National news highlights the skyrocketing use of drugs, like Ritalin, to help our frazzled kids calm and focus. In tandem, headlines complain that our children are missing key nutrients critical for growth and development. Overall, less than 1% of children consume the minimum serving of recommended foods groups. French fries comprise nearly 25% of vegetable consumption. A whopping 55% of their calories comes from "fillers" like added sugar and fat that crowd out essential nutrients. While the traditional agriculture that supported the evolution of our kids' genes grew 80,000 plant varieties, most of the so-called diverse glut of 50,000 items packing supermarket shelves is formulated from a mere four plants -- wheat, corn, soy, and rice. Furthermore, alongside plummeting food diversity, studies show drastic drops -- up to 50% -- in plant nutrient values since the 1970s (like vitamins A, C, calcium and iron in broccoli, carrots, etc.). Over-farmed soils, with premiums on yields, not quality, are suspected.

Bottom line? Our kids are coming up short, nutritionally. And deficits may be fueling attention deficit disorders (ADD/ADHD). Studies show kids with ADD have lower levels of serum fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, iron, and B6. We know that all biological processes -- enzyme reactions, digestion, metabolism -- work only when the needed vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are there. For example, the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine need amino acids, vitamin B6 and iron to complete their pathways. When key nutrients are missing, the pathways are broken or faulty.

Correcting these deficiencies helps. Studies of prisoners eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) showed that when supplements of vitamins, minerals, and essential fats were added, violent offenses decreased by 40%. Similar results occurred in a five-year Healthy Foods Program in a Wisconsin public school. When the nutrient density of lunch and vending options was upped (also removing chemically-laden foods with dyes, etc.) academic performance increased, while dropouts, drug use, and discipline issues dropped to nearly zero.

So, as a first line of therapy for frazzled nerves, honor the ancient wisdom of Hippocrates "Let thy food be thy medicine."

Eliminate the Bad Stuff. Clear your kitchen of all processed foods containing words you can't pronounce like chemical preservatives and artificial anything (dyes, sugars, flavors). Avoid foods that may cause allergies or sensitivities since they may eventually deplete the immune system (see November 2003 Safer Path).

Add the Good Stuff. Stock with fresh, whole, plant-based foods that supply cleansing fiber, stress relieving B-vitamins, protective antioxidants, trace minerals for vitality, good fats for brain lubrication, plant enzymes to release nutrients, and other immune-boosting phytochemicals. Replace sodas with pure water, fruit juice or smoothies, white bread with whole grains, chips with trail mix. Try real grapes or raisins instead of dyed fruit roll-ups, tuna or lean meats instead of bologna. Avoid greasy foods and hydrogenated fats that drag mental functioning down. And choose organic foods to limit neurotoxic pesticides. (See "Our Children Are What Our Children Eat" by L. Thompson, www.drlaurathompson.com)

Optimize Brain Nutrients. (Sources: Common Ground, 829-2621; EDNAs, 829-7919; Cell Tech, www.celltech.com)

Optimize Digestion. Poor digestion (gas, constipation, poor absorption) prevents nutrient absorption, limiting brain fuel. What helps? 1) High fiber foods: whole grains, whole fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds. 2) Probiotics ("good bacteria" acidophilus and bifidus) in fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) or supplements. 3) Digestive enzymes supplements.

References:

Supplement sources:

December 2003

If you have questions or comments, please call Wellness at 556.3334, e-mail us at wellness@iwu.edu, or stop by our office in the Shirk Center.