Journal Reflection 3-Challenging Assumptions

Journal Reflection 3-Challenging Assumptions Chapter 5, Question 1 I believe that it can be assumed that eating has a direct connection with memory. I believe this based off of personal experiences of trying to remember while hungry versus while full and because of information provided in the textbook and other sources. A good diet is sometimes difficult to define, since everybody has different nutritional standards, but we all have the same general needs. Personally, I have a hard time concentrating if I do not eat beforehand, thus, it is more difficult for me to remember. However, eating too much, especially calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods also makes it difficult for me to concentrate as well. I think that diet is an important factor …show more content…
I have noticed that when I eat junk food I am more lethargic and less likely to pay attention and effectively listen. Therefore, I do not remember as much. An example of this is when I ate McDonalds before going to a class. I felt myself almost falling asleep the whole time, whereas when I ate healthier and drank water before class I felt more energetic and had an easier time paying attention. This is because fast food is mostly carbohydrates and as the textbook states, “while carbohydrates may make you unwind, they also reduce your attention and make you drowsy” (Brownell 152). The textbook also states and “[do not] drink large amounts of caffeine” (Brownell 152). I have noticed that caffeine also greatly affects my ability to concentrate. While it is alright in moderation, I get jittery if I have too much and just sitting there and listening becomes arduous. Food is also the fuel that we use for our body, including our brain. It makes sense that diet affects the brain as well as the …show more content…
Binge-eating disorder seems to be the one that has the most long-lasting effects. I believe this is because binge-eating is usually binging on high-carbohydrate junk food. Some of these memory impairments were found to be due to nutritional deficiencies and others were found to be cognitive and attentional biases. Iron-deficiency anemia has been found to affect brain function in children and protein-calorie malnutrition has been found to cause cognitive impairments (Whitney and Rolfes 314). Obesity is mostly the result of a nutrient poor, calorie dense diet and a lack of adequate exercise. A lack of nutrients can have negative physiological on the brain, which is a control center for activities like listening and memory. Likewise, obesity has also been found to affect memory negatively. The memory areas of the brain, the frontal lobe and the hippocampus, have been found to be shrunken in obese individuals (Whitney and Rolfes 558). These Therefore, it can be assumed from a nutritional standpoint malnutrition, including overnutrition and undernutrition can have adverse effects on