The gut is known as the “second brain” due to its intimate relationship with our brain. So would it be possible to use our “second brain” to improve cognition, focus and performance in school?!
Absolutely.
Yes, you read it right, your gut might hold the secret to unlocking your kids’ full learning potential. Let’s dive into the gut-brain connection and the relationship between gut health and academic performance!
The Gut and The Brain: The Dream Team
The gut and brain are besties– they are in constant communication, always sending signals to one another. When the gut is healthy and thriving, it sends feel-good signals to the brain, resulting in better focus, memory, and overall cognitive function!
As the reverse, if there is an imbalance to the bacteria in the gut, such as too much bad bacteria and not enough of the good guys, this results in elevated inflammation. Inflammation in the gut leads to inflammation at the level of the brain.
The gut is constantly talking to the brain, and the brain is constantly sending messages back to the gut.
Because a healthy gut = a healthy brain, it makes sense that having a healthy gut can help your kiddos succeed in the classroom!
Food for Thought
To keep the gut-brain connection strong, the gut needs to be nourished with the right nutrients! Foods like fiber-rich fruits, veggies, whole grains, and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt are guaranteed to support a healthy gut and provide your kiddos with the energy they need to focus and learn all day long!
Pro tip: Add some walnuts to your kid’s diet for an extra brain boost– they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to improve brain health and cognitive functioning. (They're shaped like little brains for a reason!)
Probiotic-rich foods are unexpected (but great) tools for your kids’ brains. The gut-loving bacteria in these foods help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, supporting both gut and brain harmony by preventing inflammation from taking over and causing stress!
Kicking Stress to the Curb
We know school life can have its ups and downs, especially for our kiddos (although they might not show it). High levels of stress can upset their gut, causing inflammation, which can cause even MORE stress and anxiety– all leading to a nasty cycle.
These unfortunate consequences can wreak havoc on your kid’s brain and their ability to learn, which can negatively affect their academic performance.
Encourage your kiddos to find ways to destress and relax like reading, playing outside, or spending time with their pets at home!
Sleep, Sleep, Sleep!
As you have probably experienced yourself, you tend to feel more alert and perform better when you’re well-rested! Sleep is essential for your gut and brain too.
Less-than-optimal gut health from inflammation in the gut can lead to your kids having trouble falling asleep at night, which definitely doesn’t help them get good grades.
Your kiddos should try to aim for eight hours of restful sleep, and their brains will thank them with laser-sharp focus and academic success!
Follow Your Gut
When you nourish your kid’s gut with love and care, their brain will reward them with improved learning abilities and academic awesomeness! YAY!
If you’re looking for a solution to improve your kids’ overall health, then look no further! Check out our Kids Wellness Bundle, which has everything you need to ensure that your kids are the healthiest they can be when they are back in school! This bundle is an amazing combination of safe and effective supplements for kids.
We hope that you and your kiddos have an amazing and successful school year ahead! :)
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