Getting ready for the start of a new school year traditionally means shopping trips for crisp, new clothes and backpacks bursting with fresh school supplies. But how do you prepare your child mentally and physically for the demands of hectic schedules and endless homework? It's easy for children, be it primary graders or teenagers, to anticipate the beginning of class with both excitement and some anxiety. These stress factors can quickly turn to feelings of being overwhelmed and frustrated as schoolwork and activities intensify. It's a cycle that can start in kindergarten and continue straight through to high school and beyond. Creating an ongoing wellness game plan to support your child's optimal mental and physical health can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
"Growing bodies and brains require specific nutrients to support their top performance. To give your kids a head start, you can easily incorporate some important health-building factors into your regular dietary routine," explains Michele Sevier, Doctor of Natural Medicine and independent advisor to nutrition house Canada. "We all know that reducing sugar and pop; getting rid of refined products and 'whites', such as flour, rice, pasta; and increasing the intake of fresh fruit and vegetable, whole grains and lean, quality proteins have sound nutritional benefits, but also key is making sure that your child's diet is rich in necessary healthy fats.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) from omega-3 fish oil, and specifically their EPA and DHA content, have been the focus of intense scientific study in the last number of years due to their vast extent of health benefits. These healthy fats profoundly influence the overall development and health of the human body. EFAs are vital for the proper structuring and functioning of every single cell in the body.