On the Coast – Families Issue 94 I June/July 2018 | Page 42

How can nutrition play a role
in children’s learning & behaviour?
By Clare Marcangelo
T
here is so much
information in
mainstream media about
diet and health food, it can be
a minefield to navigate what
is helpful, and what is
harmful. But when it comes
to our children’s diet, well that
can be downright confusing.
This is especially for those who
may struggle to keep up at school
due to behaviour or learning
difficulties.
Firstly, it’s important to find out as
much as you can about your child’s
issues, and how they impact them
personally, not just as a learner. For
example, anxiety can be a root cause
of many symptoms. For some children,
the noise or pressure of the classroom
environment can trigger a “fight or
flight” response, the brain preparing the
body for an imminent threat. This can
cause brain fog, inability to focus and
even impulsive behaviour. In these cases
foods containing certain additives need
to be eliminated, and nutrient levels
such as zinc, magnesium and B vitamins
explored to ensure optimal stress
management.
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KI DZ O N T H E C OA ST
Another
much simpler
factor that may impact
a child’s learning is blood sugar levels. A
diet high in refined carbohydrates and
fructose can be more than enough to
spike their blood sugar levels at certain
times during the day, leaving them
unable to focus when these levels drop.
In this case a new lunch box can be
designed, one that suits the child and the
parent
making
it, as they
are the
two most
vital factors.
Changing large
amounts of fruit
for a combination of
fruit and raw vegetables,
replacing the refined
carbohydrates portion with a
smaller whole grain portion and a much
larger selection of protein and good fat
rich foods, will most certainly help your
child keep up with the demands of their
school day.
These are just two examples, but
examining the diet is always a sure fire
way to begin in any health journey, no
matter what age we are.
Clare Marcangelo is a registered Nutritionist, who takes uses a diet and biomedical approach to help
children experiencing learning or behavioural difficulties. Drawing on her 15 years of experience working
with families, and her own children’s experiences, she provides caring, practical treatment plans that
work for the whole family.