Every parent’s grand strategy is to raise kids who are exceedingly brilliant. You want your kids to excel at school and win all the scholarships or prizes. There are tons of ways to improve your child’s intelligence such as exercising or physical activity and encouraging them to read. However, nutrition is one of the easiest and often most ignored paths to improving a child’s cognitive ability.
The first five years are critical to the development of a child’s brain. A diet that delivers on the essential minerals and vitamins critical to proper cognitive development is a must-do for every parent. This is a sensitive period in a child’s development. An optimal intake of nutrients sets your child up for success.
Here are 4 supplements that will make your kid smarter:
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
At the early stage of a child’s development, the brain needs a healthy consumption of Omega – 3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are critical to cognitive and memory functions. When included in the diet, Omega -3s significantly improve the ability to learn.
Sadly the human body can’t produce these fatty acids on its own. It must be gotten from external sources such as:
- Fatty fish – e.g. herrings and salmon
- Omega -3 fortified supplements and meals
- Eggs
- Canola oil
- Walnuts
Unfortunately, many parents don’t ensure that their children get enough Omega -3 fatty acids. Deficiency of these fatty acids can severely impair the brain development of the child. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Association recommends that the optimal intake for children is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) daily.
2. Organic Herbs
Organic herbs such as Tumeric, Gingko Biloba, and Ashwagandha are also amazing brain supplements when incorporated into a child’s diet. These supplements stimulate blood flow through the brain. In doing so, they improve cognitive ability and memory structures. Ginseng and Terminalia chebula also known as Haritaki are also some other great examples.
Some of these herbs also add a certain flavor when used in food. They make the meal more interesting for an adventurous child.
3. Probiotics
Keeping a balanced gut microbiota is not only essential to the proper functioning of the digestive system. It also plays a role in maintaining a healthy immune system. If not properly managed, kids suffer from ear, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infections. These increase the out of school days for children of school age.
Probiotic-rich foods include sauerkraut or probiotic supplements. These can be taken daily or weekly to boost the intestinal flora and increase the immunity of the child to infections. To get the best out of a probiotic supplement, it’s best for the parent to maintain a daily regimen.
4. Antioxidants
Oxidative stress is not something you would expect to happen the everyday two -year old. However, you lose nothing by protecting your kid’s brain from free radicals. The brain produces free radicals due to its high metabolic activity. Free radicals make the brain susceptible to memory loss.
Free radicals occur as a byproduct anytime the body burns oxygen for energy. The brain is highly dependent on oxygen for most if not all of its metabolic activities. Beta-carotene, Selenium, and Vitamin A are prime examples of such antioxidants.
These antioxidants also boost the immune system. They create a barrier effect that reduces the number of sick days for school-age children.
A healthy diet can sometimes feel enough in your master-plan to raise the next Einstein. However, taking extra steps such as the four mentioned above can further support the cognitive development and ability of your kid.
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