Today's children live in an overstimulating, sensory-flooding world. More and more, parents express concern about their children's ability to sustain focus. Luckily, parents can help their children improve their focus by making some simple changes to their diet. Additionally, changing eating habits and some basic lifestyle habits can also help a child to focus for longer.
Essential Foods
Research shows that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet best helps children and adults focus better. Proteins such as nuts, meat, fish, and eggs will help your child stay focused and retain information for longer. In supplement to protein, provide your child with complex carbohydrates, specifically fruits and vegetables. This type of carbohydrate takes longer for your body to break down, and therefore sustains higher levels of focus. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and swiss chard have high levels of folic acid and vitamin K, which help with focus and memory disorders. Broccoli, parsley, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and blueberries also have been linked with improved focusing. Also essential to your child's diet are food with omega-3 fatty acids. This includes fish, nuts, avocados and olive oil. Omega-3 fatty acids decrease risk of demential and stroke in addition to improving focusing.
Food to Eliminate
Studies show that refined sugar, excessive carbohydrates, and corn syrup can cause restlessness in children and result in a lack of focus. Eliminate these foods from your child's diet to help maintain an even blood sugar level. This will result in fewer "peaks and crashes" and will help your child focus longer. Also eliminate caffeine, junk food, and processed foods from your child's diet.
Diet Supplements
Researchers believe that children with severe focusing problems should take a 100 percent vitamin and mineral supplement. Consult your child's pediatrician to determine if your child would benefit from a daily multivitamin or other dietary supplement.
Healthy Eating Habits
Children need to eat regularly throughout the day, or else they get hungry and their blood sugar levels crash. This has been directly linked with lack of focus. Provide well-balanced meals for your child, and healthy snacks for between meals. Never have your child skip breakfast. Serve low-sugar sustaining breakfasts, such as eggs or unprocessed oatmeal. Finally, pack your child's lunch for school. This will ensure that your child eats a healthy, well-balanced meal with no extra sugar, fat, or additives when he is away from home.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
In addition to a healthy diet, some basic lifestyle changes can help improve your child's focus. Have your child take her medications regularly as a means of regulating her body. Make sure your child gets enough sleep, so that she has energy to focus the next day. Finally, have your child exercise regularly. This will give your child energy and help improve her focus.
