Improving your IQ

Nutrients for memory and learning

Q: I have known two people of recent in different environments who have an IQ that qualifies them to hold the title of "Genius", which has gotten me a little down because my IQ is only 104. Is there a certain diet that is considered helpful towards the brains functions and development? I am 26 years old. I'm not sure if I am beyond hope. . It just seems that people with high IQs must have some sort of edge beyond higher socio-economic status, which seems to help people academically. What types of things should one put into their body that would serve the brain best? Maybe more fish oil, or a certain vitamin, or what exactly?

A: First of all, keep it in your mind that practical application of IQ is grossly overrated. More often than not, one's IQ is a result of practicing in different kinds of IQ test rather than anything else. This is why there IQ tests trying to get rid of cultural and educational backgrounds but the developers are not completely satisfied with them so far.

Another thing is doing your best to grow intellectually, feeding your brain both with right food and food for thought so to speak. However, it's hard to answer your questions while making long things short -- because these are rather long things :)

Here's the list of nutrients known to improve brain functions (see the link below to read why and where it comes from)

1. Magnesium Chalet 100 mg (at bedtime since it causes drowsiness)
2. Pure Vitamin C 100 mg (bioflavanoids were excluded due to their adverse effects on learning disabilities)
3. Vitamin B1 Thiamin 50 mg
4. Vitamin B3 Niacinamide 50 mg
5. Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine 100 mg
6. Vitamin B12 500 mcg
7. Folic Acid 400 mcg
8. Manganese Chelate 20 mg
9. Zinc Chelat e22.5 mg
10. L-tyrosine 500 mg
11. L-glutamine 500 mg
12. Linoleic Acid as evening primrose oil 500 mg
13. Co-enzyme Q10 10 mg

Reading:

Nutrients for Better Learning
Do you want to improve your IQ? (free eBook)

Alcohol and Calories

Did you know that though absolutely anti-nutritious, alcohol has calories and a lot of them?

From The Anne Collins Weight Loss Program

Alcoholic Drinks

See chart below for the number of minutes of exercise required to burn off these drinks

Exercise	Beer 12 fl oz	Cider 12 fl oz	Scotch x1	Red wine, glass	Port, glass
Aerobics Active	19	21	15	12	24
Golf With Trolley	48	51	38	31	61
Dancing Energetic	21	23	17	14	28
Jogging 5mph	17	18	14	11	22
Swimming Steadily	17	18	14	11	22
Walking 3mph	31	33	23	19	37

Note
All figures are approximate.
They are based on a 150 pound woman. If you weigh more, you will burn more calories.
If you weigh less, you will burn fewer.

Warning!

"Alcohol is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; however, alcohol cannot be stored and therefore, the body must oxidize (burn) it to get rid of it. Alcohol can only be oxidized in the liver, where enzymes are found to initiate the process.

In addition, alcohol directly contributes to malnutrition since a pint of 86 proof alcohol (not an unusual daily intake for an alcoholic) represents about half of the daily energy requirement. However, ethanol does not have any minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats or protein associated with it. Alcohol causes inflammation of the stomach, pancreas, and intestines which impairs the digestion of food and absorption into blood. Moreover, the acetaldehyde (the oxidation product) can interfere with the activation of vitamins." -- elmhurst.edu

Facts About Fast Food Shakes

Shaking Up Fast-Food Shakes

By eDiets

There's a time to indulge and a time to hold back. No matter which diet you follow (or don't follow), the creamy goodness of a shake is something many of us indulge in. And sometimes pay for.

But how big of a price do we pay? We did some (filling) legwork for you and uncovered the cold, creamy facts about fast-food shakes and the damage delighting in them can do. Find your favorite below, and see how it contributes to your "bottom" line.

The health and fitness pros at eDiets can show you how to combine exercise and nutrition to get the best results. Click here to get started.

If you're headed to this curbside favorite, you'll find plenty of selections and additional toppings to add to your milk-shake fix.

Steak n' Shake
•Regular Chocolate Shake, 598 calories, 16 grams of fat.
•Regular Vanilla Shake, 578 calories, 15 grams of fat.
•Regular Strawberry Shake, 546 calories, 15 grams of fat.

Want whip cream on that? An ounce gets you another 76 calories, 6 grams of fat. Hot fudge sauce will add 195 calories and 7 grams of fat for 2 ounces.

On-the-go? Head to Mickey D's and give your taste buds an extra creamy experience.

McDonald's (12oz)
•Chocolate Triple Thick Shake, 440 calories, 10 grams of fat.
•Strawberry Triple Thick Shake, 420 calories, 10 grams of fat.
•Vanilla Triple Thick Shake, 420 calories, 10 grams of fat.

Want it your way? The King's got you covered.

Burger King
•Chocolate Shake, 470 calories, 14 grams of fat.
•Vanilla Shake, 400 calories, 15 grams of fat.
•Strawberry Shake, 460 calories, 14 grams of fat.

For the java-lovers seeking an extra buzz...

Dairy Queen
•Cappuccino MooLatte (16oz), 490 calories, 18 grams of fat.
•Caramel MooLatte (24oz), 870 calories, 26 grams of fat.

Feeling a little naughty but still want to "watch" your portion size? Wendy's offers Jr. versions of their much-loved Frosty.

Wendy's
•Jr. Original Chocolate Frosty, 160 calories, 4 grams of fat.
•Jr. Vanilla Frosty, 150 calories 4 grams of fat.

So if you've got about 20 grams of fat to spare, go ahead and indulge in these rich, creamy treats. If not, be prepared to hit the gym for a major kick-butt session.

Accomplish your weight-loss goals with the help of famed personal trainer Bob Greene. Try his Total Body Makeover through eDiets and receive access to our health and fitness experts, peer-support network, recipes, shopping lists and more. Click here to fill out a free personal profile.