HOW TO EAT TO INCREASE YOUR CONCENTRATION AND

STAY ALERT

College nutrition courses are now teaching us that there are three vitamins which directly affect our concentration: Niacin, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12. If you are not getting enough of these vitamins, you may notice a lack of concentration -- this could make a big difference in your grades. Studies show that when you are not getting enough of these vitamins through your food intake, taking vitamin supplements will help your concentration tremendously. A deficiency in these vitamins causes loss of concentration and inhibits the functioning of your memory. If you are eating well and getting your vitamins from your food, taking supplements will not increase your memory. The problem is that many students don't get enough vitamins from the foods they are eating, and they don't know to take vitamin supplements. If you think you don't eat enough, nutrition professors suggest trying a multi-vitamin for a week. You should notice a great difference in the way you think and feel.

Note that you should take vitamins after lunch -- taking vitamins on an empty stomach may upset your stomach.

After eating large amounts of food, you may find that you are not as alert. Some blood, and thus oxygen, leaves your brain and goes to digest the food in your stomach. Your body uses up tremendous amounts of energy to digest food. To stay more alert during the day, have a light lunch with fruits and vegetables rather than eating starchy and fatty foods such as meat and potatoes which take more energy to digest.