A Teacher in Training

If you are currently attending flight school at a place like Parkland College, then you have taken the first step to becoming either a private or commercial pilot. If you find yourself drifting off during lessons or if you become drowsy when you should be paying attention to safety protocols, then you may not be learning what you should. This can be dangerous for you when you are finally able to fly a plane. Poor concentration can also limit your ability to fly properly once you get a job in your field. It is in your best interest to boost your ability to concentrate.

A good night's sleep, the reduction of distractions, and a proper exercise regimen can all offer assistance. Eating a healthy diet can help you too, so keep reading to find out about the nutrients you should consume to keep your brain focused.

Consume Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Many people know they should eat foods with omega 3 fatty acids to keep the heart healthy and to lower bad cholesterol levels. These essential and healthy fats are also good for your brain.

Specifically, they protect your neural pathways, increase memory, and help to promote tissue growth. Also, when the fats are consumed, the volume of gray matter in the brain increases. This can help with emotional well being to keep stress levels from destroying your concentration. Omega 3 fatty acids can even help to protect you from degenerative brain disorders.

For good brain health, it is wise to consume between 1,000 and 3,000 milligrams of omega 3 fatty acids a day. Flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, beef, soybeans, brussel sprouts, and cauliflower are the foods highest in the healthy fats. Eat at least one of these foods every day.

Increase Sugar Intake

Poor concentration is sometimes linked to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Blood sugars increase substantially when you eat candy, soda, cake, jam, and other sugary foods. These items contain refined sugars that also provide little energy. Once the levels rise and fall, you are left feeling tired because your body has already used the small amount of energy the foods have provided.  

Natural sugars do not raise blood sugar levels as drastically as refined sugars and they do provide a more consistent and quick burst of energy. This means you should eat foods containing fructose several times a day to retain concentration and to fight off fatigue. Many fruits contain natural sugars, so eat apples, oranges, blueberries, pears and bananas throughout the day. Carrots, beets, and corn contain them as well.

It is a good idea to eat carbohydrates as well at the same time you consume a food with natural sugars. Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, but it takes your body some time to digest the foods before they can provide energy. This means the fruits and vegetables will provide quick energy and the carbohydrates will keep your brain going after the sugars are used up.

Eat Foods With Antioxidants

The brain is made up of millions of cells and neurons working together to help you memorize data, process information, and concentrate on important tasks. Unfortunately, the brain is relatively fragile and cells die and replicate on a daily basis. If cells do not replicate as quickly as they die off, then you may find yourself with general cognition difficulties.

You may be unable to concentrate during flight school and information will be harder to recall. One good way to prevent this from happening is to eat foods that fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals are harmful substances that can damage a wide range of cells, including the ones in the brain.

Foods high in antioxidants include blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, red beans, artichokes, strawberries, pecans, and cherries. Choose one of these foods to eat at meal or snack time.

If you go to flight school currently, then you need to understand focus and concentration are necessary for both studying and flying purposes. If you think you are distracted too often, then consider changing your diet and eating the foods listed in this article.