The Impact of Organic, Whole Foods on Student Learning and Behavior:
A Path to Improved Cognitive Function and Emotional Health
Pamela Sullivan (CHC)
March 2025
Note: This is the first article in a series of lectures geared for late middle/early high school students on regenerative organic education to be a teaching tool to assist teachers in understanding why it is necessary to provide this type of education and how it can be simply incorporated into school curricula.
Introduction
As educators, we constantly seek ways to improve student performance and behavior in the classroom. However, what if the answer lies not just in teaching techniques, but in what students eat? Research is increasingly showing that organic, whole foods can play a crucial role in improving cognitive function, enhancing memory, and regulating behavior. In this article, we will explore how a diet free from harmful chemicals like glyphosate can support learning, help improve behaviors, and foster healthier student environments.
The Link Between Diet and Learning
Cognitive Function and Nutrients
Whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, provide essential nutrients for brain function. Unlike processed foods, which often contain refined sugars and unhealthy fats, whole foods contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support brain health. For example, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, and seeds are critical for brain development, especially in young children, and can improve memory, concentration, and emotional regulation.
The Importance of Gut Health
Emerging research has also shown that the gut and brain are intricately linked through what’s known as the gut-brain axis. A diet rich in organic, whole foods supports healthy gut bacteria, which, in turn, can positively affect mood and cognitive abilities. Studies suggest that an imbalance in gut flora due to a poor diet can result in mood disorders and difficulty with learning. Whole foods help maintain a balanced microbiome, which may improve focus, attention, and behavior.
The Dangers of Glyphosate and Toxic Pesticides
Glyphosate: The Hidden Danger in Our Food
One of the most commonly used herbicides in conventional agriculture is glyphosate, found in products like Roundup. Glyphosate has been linked to a variety of health issues, including developmental delays, hormonal disruption, and neurotoxic effects. Because glyphosate is used on crops like wheat, soy, and corn, it often ends up in the food we eat. Research suggests that exposure to glyphosate, especially in children, can interfere with normal brain development, leading to difficulties in learning, attention, and behavior.
Impact on Children
Children are particularly vulnerable to toxins due to their developing bodies and brains. They consume more food and water per kilogram of body weight compared to adults, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of pesticides and environmental toxins. Studies have shown that children exposed to high levels of glyphosate and other pesticides may exhibit behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, and impulsivity.
The Benefits of a Whole Foods Diet
Reducing Toxins and Enhancing Learning
By removing processed foods, chemical-laden snacks, and conventionally grown produce from the diet and replacing them with organic, whole foods, children’s bodies begin to detoxify. The reduction of harmful chemicals like glyphosate allows the body to function more optimally, both in terms of physical health and cognitive function.
There is evidence to support that when toxins are reduced from the body, children show significant improvements in behavior and learning outcomes. For instance, studies have found that children who consumed more organic foods had lower pesticide levels in their urine and demonstrated improved behavior and cognitive function.
Scientific Evidence on Detoxification and Behavior Improvement
Detoxification Process
When children switch to an organic, whole foods diet, their bodies begin to naturally detoxify. Over time, the levels of harmful chemicals like glyphosate and other pesticides in the bloodstream decrease, leading to improvements in overall health. A reduction in toxins in the body is linked to improved mood, better focus, and greater emotional stability.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that children who consumed organic foods had a significant reduction in their urinary levels of organophosphate pesticides, which are commonly used in conventional agriculture. The children also showed improvements in attention and behavior.
Behavioral Improvements and Academic Performance
By eliminating toxins from their systems and providing children with nutrient-rich, organic foods, teachers can expect improvements in focus, attentiveness, and overall classroom behavior. This can translate into better academic performance, fewer behavioral disruptions, and an overall improvement