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Exams are a cause of anxiety for many students. Mid term exams are near and some parents begin to ponder over which supplements to purchase to help. The fact is that there is not any special supplement that has the “light bulbs are switching on in my head” effect. The truth is that the bland old advice of study is as relevant as ever.  Yet, it may arise that a pupil’s parent wishes to increase study ability or quality. Well, nothing beats the routine of organised stimulating methods of revision. Maybe while doing dishes or having late tea may be times of asking your child to discuss a certain subject. The student becomes the teacher by having a chance to explore the subject, such as geography. This way they begin to understand the subject more comprehensively, from an enlightened angle as the listener lends his/her ear patiently. Who knows you may learn something new! Yes, there are quality supplements to boost brain functioning but these are nutrients that support cellular metabolism. A healthy diet can speak volumes. The brain is made of fat! That’s a thought for watching fat intakes. Fish provides the long fatty chains that are built in our brains (nervous system). Other sources of essential fatty acids in plants need to be worked on before reaching the same length. Flaxseeds, sesame seeds, nuts, sunflower seeds and leafy green vegetables have the fats we need. Meat has them too and it is worth avoiding trans fats. Trans fats specifically block metabolism or building on the healthy essential fatty acids. Lecithin is a supplement that can support brain cell health. How? Simply by delivering a fatty type of substance to strengthen cell membranes, and regulate departures and arrivals of brain messengers. There are clinical trials showing how lecithin is useful and our brain does make it! Basically, at times of stress it’s worth investing in a multi vitamin B supplement. This includes stress of physical exercise and mental exercise. Studying and exams are mental exercises, they may seem foreboding, but see them as strengthening the brain. Physical exercise builds muscle; same applies to the brain, figuratively. The brain may be fatty but it benefits from some  exercise! It even crunches more calories to think. The thing is finding the exercise you’re passionate about. At school math is not every ones passion just as hockey might not be the preferred sport. Desist from caffeine or high sugar boosts at exam times. They give a quick ‘wake up’ for short term results. Abusing caffeine and sugar stresses the blood sugar regulators (hormone system), and irritability and fatigue can pitch up when you least desire, such as during an exam. For long term concentration, basic guidelines are regular balanced meals. Anastacia Sampson acquired her Diploma in Nutritional Medicine from the Plaskett International College in 2007 and has since been working as a nutritional medicine practitioner across the Eastern Cape. She currently resides in East London. Anastacia Sampson D.N. Med |