Juggling schedules, planning activities, and making sure your children get the most out of their learning years – it’s a never-ending task for parents with school-going kids! And the most important yet challenging of them all: The need to keep them healthy so they can learn, grow, and thrive.
As we embark on another school year, it’s not just the school bags that are getting heavier with textbooks and supplies. With each passing day, your child grows taller, his mind expands wider, and his curiosity increases. In this whirlwind of growth and discovery, nurturing both the physical and mental well-being of our young learners is paramount where every experience shapes not just their academic prowess but also their holistic development.
Each step forward is a step towards a brighter future for our children. As parents, we want them to thrive, to help with their growing bodies and growing minds, for a successful learning journey. One way to do this is with optimal brain development. Did you know that the ability to pay attention and focus is like a muscle that grows stronger with time? It develops around the age of 4 and becomes more established by age 6. Before you tell your child to “just pay attention!”, know that doing this doesn’t just rest with the child but requires support in various ways from you as a parent.
What can you do to help grow this “muscle”? For starters, nutrition plays a vital role. The brain requires proper fuel to perform at its best so ensure your child receives a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats as well as essential vitamins and minerals necessary for brain health. Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, has also been linked to improved cognitive function and attention span.
Here’s another important fact: Gut health can also directly affect the brain’s health! Both are directly connected so tummy issues go hand-in-hand with neurological concerns. Unfortunately, many children suffer from digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and general tummy pains. Notice that when this happens, your child becomes moody, unsettled, lacks focus, and can’t sleep properly – all of which can impact learning abilities?
Precisely why when the gut is healthy, so is the brain. Good gut bacteria, or microbes, produce hundreds of signals that the brain uses to assist with learning and memory. With more bad bacteria in the gut, the less effective these signals are and the more likely it is that your child finds it difficult to “just pay attention!”
There’s more – a healthy gut is also key to a healthy immune system. The gut accounts for 70% of the body’s immune system, serving as the body’s first line of defense against infections. Central to this are the microbes in the gut. A healthy balance between beneficial and harmful microbes is necessary to alert your child’s immune cells to potential infections, thereby boosting his immunity so your child is prepared to fight off what may come.
A BOOST FOR BRAIN AND GUT HEALTH
While children are encouraged to get their nutrients from wholesome, natural foods, parents can choose to fortify their child’s diet with supplements. “By complementing healthy eating habits with targeted supplementation, parents can support their children’s overall health and well-being effectively,” says Cynthia Jetan, a certified nutritionist from LAC Malaysia.
What should you offer for gut health and optimal brain? “Probiotics is firstly recommended for healthy digestion so the body can digest and absorb nutrients better. Good bacteria balance also means a stronger immune system. Meanwhile, omega-3 DHA can support learning abilities through better focus, concentration, memory, and cognitive function,” says Cynthia.
But with so many brands, textures, and formulas out there, how can a parent effectively choose not only the right supplements but the ones that their child will easily accept? Cynthia shares, “Buy from reputable brands so you can be assured of safety and effectiveness. Always read the label. A reputable brand would have important information such as dosage and intake direction, ingredients, and allergen information. Look out for products that are free of fillers, artificial flavours, food dyes, and preservatives. The product should be specifically formulated for kids with the recommended dosage.”
The Junior range at LAC Malaysia is formulated to give you what you need to support your child’s gut health and brain development. Options like LAC ImmuGuard Junior Jelly with Probiotics, LAC Probiotic Junior 12.5 billion CFUs and LAC Probiotic Junior Jelly with Prebiotic 12.5 billion Multi-strain offer a variety of ways for parents to help promote their child’s digestion and absorption for healthy development with special formulations that contain beneficial gut bacteria. Meanwhile, LAC BrainSpeed® Junior delivers a brain-enhancing blend supporting young and growing minds.
Cynthia adds: “It’s difficult enough in getting children to consume wholesome food sometimes, what more taking supplements. Therefore, supplements should also be enjoyable.” For this, the LAC Junior range comes in two kid-friendly forms – jelly and powder – so children can enjoy their supplements in a more fun and delightful way. They are also easy to take to school and have them during meals in between classes. On top of that, the range comes in delicious, naturally-derived flavours. As with matters of health and safety, always consult with your paediatrician before introducing any supplements.
Keeping in mind that supplements are complementary and not replacements, it’s important to know this: “A balanced diet is essential for children’s growth and development. Supplements are therefore valuable when dietary needs are not adequately met,” says Cynthia. So think of supplements as little helpers to boost your child’s well-being so they can enjoy their childhood while growing healthy and developing well.
“A balanced diet is essential for children’s growth and development. Supplements are therefore valuable when dietary needs are not adequately met.”- Cynthia Jetan
