Back to School Supplements for Brain Function

The end of the summer signals back to school season. We are accustomed to the familiar commercials for school supplies, fall clothing and autumn activities. Another back to school essential we don’t often think about includes nutritional and herbal supplements to support healthy brain function during the school year. Nutritional and herbal supplements can help to optimize brain function leading to improved memory, concentration and learning in the classroom. These are good for adults too!

Pin

 Top 5 Supplements for Back to School

1. Multivitamin

A multivitamin includes a combination of vitamins and minerals to ensure the body has an adequate daily supply to prevent deficiency. With our busy lifestyles it can be difficult to have great nutrition everyday and a multivitamin can be helpful for ensuring our brains are nourished with the nutrients we need.

Choose a multivitamin appropriate for your children’s age and have them take the recommended dose with meals to increase absorption. Liquid and powder multivitamins are great for children because they can be mixed into juice, smoothies, applesauce or yogurt.

2. B-complex vitamin

In addition to a multivitamin supplement, additional B vitamins can be helpful for improving cognitive function. B vitamins are essential for producing neurotransmitters that influence mood and can be helpful for anxiety and depression.

Make sure you all take a b-complex vitamin with meals to prevent nausea. It is best to take it in the morning with breakfast because it also helps improve energy throughout the day.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids

A fish oil supplement is the best way to get an appropriate dose of omega-3 fatty acids. The two major types are ecosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). A combination of EPA and DHA is important for supporting nervous system function leading to improved learning, attention and concentration in the classroom. Nourishing the brain with omega-3 fatty acids is essential for improving mood.

Fish oil is available in liquid or capsules. You can freeze the capsules to prevent it from repeating or purchase an enteric coated brand. Liquid fish oil is great for children because it can be mixed into a smoothie or juice.  There are even delicious gummies and chewable capsules for the picky eater!

If your family follows a vegan diet or are allergic to fish, omega-3 fatty acids can be found in flaxseed oil, chia seeds and hempseed. However, much higher doses are needed to absorb the same amount that is found naturally in fish oil.

4. Gingko biloba

Once you ingest the essential vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, gingko biloba is a great herb for increasing circulation to the brain and ensuring those nutrients are delivered to where they need to go. Gingko biloba itself increases neurotransmitter function in the brain helping to improve cognition and short term memory.

Gingko biloba is available in capsule and liquid tincture form. Putting drops of the liquid tincture into a cup of boiling water will evaporate the alcohol leading to a more pleasant taste. Adding a bag of your favourite herbal tea will also mask the flavour of the gingko. Cooling this tea and making popsicles are a wonderful way to help children ingest herbal remedies.

Note: If you are taking blood thinning medications, it is best to be cautious and speak to your primary healthcare provider before starting gingko biloba.

5. Water

We don’t often think of water as a supplement, but water should part of one’s daily lifestyle routine. Increasing water intake prevents dehydration and improves brain function, restlessness and focus in the classroom.

Always send your child with a water bottle and carry one too to remind you to drink water frequently. Adding slices of lemon, lime, orange, cucumber, apple or berries to the water for refreshing flavoured water will give it a fresh taste so none of you get bored with plain old water. Peppermint or spearmint leaves are also a refreshing twist! We all know the recommended 8-10 glasses of water per day and it is important to make this a priority. 

Pin

Such a simple lifestyle change by adding supplements to your diet can make a significant impact on how you all feel and improve memory, concentration and learning at school. Go ahead and give it a try!