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46 STYLE | wellbeing<br />
FIND FOCUS<br />
Workplaces and learning environments have experienced intense upheaval<br />
during the past few months. Focus may be hard to find as you settle into yet<br />
another new pattern. Naturopath Dee Copland offers some ways<br />
to help bring back your concentration.<br />
We have spent many weeks trying<br />
to adjust to the ever-changing<br />
patterns the Covid-19 lockdown<br />
brought us. Workplaces and learning<br />
moved from their typical environments<br />
into ones that required us to adapt<br />
quickly. Now, with fewer restrictions,<br />
things may have changed for you once<br />
again. While settling into a new pattern,<br />
focus may be more difficult to find. The<br />
good news is through a few tweaks<br />
to diet and lifestyle, you can make the<br />
transition that little bit easier.<br />
Diet and lifestyle can play a major<br />
role in both disrupting and correcting<br />
neurotransmitter pathways, which are<br />
relied upon during times when focus is<br />
required.<br />
The brain is an organ and each<br />
cell has a high demand for nutrients.<br />
Preparing healthy snacks and meals is<br />
a way to keep the brain fuelled and<br />
focused. Some handy snacks include<br />
raw mixed nuts and seeds (portioned<br />
to avoid overeating); boiled eggs;<br />
carrot, capsicum, cucumber and celery<br />
sticks; fresh fruit, such as blueberries<br />
(which protect the brain), roast<br />
vegetable salad; shredded chicken or<br />
turkey; and canned salmon.<br />
Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)<br />
is the brain’s peacemaker, regulating<br />
stress hormones and creating a<br />
sense of calm. A deficiency sign<br />
can be anxiety and panic attacks.<br />
The precursor to making GABA is<br />
glutamine, which helps improve both<br />
mental energy and relaxation, reduce<br />
alcohol cravings and addiction, stabilise<br />
blood sugar and promote memory.<br />
Cabbage-based sauerkraut raises<br />
glutamine levels and improves healthy<br />
bacteria in the gut. Beef, chicken, fish<br />
and eggs are good food sources.<br />
Green tea contains the amino acid<br />
L-theanine, which antagonises the<br />
stimulating effect of caffeine, promoting<br />
a sense of calm. It also modifies the<br />
brain’s serotonin levels. Look for<br />
organic green teas to avoid spray<br />
exposure and add a little cold water to<br />
the cup first to avoid drawing out the<br />
bitterness. Herbal teas and water are<br />
great for keeping the brain hydrated.<br />
Fuel your brain through complex<br />
carbohydrates like wholegrains, such<br />
as oats and quinoa, or root vegetables.<br />
These are essential to fuel the brain.<br />
Refined carbohydrates, such as biscuits<br />
and sweets, create an imbalance in<br />
blood sugar levels, which contribute<br />
to mood disorders and poor<br />
concentration.
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