The brain is the most intriguing and complex part of our bodies. It therefore needs the contributions of a variety of different kinds of food to function properly.

The simplest explanation for the role of carbohydrates in the human diet is one word: Fuel! There are three so-called macronutrients from which we can derive energy: They are proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Of the three carbohydrates is the most efficient energy source since it can be easily and efficiently be converted into glucose which can, in turn, be utilised directly by both nerve cells and muscles as an energy source.

Carbohydrates can be divided into two main categories. They are:IThere are two major types of carbohydrates. They are:ITwo main categories of carbohydrates are mentioned below:

Simple Carbohydrates: This is carbohydrates made up of only one kind of sugar (e.g. fructose, glucose, sucrose, lactose or maltose). These sugars are often found in fruits, nuts, certain vegetables, cane sugar and honey. Simple carbohydrates are turned into glucose very rapidly after consumption which means that energy from it can be available very quickly to different parts of the body. However the effects of simple sugars can be compared to that of a small fire that burns intensely before going out just as rapidly as it started. This means that the bloodstream can be flooded with sugars one moment while being energy starved the next. This is the reason why it is very important that we also get sufficient quantities of the other type of carbohydrate namely ‘Complex Carbohydrates’.

Complex Carbohydrates: Often named polysaccharides, complex carbohydrates are best combination of various sugar types. Our bodies need longer time to digest them. Once it is done, sufficient glucose is released into bloodstreams. It is the main reason that whenever you gain energy from complex carbohydrates its impact remains for longer periods unlike gaining it from simple sugars. It has already been discussed previously that Glycemic Index (GI) is best method to measure released energy from carbohydrates. We further elaborate here that GI is an excellent source to understand best carbohydrates categories which may keep your body and brain charged for longer period. GI is a valuable indicator for this.

It has been already described how energy availability and proper brain functioning is done. Do remember that nerve cells can’t function effectively unless you don’t provide constant stream of energy to them. You can go for following options: • No glucose is stored in the nerve cells hence energy must be made available in the bloodstreams for proper functioning. • Nerve cells responsible for communication are called neurons, which constantly remain active. They don’t follow ‘rest periods’ unlike your muscle cells and digestive system of your body. They keep working even when you are resting and keep repairing works besides performing the structural components to create enzymes and neurotransmitters. • Communication is considered prime act of nervous system. The outcome of this process is sending ‘messages’ from one part of brain to the other. They keep the nervous system linked with entire body through communication process. Usually such communication happens through effective bioelectric signals, which are too much energy intensive.

Above mentioned facts reveal various facets of body functioning. Even if brain makes up approximately 2% of the body weight of an average person consumption of energy goes up to 20% of the total. Functioning of body is controlled by brain hence whenever bodies gain energy from any source it automatically passes on appropriate share of energy to brain. When you are under some trauma, this process becomes more systematic.

You must bear it in mind that brain doesn’t follow  constant high energy usage. It often ranges from high to higher. Research findings conclude that whenever you do some sort of mentally demanding task like solving puzzles or negotiating mazes your brain require enough energy hence it automatically derives glucose from hippocampus which is a special portion in the brain. It keeps your learning and memory abilities intact. That is why regular lunch and snacks are advised for those involved in mental assignments. You can choose slow energy releasing carbohydrates when you are involved in intensive thinking works and plan to do them for longer periods. It is at this crucial juncture that you should understand Glycemic Index which guides you about best carbohydrates for sustainable brain functioning. In case you are not aware of them your mental level would remain low even after eating enough food.

Various symptoms are associated with ADD-ADHD but lack of focus and impulsivity are most frustrating amongst them as they bring other problems along. You can easily trace their causes from the energy starved brains. Make it a habit to learn more about nutrition and particularly about all types of carbohydrates which you eat. Having proper knowledge of them is perhaps the first step to control ADD-ADHD. This topic is so much important that it requires an elaborative investigation. Keep checking back regularly to learn more in the coming write-ups.