Eat Less, Learn More

A new study from reseachers at Yale University Medical School suggest that eating less can have a profound effect on learning and memory.  The premise of the study is that the stomach when full secretes a hormone known as gherlin that inhibits centers in the brain associated with learning and memory.

The study concluded that "that the hormone ghrelin, produced in the stomach and previously associated with growth hormone release and appetite, has a direct, rapid and powerful influence on the hippocampus, a higher brain region critical for learning and memory.” Click to purchase the full study.

 Further research is being undertaken.  In the meantime, parents can inquire of their pediatrician as to mechanics of the production of ghrelin, especially at breakfast.  The summary of the study does not indicate if certain types of food are better or if it is simply the quantify of food consumed.  Logically it appears that childhood obesity, which is epidemic in this country, has implications not only for health, fitness, and socialization, but also has a direct bearing on learning.