1. Introduction
Frédéric Bisson welcomes Lynn Goneau, naturopath of La Boite à Grainsto discuss natural solutions for improving concentration.
2. Causes of poor concentration
Lynn identifies various factors such as stress, anxiety, depression and burnout that can affect concentration.
3. Nutrition to boost concentration
Lynn recommends a diet rich in omega-3s, healthy fats, carbohydrates, antioxidants and adequate hydration to promote concentration.
4. Supplements for better concentration
Lynn presents the following supplements Genius by Nutripur including Genius for children and adolescents, designed to help with ADHD and nervousness.
5. Conclusion
Lynn gives her availability to La Boite à Grains for consultations and concludes the discussion on natural ways to improve concentration.
About the author
Lynn Goneau, Certified Naturopath
Specialized in :
- Digestive health
- Hormonal health
- Stress and fatigue
- Memory and concentration
- Weight management
Frédéric Bisson, radio host at 104.7 FM
Radio host at 104.7 FM on the Cogeco network. Frédéric Bisson has hosted L'Outaouais Maintenant from 3 to 5 p.m. every weekday since February 27, 2023.
Transcription
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (00:18):
It is with great pleasure that we welcome back naturopath Lynn Goneau, who works at La Boite à Grains and who comes to help us with all sorts of little problems we may have in our lives that we may not want to treat or cure with medication. Hello Lynn Goneau.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (00:40):
Hello Fred.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (00:40):
I have the impression that you wrote this column for me. This morning I didn't sleep well, I'm having trouble concentrating? That's what we're talking about today.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (00:50):
What is it now, Frédéric?
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (00:52):
Sometimes listeners text me to say I'm mixed up like a deck of cards.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (00:57):
I have solutions for you.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (00:58):
I love it. So what causes a lack of concentration like that?
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (01:04):
In fact, it can be anxiety and stress, because we all agree that you have to be calm to concentrate.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (01:10):
Yes.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (01:12):
Depression. When you're depressed, the last thing you want to do is focus on one thing in particular. It could be burn-out. It could be high pressure.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (01:25):
Really? That's surprising.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (01:26):
When we have high blood pressure, it affects our ability to concentrate. Insomnia. That's right, it's you Fred in the morning.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (01:36):
But last night, there was a little accident that I mentioned at the beginning of the show, coyotes on my street making a lot of noise. So I couldn't get back to sleep.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (01:45):
Concentration will be a little more challenging today.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (01:49):
Perfect.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (01:49):
It can be ADHD in children or adults.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (01:53):
Which I have by the way.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (01:54):
That I also have a good or unbalanced diet.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (01:58):
So let's get started. If you're looking for solutions to help you concentrate better with food, how can you help yourself?
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (02:06):
In fact, what the brain needs to function properly is fat, omega-3.
We need good fats. That's very important. And another is good carbohydrates.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (02:19):
We need carbohydrates too?
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (02:21):
Yes, people tend to shy away from them, but they're important. So are antioxidants.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (02:28):
Because it releases what we call free radicals.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (02:30):
Free radicals. Which means we're rusting.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (02:34):
Yes, that's it.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (02:34):
Antioxidants help us stay rust-free or rust less. Water, lots of water. It's very important. Researchers have noted that adolescents who eat a diet low in omega-3s are not nourishing their frontal cortex with good fats, which means they will have difficulty making decisions. Motivation is often found in emotional control.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (03:09):
Because the brain is fat. It's good fat. It's omega-3. So if you've got a dry brain, let's put some on.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (03:16):
Especially that part in front of the frontal cortex. And of course, Frédéric, we mustn't forget that to function properly, the brain, as we said earlier, needs energy. It uses at least 20% of it to carry out its functions.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (03:34):
20% of the body's energy.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (03:37):
Yes, which we consume as food.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (03:40):
Wow.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (03:41):
Oh yes. So energy obviously comes from eating good carbohydrates.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (03:45):
Yes, that's right, and all the vitamins and minerals. So what do you suggest we do if we lack concentration?
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (03:53):
Obviously the right fats. Yes. Important. So trout, tuna, sardines, all seafood, shellfish, all contain good fats. Yes. Then nuts and seeds. Yes. Yes. These are full of good fats. If you want to protect your brain, that's no problem. Add to your salad, especially walnuts, which I particularly favor. You can sprinkle pumpkin seeds on your soup or in your fruit bowl. I like that with fruit.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (04:28):
In the yogurt when you get home from work. A little bit of nuts. It's become one of my favorite snacks.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (04:34):
Or flaxseed, that too. They're delicious. Turmeric, turmeric, because it's anti-inflammatory. And that's another easy way to use it. And I like to put it in hot milk at night before going to bed.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (04:50):
What about carbohydrates and whole grains?
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (04:53):
Absolute. It's an absolute. And you don't necessarily have to eat a lot of them either. You can talk about a portion, a quarter of a cup of rice or quinoa or half a cup of pasta. You don't need a lot of them. It feeds our brain. Fruit, especially blueberries.
It promotes the transmission of cerebral signals with all the little signals that take place in your brain. That's important, so you can make good connections.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (05:24):
Green tea, dark chocolate? Dark chocolate takes some getting used to. Oh, okay. Okay, I mean, for me, above 70% I find it a little, a little, uh, a little rich.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (05:38):
We're just talking about a little square. Yes, I understand that mix it with something.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (05:51):
And water. How much water?
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (05:52):
Up to two liters of water. It's important because if you're dehydrated, you don't have the ability to concentrate.
Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM (06:00):
Well, that's for the food. Like every week, you bring us ideas with extras.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (06:07):
Two supplements. I have the Genius line from Nutripur. They made liquid mixes. There's one of them. It's called Genius Kids and Teens. It's really a winning formula because it's made with omega-3. So the fish we were talking about, mackerel and sardines, can help a lot with ADHD, which is often found in children, and nervousness.
Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM (06:31):
When I'm feeling a bit down or I go and get more omega-3, it takes two weeks and I can see the difference.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (06:37):
I recommend that you take it long-term, not just occasionally, so that your body can use it fully.
Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM (07:00):
Excellent. That's good to know Lynn. If we want to meet you in person, ask you for an autograph maybe, but otherwise advice.
Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains (07:08):
Every Tuesday at La Boite à Grains on Gréber, I'm there from 12 pm to 5 pm.
