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September 3, 2007 Dear Readers: Fall is near the end of a calendar year, but it's a time for new beginnings. At kSero, we're excited about several new beginnings: first, Rebecca Weber, a child psychologist specializing in ADHD treatment and issues, has joined kSero and adds a critical counseling element to our services; next, kSero is offering an efficient, low-cost way for you to understand how well your child focuses, controls behavior, and performs memory tasks; and last, but certainly not least, we're launching our own online store. For those of you who visit our office, you know that we've been providing key brain nutrients for some time. Soon we can offer anyone the benefit of our knowledge and experience through our online store. Stay well, and don't forget to eat foods that truly nourish the body and brain-- Susan Hardwicke, Ph.D., Editor |
Since establishing its Center for the Mind in Innsbrook, near Richmond, VA, kSero has become a trusted source for information about how to protect and improve your brain. We have always offered testing, diagnostic, training, and coaching services. kSero has also developed products such as a board game and a nutritional product that measurably improves focus and energy (the Fuser Bar, made by Virginia Bionutrients).
In the next weeks, kSero will launch its online store to bring you nutritional, supplemental, educational, and training products for your brain. We have carefully selected quality supplements, nearly all of which we and our clients use. Our prices are highly competitive.
In an upcoming announcement, you'll receive a promotion code that you can use for free shipping or a substantial discount on your order.
Stay tuned for more store news!
Omega-3 fatty acids are becoming a household word. These critical fats are being added to a wide variety of products such as milk, eggs, peanut butter, and infant formula for their health-promoting benefits. What are they and how do I know if I am getting enough?
Omega-3 refers to a family of fatty acids that includes α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), among others.
The Omega-3s are important for brain function, and for cardiovascular health, and other functions. Studies reveal that supplementation with this key nutrient can improve mood, focus, and attention. You particularly need DHA, because that's the type of fatty acid needed by the brain, and EPA, for heart function. While the body can make both DHA and EPA from the ALA, this process can be impaired, so it's best to ensure you have enough of both types, as well as the full spectrum of Omega-3s.
Omega-3s are considered essential because the body must obtain them from external sources. Sources of Omega-3s are various plants, such as flax, and animals, such as saltwater fish such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, and krill.
Most of our clients take Omega-3 supplements, and requirements can vary from child to adult, and depend upon need. Generally, we recommend Omega-3s with at least 800 mg EPA and 400 mg DHA for adults and about half that for young children. If special needs exist, the amount recommended can be much greater.
One final note: if you eat red meat, which contains high amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids, you may need even more Omega-3s, since these compete in the metabolic processes and the one that is greater is given preference. So, if you have a big steak dinner or a large hamburger pattie, be sure to take an extra Omega-3 capsule.
Sports drinks are everywhere-- professional and amateur events, practice fields, and gyms. Thanks to these associations, most of us believe that these highly sugared sports drinks are healthy. That's just not true. Before you check out of the grocery store with another bottle of a brightly colored (or even clear) sport beverage, you need to know that these products are unhealthy for your brain.Repeat, with greater emphasis: Today's sports drinks kill brain cells.
Sports drinks wreak havoc on the brain in at least two ways:
- Chemicals, such as colorings that have high "shelf appeal."
- Sweetening agents, such as high fructose corn syrup and aspartame (Nutrasweet)
High fructose corn syrup, a mainstay of such sports drinks as Gatorade (though try to find it listed on their web site), causes mineral loss and negatively affects how brain cells respond to glucose. Despite these and other known problems, such as a rapid conversion to fat, high fructose corn syrup is the sweetening agent of choice because it is the cheapest option available and as a liquid is easy to blend and transport.
Aspartame, known commercially as Nutrasweet, is known to kill brain cells. It converts to formaldehyde, a toxin for which there is no known amount "safe for consumption." Evidence also shows that it reduces the neurotransmitter serotonin, a brain chemical involved in mood and depression. The developing brain of the child is likely much more susceptible than an adult brain to the damaging effects of aspartame.
Excessive caffeine. Energy drinks can be just as bad, if not worse, than sports drinks. These typically are loaded with caffeine. While studies have shown that low to moderate amounts can be beneficial, large amounts (more than 200mg) of caffeine increase heart rate and blood pressure; a published case study suggests that it can cause facial tics.
Put sports and energy drinks back on the grocery shelf, and make your own red or green tea, or fill a sports bottle with water from a local spring. Remember these simple rules:
- If a drink's color isn't found in nature, don't buy it or pick it up.
- If a drink is clear, read the label. Discard any drink with ingredients such as "fructose, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, Nutrasweet., Splenda, or sucralose.
The start of the school year is a time of high expectations. I generally assume parents expect high academic achievement, even if the previous school year was less than successful. When I talk with clients about what they want for their children this upcoming school year, I often hear, "I don't know, really. I just want them to get good grades and behave well." This general expectation is fine, but I know there are more specific expectations lurking in their minds. I suggest starting the school year with a clearer picture of what you expect from your child, as well as from yourself.
Here are a few pointers for gaining some focus:
- Be clear about the behaviors and outcomes you want, and state them in the positive, as specifically as possible. If I were to tell you, "Don't think about ice cream," what flavor do you immediately start to savor in your mind? Focusing on unwanted behaviors tends to attract more of those behaviors. Conversely, when we are exceptionally clear about what we do want and focus on that, it is much easier to notice the small victories and to reinforce them.
- Be clear about your role in helping your child meet your expectations. We all spend a lot of time thinking about how we wish other people would behave differently. Unfortunately, all the wishing in the world won't change another person's behavior. In my experience, the children who enjoy the most success in school have parents who accept an active role in helping shape their children's behavior through positive structure, not to mention good diet and exercise.
- Develop a realistic timeframe regarding your expectations. There is nothing wrong with wanting to turn a C or even a D student into an A/B student, but be clear about a realistic timetable for making this happen. Expecting results overnight may lead to undue frustration. Appreciate and build upon each success along the path to meeting and exceeding expectations.
Yesterday I had a quick trip to a local supermarket to find salad ingredients and decided on ranch dressing. I picked up three different bottles before finding one that didn't have monosodium glutamate. One of the worst (with MSG near the top of the ingredient list) was in a healthy-looking Mason jar with a big, green "NATURAL FRESH" on the label. Well, there's nothing natural about MSG, a brain-cell killer that puts cells into overdrive before finishing them off. I bought the Marie's brand, which apparently has no MSG.
Green Tea Drinks
How do beverage companies take a perfectly good tea and ruin it? By loading it up with high fructose corn syrup. Don't be fooled by the pretty, healthy-looking bottles and labels. They're just for shelf appeal. I couldn't find a single popular brand that didn't have it. The ingredient list reads more like a soft drink without carbonated water. Make your own easily and put it in a sports bottle!
School is starting, and you want your child to do his/her best. Find out how well your child is prepared with our Fall Special. For $169.00, you can obtain computer-based assessments and diet recommendations. CALL (804) 360-5976 today to learn more about your child's ability to focus, control impulses, and memorize material for class and tests. You can save $150 before September 20, 2007.
Sincerely,
Susan Hardwicke, Ph.D.
Director
kSero Centers for the Mind
©kSero Corporation Inc. 2007