As stress levels zoom during board exam season, dieticians urge students to eat healthy, combat butterflies in the tummy and sleep well
Nervous nausea, refusal to eat due to stress and binging on caffeinated drinks to stay awake are likely to be a common phenomenon among students appearing or preparing for their board exams. With parents likely at their wits end handling their stressed out wards and their battle with nerves, dieticians have pointed out that a proper diet could play a huge role in helping calm the students.
And one of the most important things to remember, it seems, is that students should not be heading to the exam halls on an empty stomach.
Empty stomach causes nausea
“It is understandable that students will be anxious before the exam and skip a meal. But an empty stomach will cause additional nausea and add to the child’s stress. Parents should ensure the child eats a light meal before the exam,“ said Vastrapur-based dietician Kalpana Shukla.
Considering the early onset of summer and a likely stifling atmosphere in the examination hall, dieticians also suggest students remain hydrated with water, lime water or buttermilk. “Carry a bottle of liquid or some juice that you can sip on during the three hours,“ suggested Ambawadibased dietician Pravin Kamble.
Eat mini meals every 2 hours
He further said that students should eat small meals to maintain stamina.“We often don’t realise that studying and writing exams is strenuous. Keep dried fruits handy for munching. Avoid late night dinners; wrapping up your last meal by 8pm would be ideal.And for just these few days, ensure the child has only homemade food,“ Kamble added.
Sleep at least 7 hours
Therapeutic dietician Ritu Shah who has a clinic in Bodakdev advised a diet comprising 60 per cent solids and 40 per cent liquids. “Students require a high protein diet with high content of dairy products. The latter helps keep the mind alert. I recommend seven hours of sleep daily. Avoid carbohydrates and fatty food as they tend to make people sleepy.“
Shah, however, said the idea of drinking caffeine to stay awake is just a myth, adding, “Caffeine will provide a temporary feel-good factor but will leave you dehydrated.“
Source – Ahmedabad Mirror – 10th March 2017
