Our physical state impacts our mental state. There is a bidirectional relationship that exists between the two. Although this seems like a simple concept, it has not always been considered. We tend to put similar things into categories: This is an academic issue; This is a health issue; This is an attitude issue. We may not recognize the relationship between these areas. However, this is changing rapidly. Many doctors and researchers are examining how the body impacts behavioral, emotional, and cognitive processes. The brain and body connection is becoming a known and accepted concept. A holistic or integrative mindset that considers the whole person is a popular trend that will hopefully keep its momentum.
My Story
When my parents were frantically searching for answers to my academic issues, they did not consider a physical component. It was not customary to think that physical attributes contributed to a learning disability. They did not assume that my restless sleep, night terrors, chronically dry hair, dislike of grass, or the fungus growing out of my scalp at age five, could be related. However, these were all pieces to the puzzle.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Dr. Leo Galland in his book Superimmunity for Kids looks at how nutritional deficiencies impact a child’s functioning. Dr. Galland has found that a healthy immune system is one that is given essential fatty acids (EFAs). Allergies, infections (such as recurrent ear infections), and immune diseases are on the rise. He has found that children are starved for EFAs. Our kids aren’t eating enough foods that contain them. This is why we seen an epidemic of dry skin and hair in America.
At a recent consultation, we had a 9-year-old boy come to see us. On our questionnaire, we ask parents if the child has dry hair. This is an indication to us that they need more oils – not only for the hair, but for the corpus callosum of the brain. The mom said that she didn’t notice dry hair. When the boy came to the consultation, he had about five cowlicks because his hair was so dry. During a break, we mentioned to the mom that we felt that he did have very dry hair. We told her that as his cowlicks settled down, it would serve as a good sign that he was getting enough oils. In a follow-up email, she said: “I can’t believe I didn’t think his hair was dry…every time I look at him now I get thirsty 😊.” You do get used to your child’s “normal”. These physical symptoms are often linked to learning difficulties.
The Whole Picture
For struggling kids, we need to address the nutritional component to aid in their learning. For example, once a child’s nervous system is settled down, sitting still and maintaining focus is easier. With more oils, information passes easier between the two hemispheres of the brain. When the gut is cleaned up, a child can absorb needed nutrients.With the calming minerals and vitamins, a child doesn’t have to struggle with anxiety.
This is not to say that a child will not need other remediation for processing issues, reading, spelling, etc., However, it is so important to look at what is going on in a child’s biochemistry that is making learning, attention, and behavior harder than it should be. We don’t want to miss this crucial component.
Galland, L., & Buchman, D. D. (1989). Superimmunity for Kids: What to Feed Your Children to Keep Them Healthy Now, and Prevent Disease in Their Future. Dell.