FEED YOUR LITTLE BRAIN AND KEEP YOUR BIG BRAIN HAPPY IN MEETINGS
MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2019
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Your primary brain’s neurotransmitters or feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine are synthesized in your gut first-what researchers call the first or little brain-and then sent to your second or big brain. Scientists have learned that about 90% of the fibers in the primary visceral nerve, the vagus, carry information from the gut to the brain and not the other way around.
While your gut or little brain doesn’t have the cognitive abilities of your big brain—it can’t take good notes at a meeting or balance your checkbook—it does have a profound effect on mood, focus, and energy so it matters what our gut has to process.
There are a lot of opinions and ideas out there regarding nutrition for people with ADHD. Take this supplement, avoid that food, use this food plan, take medication, avoid medication. It can be very confusing. What I do know is that it is very important to pay attention to what we put into our gut as it has a direct affect on our big cognitive functioning brain. Research shows that some foods do help with the production of dopamine, serotonin, and melotonin.
The best advise I have is to do what is best for you. Become an expert in your own body and life. I have discovered that gluten is a big “no-no” for me and I have many clients who can eat gluten without a problem but maybe dairy is an issue. I am able to manage without medication and I have clients who need it to manage their symptoms. All of us limit sugar and simple carbohydrates.
At the very least we do know that water and lean proteins are good for our brain and body. It just makes good sense to feed our body and brain good things.
Below is a list of Good for your meeting brain foods to keep on hand:
Water: be good to the environment and invest in a reusable glass water bottle or thermos
Nuts: like almonds, cashews, and walnuts
Protein shakes
Lean dairy proteins: like cottage cheese, string cheese, and Greek yogurt
Lean meat proteins: like rolled up deli chicken or turkey slices
Mints: like cinnamon, wintergreen or spearmint can help to calm the gut and reduce anxiety
For a free download of these calming ingredients subscribe to the leADDership brief
Join the ADHD Brain Foodie Revolution!
Coach Pam