The impact of nutrition on learning disabilities is more than a few simple dietary recommendations. Have you ever wondered why some children have learning difficulties despite their natural intelligence? In response to this question, it should be said that the brain needs certain nutrients to function properly, and the lack of any of them can disrupt concentration, memory, and learning power. If you are looking for real solutions to improve children's mental performance, this article can lead you in the right direction.
nutrients effective in strengthening concentration and memory
In the following, we mention the most important nutrients effective in strengthening concentration and memory, which play an important role in mental performance, learning and cognitive activities:
omega-3 fatty acids
It is found in fatty fish such as salmon, walnuts and flax eggs. This substance helps to improve brain cell communication and reduce brain inflammation.
iron
Iron deficiency can cause mental fatigue, reduced concentration, and reduced learning ability, so good sources of iron include red meat, lentils, and spinach.
Zinc
It plays a role in regulating the transmission of nerve messages, and its deficiency will lead to poor memory and concentration in children. The most important food sources include meat, pumpkin seeds and dairy products.
magnesium
It is effective in calming the brain, reducing stress and improving sleep. The brain needs enough and restful sleep to concentrate better. Its sources include almonds, bananas and green leafy vegetables.
protein
Essential for making enzymes and neurotransmitters, good sources of which include eggs, legumes, meat and dairy products.
Read more: symptoms of learning disorder
What foods reduce a child's learning?
Some foods can have a negative effect on children's concentration, memory and learning ability. In the following, we mention the most important foods that reduce a child's learning:
- High consumption of sugar, especially in the form of sweet drinks, biscuits and chocolate, causes a sudden increase in blood sugar and then a sharp drop, which causes a decrease in concentration, sleepiness and mental restlessness.
- Foods such as sausages, sausages, nuggets, chips and puffs contain unhealthy fats, additives and preservatives that reduce cognitive function by causing inflammation in the body and brain.
- Trans and saturated fats, which are found in some cakes, industrial sweets and deep-fried foods, actually weaken the brain's neural connections and slow down learning.
- High caffeine and a lot of sugar in soft drinks and energy drinks can cause anxiety, insomnia, reduced attention and irritability in children.
- Too much salt can increase blood pressure and affect the function of blood vessels in the brain, which in the long run has a negative effect on memory and concentration.
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the importance of breakfast in improving students' learning
The importance of breakfast in improving the learning ability of students is not hidden from anyone, breakfast is the first meal of the day and after several hours of overnight fasting, it provides the energy needed by the brain and body. Therefore, the brain needs glucose to concentrate, learn and process information, therefore, if breakfast is omitted, students will face a decrease in accuracy, short-term memory weakness, and a decrease in the speed of mental processing.
According to studies, children who eat a complete and nutritious breakfast perform better in exams, learn new concepts, and participate actively in class. Breakfasts including whole grains, protein (such as eggs), dairy products, and fruits can be the best combination to start a productive day. Therefore, skipping breakfast not only causes a decrease in mental ability, but also causes overeating in the next meals and a decrease in energy levels.
Read more: Learning disorders in the first grades
Nutritional recommendations for parents of children with learning disabilities
Below are some important nutritional recommendations for parents of children with learning disorder has been shown to be effective in improving their children's concentration, memory and mental performance:- Children with learning disabilities need constant energy for their brains, so you should give them main meals and healthy snacks at regular hours.
- Sweet or processed foods will cause blood sugar fluctuations and disrupt concentration, so use fresh fruits, nuts and whole grains instead.
- Fatty fish, walnuts, flax eggs and olive oil help to improve brain function and nerve communication.
- Deficiency of iron, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins can reduce mental performance. If needed, use it in consultation with a complementary doctor.
- A healthy breakfast including protein, whole grains and fruit can be a good start for concentration and learning.
- Beverages such as soft drinks or strong tea can increase the level of anxiety and disturb the child's sleep.
- Dehydration will cause mental fatigue and headaches, so make drinking water a habit at home.
FAQ
Yes, iron deficiency reduces oxygen supply to the brain and can cause poor concentration, mental fatigue and academic performance.
If the child suffers from academic failure, chronic fatigue, behavioral changes or loss of appetite, his nutritional examination is absolutely necessary.
Yes, the lack of some micronutrients such as magnesium, iron or omega-3 can cause a decrease in mental energy, boredom and loss of concentration.
Finally…
In the end, it should be said that nutrition is not only a physiological need, but also one of the hidden but effective foundations of children's mental performance. Every bite a child eats can affect their ability to focus, learn and develop mentally. Parents' attention to food quality and variety, especially in children with learning disabilities, should not be ignored. Therefore, this issue requires awareness, planning and sometimes consultation with a nutritionist so that the child is placed on a more correct path of education and progress.
