AboutTanya Zilberter, PhD Expertise I am in neurophysiology, nutrition and dieting academic research since 1972 (PhD in Physiology) and on the Internet since 1995. Developed the Banta Diet program based on macronutrient balance using the Wilder's formula (1922). I granted the non-exclusive reprint rights to the current owner of BantaDiet.com under the condition of free online access to the program.
Experience Authored 3 academic print books and two popular diet print books as well as about a hundred scientific and popular articles.
Research review in preparation: In vitro studies of neuronal
electrical activity and the in vivo reality: the lessons from
biochemistry.
Organizations I recently participate in research project concerning neuroprotectors including energy substrates. The site where this can be read is Brain Fuels
Past/Present Clients I wrote for about.com as a guide to the category "weight loss", for the lifetips.com as an expert in the category "diet", for the dietandbody.com, infozine.com, atkinszone.com, and bantadiet.com. My eBook "On Pins and Needles" is used as a content by the reflexo-therapy.com.
I have a very very busy schedule and Im not much of an eater so I end up eating quite little (my weight is fairly healthy though for my short height- im not underweight). So since I eat very little AND I'm a vegetarian...can you recommend what foods I should get enough of for brain power? I mean most of the work I do involves using my intelligence (focusing on reading and writing and speaking alot) since I am studying for a masters and working as a teacher as well.
Please let me know what I need to make sure I eat enough of so that I can concentrate alot and so my brain does not to give up on me!
thanks!
Nada
Answer Hello Nada,
Out of all nutrients known for their effects on brain functions, two groups are assumed being of particular importance for the process of learning therefore being of even more importance for children with learning disabilities. This is what they are and why.
The process of learning is believed to rely on mechanisms providing contacts between brain cells called, as you know, neurons. These contacts take place in highly specialised tiny places where two neurons physically contact each other called synapses. One of the neurons initiates the contact by releasing a chemical substance, called neurotransmitter, into the narrow cleft separating pre-synapse from post-synapse.
As soon as the neuron-recipient feels this substance, it gets all excited and became electrically active. The more often the contact the easier the recipient gets excited. Under one important condition: if there's enough of the substance-neurotransmitter. More synapses involved mean a higher probability of newly formed communication pathways - "learned" ones. There are enzymes and their helpers co-enzymes that work facilitating the production of neurotransmitters. Many vitamins are involved in enzymes' work. The good example of co-enzymes is the well-known supplement co-enzyme Q10.
Another way to help the process of learning is to supply the brain with neuronal metabolites that promote neuronal growth and activity and enrich the brain architecture.
This is the list of nutrients, which were under investigation whether they work for children with learning disabilities (Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2000, 6(3): 85-91):
1. Magnesium Chelate 100 mg (at bedtime since it causes drowsiness)
2. Pure Vitamin C 100 mg (bioflavanoids were excluded due to their adverse effects on learning disabilities)
3. Vitamin B1 Thiamine 50 mg
4. Vitamin B3 Niacinamide 50 mg
5. Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine 100 mg
6. Vitamin B12 500 mcg
7. Folic Acid 400 mcg
8. Manganese Chelate 20 mg
9. Zinc Chelate22.5 mg
10. L-tyrosine 500 mg
11. L-glutamine 500 mg
12. Linoleic Acid as evening primrose oil 500 mg
13. Co-enzyme Q10 10 mg
These nutrients were tested on a group of 19 children with learning disabilities for 4 years resulting in dramatic improvement in behavior and academic grades. All the participating children were able to join the mainstream school classes. Those who discontinued the program remained in normal range of school performance for almost one year, however their grades were gradually decreasing. Those who stayed on the program, continued improving their grades during this year so that in the end of the year 4, the difference in overage grades became very significant: 94.6 in those remaining versus 79 in those who discontinued.
Out of the nutrients on the list, the most prominent effect had magesium, vitamins B1 and B6, Zn, and folic acid, followed by vitamin C, L-glutamine, and primrose oil. Manganese was found to have mild adverse effects.
Authored 3 academic print books and two popular diet print books as well as about a hundred scientific and popular articles.