When children are young, most parents allot “time out” sessions for unruly behavior, but as little ones progress to become bigger ones parents are wise to discover what needs to be “put in” for teens. Various experts raise concern over the health and academic performance of today’s youth. The good news is that the best remedy for both starts with good nutrition.
Eating a proper diet rich in nutrients is, of course, vital for any age group and for each stage of life, for different reasons. The case for teens is the tremendous growth spurts—physically and emotionally—which place increased demand on sound nutrition. Deficiencies in this area affect behavior, growth and learning ability.
One of the most prominent aspects of diet and health is blood sugar. When blood sugar levels rise and fall like a roller coaster in an amusement park, emotions respond accordingly with anxiety, depression, irritability, cravings, lack of concentration or mental confusion, lethargy, and even juvenile delinquency. A book was written by a parole officer who changed diets of young offenders from junk food and alcohol to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats with no sugar, white flour, caffeine or alcohol. (Juvenile delinquents typically display blood sugar problems.) What she found was marked behavior changes by her subjects—and no more trouble with the law!
Balancing blood sugar means continually providing the body with high quality fuel throughout the day. Best breakfast bets should always include protein. Eggs contain all of the essential amino acids, plus vitamins A, B, and D. Complex carbohydrates found in fresh fruits and whole grains, along with some good fats are also admirable choices. (Please note the carbohydrate classification is “complex” and not “simple,” which actually sets the body’s physiology more than a few steps back by hiking and then slamming down blood sugar levels.) An easy route for those on the go is to concoct a protein shake with favorite fruits (fresh or frozen), protein powder (NSP’s SynerProtein), and yogurt, if you like. It’s also an open vehicle for adding in extra shots of undetected and yet entirely useful boosts like flaxseed oil, colloidal minerals, or nutritional yeast for enhanced performance in sports or academics. Super Algae is remarkably keen in offering high amounts of amino acids. Taken with breakfast (or three times daily depending on needs) it will assist brain function, mood, and curtail sugar cravings by balancing blood sugar levels. Licorice Root is also powerful in the same respect.
Food and supplements go hand in hand—supporting each other and ensuring strength, so along with healthy meals and snacks, be sure to infuse your teen with a good multivitamin and mineral source, along with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil, flaxseed oil, or NSP Omega-3 EPA). For those who tend to resist the virtues of high nutrition, lure them in with Thai-Go drink and hope they can refrain from consuming the entire bottle. Thai-Go is flooded with copious amounts of antioxidants. Most link antioxidants to anti-aging but teens need regular doses as well, to help protect against environmental toxins. Combination HSN-W supplies silica and trace minerals for healthy hair, skin, and nails, as well as bones, teeth, joints, and cognitive abilities—an excellent combination all around.
Stress can also burn up vitamin and mineral stores, so it’s important to watch out for depletion and counter nervous exhaustion with herbs and vitamins that feed the nervous system. Nutri-calm especially fortifies the nerves, reduces overwhelm, and improves mood—as does Eleuthero Root, which will also help to improve mental performance. For extra busy minds, Focus Attention is the solution and for the “simply distressed,” a blend of gently effective flower essences, appropriately named Distress Remedy.
With so many remedies, there’s no reason for teens to not enjoy this stage of life.
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