Steps to a healthy brain development

Human beings are the most intelligent species on earth. The human brain is one of the most complex organs and has an amazing command over the human body. It uses up to twenty percent of the energy used by the human body, more than any other organ. The brain acts as the remote control of the body. Brain development occurs as a complex interaction between environmental and physiological factors.

Maximum brain development occurs during a child’s early years. By the age of 3, a child’s brain reaches about 90% of the adult size. Since environment and genetics play a very important role in the enhancement of the brain, providing the right environment and brain stimulation in the early years is very essential. From the age of 0-6 years, the child is at the peak of his/ her physical and mental development. Thus, it is important to expose the child to the right moral, social, emotional and nutritional environment, from an early age. He/ She should be given the right amount of vitamins and essential fatty acids to enable the brain to function to its optimum capacity.

Cognitive/Neural development is majorly influenced by social factors like lifestyle and food. The brain is the life support of the nervous system. A healthy diet and regular exercise is said to be the key to a healthy and active body. But research has found certain diets to be insufficient in providing nutrients essential to brain development, as a result of artificial modes of growing food. 

Health supplements act as catalysts to improve the quality of the body. That does not imply that one relies entirely on them. These are effective only when paired with the right diet and regular amount of physical activity. These supplements help in boosting memory, improving attention span, better performance in academics and controlling or slowing down brain decline related to aging.

These nutritional supplements can be consumed by both children and adults, but not before proper medical consultation and prescription. Excessive consumption can be harmful to the cognitive growth or function of the individual. One needs to find the right supplement which will work harmoniously with his/ her body. Hence, consumption of any kind of additional supplements should only be started after getting a green signal from the doctor. Health supplements should be consumed moderately and in accordance to the prescribed dosage.

A pill a day adds to a cell in the brain.