How to stay focused and sharp?

Summary: How to stay focused and sharp?

This exchange between Frédéric Bisson, host of 104.7FM, and Lynn Goneau, naturopath at La Boite à Grains, discusses the importance of omega-3s for concentration, mental health and various bodily functions. Lynn Goneau explains that omega-3s, which must be obtained through the diet, are found mainly in cold-water oily fish (such as salmon and sardines), as well as in plant sources like chia and flax seeds. However, she notes that the body has difficulty converting plant omega-3s efficiently.

Omega-3s, and DHA in particular, are beneficial for the brain, memory, concentration, and even eye and heart health. They can also reduce inflammation and help with skin problems, mood disorders and joint pain. For best absorption, she recommends consuming omega-3s with a meal. She also mentions Nutripur's Genius supplement, an orange-flavored liquid supplement enriched with vitamin E to enhance absorption.

 1) The Benefits of Omega-3 on Mental Health and Concentration

An overview of the benefits of omega-3 for keeping the mind sharp, improving concentration, and supporting memory. Also included is the impact of omega-3 on cognitive function.

2) Marine and Plant Sources of Omega-3s

This section details the different dietary sources of omega-3s, focusing on cold-water oily fish and certain plant-based options such as chia seeds and walnuts, as well as the differences in their bioavailability.

3) Body and Omega-3 Conversion: Why Marine Sources are Essential

Explanation of the challenges the body faces in converting omega-3s from plant sources, and why omega-3s from marine sources are often recommended for optimal effects.

4) DHA: The Essential Omega-3 for Brain and Vision

Zoom in on DHA, a type of omega-3 with specific benefits for the brain, concentration, memory and even visual health. Its protective effects against certain neurodegenerative diseases are also presented.

5) Omega-3 for Heart and Inflammatory Health

Exploring the effect of omega-3s on the heart, with their anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit arthritis, osteoarthritis, and the prevention of plaques in blood vessels.

6) When and how to consume Omega-3 for optimal absorption

Practical advice on the best time to consume omega-3s and why taking them with a meal improves their absorption.

7) Omega-3 Supplements: Choosing the Right Formula for Your Needs

An overview of supplement options, including Nutripur's Genius range, which contains several forms of omega-3 and nutrients such as vitamin E for enhanced absorption.

8) Omega-3 for Children and Adolescents: Memory, Concentration and Anxiety

The specific benefits of omega-3 for young people, including supporting concentration, reducing anxiety and alleviating symptoms of ADD and ADHD.

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: 

I find there's a lot of mental fog around me. There's a lot of indiscipline around Pierre, Jean-Samuel and me. It's hard to stay focused, sharp and serious until the end of the show. Lynn Goneau I think has heard it. I remind you that she's a naturopath at La Boite à Grains and that's how she sees clients. She's going to have to make room for all three of us in her schedule. Lynn good morning.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Hello Frédéric.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

You could give us 150 tips on how to stay focused, but you chose to focus on one thing. I think it's essential. Omega-3 and knowing how it works and how to choose it.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

That's right. And yes, omega-3s could help with all those little concentration problems. A sharp mind, because omega-3s are essential. The body doesn't make them. You have to get it. You have to get it from food. It's very important. Then we're going to talk about three types of omega today, just to demystify a little.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

But first, if I want to consume omega threes, in what foods do I find them?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

First of all, if we're talking about its first form, we'll find it in the marine world. So, oily fish that live in cold waters, like salmon, halibut, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and tuna. These are all fish that live in cold waters and will consume ocean algae. These oily fish feed on the algae and convert it into omega fatty acids.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

Okay, I've seen vegetable omega-3s. They may exist too.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Indeed, it's our second form of omega.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

Ok.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

You'll find them in spinach. Vegetable oils like flaxseed oil, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and nuts like pistachios, hazelnuts and almonds. Research has shown that it's not easy for the body to convert, even when you're talking about a 5% conversion rate. That's why it's so important to seek out the different sources of omega in the world, both marine and vegetable.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

I understand that the body, even if it comes from plants, will convert just 5%, so we have no choice but to go and get it in a capsule.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

That's right. So if we're talking about the source of DHA, it has a beneficial effect on the brain, and then all the cognitive functions, memory, concentration, all the neurodegenerative diseases. It also plays an important role in the quality of vision. So blurred or dry eyes, then also to minimize the possibility of cataracts.

It has a protective effect on the heart, it thins the blood and has a super-important anti-inflammatory effect. Yes, it reduces the formation of plaques and clots in the vessels. It's good for anyone suffering from arthritis or osteoarthritis. In short, all inflammatory diseases. Omega-3 can also help combat mood disorders. At this time of year, seasonal depression, migraines, dry skin, eczema and much more throughout the year. It's important to consume it every day, to take it every day. It's important. Except on days when you eat fish.

Frédéric Bisson - Host 104.7FM:

Does it make any difference whether I take it in the morning, at noon or in the evening, when I should take it?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

It doesn't matter whether you eat it in the morning, at noon or in the evening, because it's a lipid, a fat, and it's better absorbed by the body. When it's combined with other nutrients, taking it with food, it's better absorbed.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

Help with a supplement?

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

The Genius line from Nutripur. They make a Genius Adult formula. A liquid. It's a truly exclusive formula with a high concentration of omega-3s in the three forms just mentioned. I particularly like the beneficial addition of several nutrients, especially vitamin E, which helps a lot with omega absorption.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

Okay, that's good. And since it's a liquid, you don't have the big capsule sticking in the back of your throat.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Especially them, they have an orange flavor. And they Genius children and teenagers (capsules or a liquid), then it improves memory, concentration as we were talking, sometimes because there is a high concentration of omega-3. And it helps a lot with the nervous system of children and teenagers experiencing anxiety. It can also help reduce the symptoms of ADD and ADHD, and the results can be seen quite quickly.

Frédéric Bisson - Radio host 104.7FM:

So we remind you that we can go and see you at La Boîte à Grains every Tuesday.

Lynn Goneau - Naturopath of La Boite à Grains:

Every Tuesday. I'm on the floor to answer your questions. The branch on Gréber, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.. And you can come in private too, because the office is there for consultations.