than boxed, instant foods and fried foods. It is not enough to only rely on nutritional supplementation to feed our children�s brains. Selection of nutritional supplements must include the following factors:

34. In Conclusion Quality should be considered before price. The inclusion of all necessary nutrients and not just the Omegas. High concentrations of EPA interfere with the synthesis of AA, which is essential for normal growth. The primary source of DHA & EPA is kelp also known as seaweed which is what supplies fish with these nutrients and also algae, e.g. spirulina. arachidonic arachidonic

35. In Conclusion Flaxseed is the richest source of ALA alpha-linolenic acid, which can be converted in the body into DHA which is then converted into EPA. Fatty marine fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, are also rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Health 24. Why your brain needs Fish. Health 24. Why your brain needs Fish.

36. In Conclusion The brain needs a constant supply of EFAs throughout life, however, the two most sensitive periods are infancy and ageing. Researchers have said that the Omega-3s fatty acids in breast milk have a positive impact on cognitive ability. Health 24. Why your brain needs Fish. Health 24. Why your brain needs Fish.

37. Thank You. Enjoy Your Journey to Wellness If you would like the updated copy of this talk emailed to you please send your request to stuart@nutrineeds.co.za For a Free Nutritional Assessment contact Hazel at House of Health Buxton�s Umhlanga. Telephone: 031 5612745 Or visit www.houseofhealth .biz/umhlanga