Spotlight Article

From the Doctor

Recently, I attended a lecture from Dr. Alexis Daniels, D.C. The statistics regarding brain development and children’s health and nutrition are absolutely frightening.

1 in 8 children have some sort of learning or processing disorder. Some underlying causes or extenuating circumstances maybe: lack of solid nutrition, gluten or dairy sensitivities, too many trans-fats, little or no activity.

According to Dr. Daniels, blood sugar balance is a key component for good brain function. As we feed our bodies we nourish our brains. The growing bodies and minds of kids, that are fed a constant diet of junk, are impaired. This may lead limited alertness and concentration, coupled with acting out and other aggressive behaviors. An unhealthy Frontal Cortex can lead to depression, learning difficulties, limited comprehension, and difficulty distinguishing social norms.

Certainly, there are other factors that are not simply environmental, but even in patients with physical abnormalities in brain development, a good diet and exercise help to control the negative impact associated with learning and social impairment.

There is of course drugs such as Ritalin. However, these are often highly addictive and suppresses certain portions of the brain such as Frontal Cortex.

A healthy diet is essential. Gluten and dairy do have a negative affect on the brain. Kids, and adults, continually demonstrate better performance without gluten or dairy. Of course, healthy foods rich in vitamins and nutrients are better than process and sugar-filled foods.

Lastly, exercise is a key. The developing bodies and minds of children need movement and interaction with their environment. The blood must flow and the heart beat stronger. The mind is stimulated by activity. Exercise is the number one treatment for depression and also strengthens the brains function and performance.