Five Steps To Think Clearly [Tracy's Tips n Treats]

Five Steps To Think Clearly

Some people have been actually diagnosed with ADHD/ADD, and some of us just can’t remember what we walked into the room to get!  Our diets can play a big part in how our brain functions. Below are my Five Top Food reasons that causes attention and memory issues, plus tips to boost your brain.

1.  Artificial colors

These would be food dyes. Do we really need blue frosting?? According to Webmd: "The following artificial colors are approved for use in food products and must be listed as ingredients on labels:"

• FD&C Blue No. 1 (brilliant blue FCF)       
• FD&C Blue No. 2 (indigotine)
• FD&C Green No. 3 (fast green FCF)       
• FD&C Red No. 40 (allura red AC)           
• FD&C Red No. 3 (erythrosine)
• FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine)
• FD&C Yellow No. 6 (sunset yellow)
• Orange B (restricted to use in hot dog and sausage casings)

Tip: If the food is NOT that color do not eat it. Check out food labels to make sure the natural color of the food isn’t enhanced with food dyes. You might be surprised what foods are dyed. Check out your pickle jar!

2. Wheat

According to Dr. Perlmutter, Author of “Grain Brain,” when the brain encounters many grains it can cause an inflammatory processes in our gut that transfers to our brain. Our gut is our “2^nd Brain” and interacts with our brain constantly. Our brain thrives on fat and cholesterol, and too many grains can cause too much to handle. Wheat being the top consumed grain; we need to check into how much we are putting into our mouths on a daily basis.

Tip: It’s not about going gluten free, as many GF products now contain toxic ingredients. It is looking at where you can EAT MORE VEGGIES with each meal and less grains. Plus healthy fats like avocados and coconut oil.

3. Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

This is a no brainer. Sugar is more addictive that cocaine, and the withdrawal side effects can be more difficult to overcome. Research has been done on this, and according to Dr. Robert Lustig Sugar kills 350 million a year and relapse from sugar addiction is 97%. When our brain is addicted to anything we can’t completely focus.

If sugar isn’t bad enough, artificial sweeteners actually make you crave the sweet stuff more. It is also very toxic to your system. “According to study of Diabetes Care, daily consumption of diet soda was associated with 36% greater risk of metabolic syndrome and a 67% greater risk of having type 2 diabetes.” –Dr. Axe

Try: Natural Sweetness. Cut up a pineapple and snack, put a slice of orange in your water, or even put some apple in your salad. Use fruit to naturally sweeten.

4. Caffeine

This is an excerpt from my Five Fast Fatigue Fighters Workshop that explains it all.

1. Caffeine gives you Energy: Wrong

          Caffeine is only a chemical stimulation. The perceived “energy” comes from the body’s struggle to adapt increase blood levels of stress hormones.

           
 2. Caffeine gives you a lift: Wrong

            While the initial adrenal stimulation may provide a transient anti-fatigue “lift,” caffeine’s ultimate mood effect is a letdown, either subtle or profound. Caffeine is positively linked to panic attacks.

           
 3. Caffeine sharpens your mind: Wrong

            While caffeine users may feel more alert, the experience is simply one of increased sensory and motor activity. The quality of quality of thought and recall is improved no more than the quality of music is improved when playing at higher volume or speed.

Try: Adaptogenics help your adrenals function more optimally. I enjoy a cup of Holy Basil Tea and Licorice Root Tea to help get a natural pick me up. Healthy Fats can also help with focus and energy. I LOVE avocados and coconut oil!

5. Meat

Protein can be an amazing way to gain more energy, but too much can go the other way. Protein is a heavy dense food. If you way too much “heaviness” that is exactly what your brain feels like….heavy. Making sure you are consuming clean, organic and fresh meat is vital if you consume it. I am a meat eater, but I see the importance to see what works best for your body. I eat more red meat around my cycle and more chicken and turkey when I am not on my cycle. I have found The Blood Type Diet is a great way to learn what meats work best for your type.

Tip: Veggies should always be the foundation of your meals. To learn what meat protein works best for you check out The Blood Type Diet book or just keep a food journal and see how different meats make you feel.

>>> Which Food do you think you are consuming too much of? How can you start to find another way to eliminate just one this week? Post to my Facebook Page and let me know!

(Picture Resource: Dr. Axe.com) 





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