It's no news that an apple is a better food choice than a bag of French fries. Besides being unhealthier, fast food may lower productivity, according to a new study. Travel nursing professionals might take a cue to make smarter food choices to stay alert throughout the work day.
The research looked specifically at more than 11,500 U.S. school children who ate fast food before tests. Those who ate the meals tended to score worse in math, science and reading, the study said. The connection between fast-food consumption and academic performance remained the same even when factors like television viewing, physical activity and socioeconomic status were included.
"[T]est score gains that were up to about 20 percent lower than those who didn't eat any fast food," the researchers said in the press release.
The subpar test scores are likely the result of fewer nutrients in fast foods. Fast food lacks iron, calcium, vitamin C and a handful of other key nutrients while fat and sugar abound in things like greasy cheeseburgers.
Nutrient deficiency
Although the demographic is different, the same food principles apply to those on travel nursing assignments, and adults in general. Between 2007 and 2010, the average American adult received more than 11 percent of his or her calories from fast food, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diets high in cholesterol have been tied to poorer memory, a crucial trait in any successful healthcare worker. The nutrient profile of fast food is notoriously deficient, and has been known to affect attention and reaction times, too.
Specifically, iron can lead to fatigue. Iron deficiency – the most common nutrient deficiency in the U.S. – causes less oxygen to reach your tissues, so your body is deprived of the energy it requires. Iron-rich foods include red meat, dried fruit, beans, liver and artichokes. Equally important are omega-3s, which improve both mood and memory. Omega-3s are found in fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel. However, there is a serious dearth of these healthy nutrients in fast food diets.
Whether preparing for a short or long shift, travel nurses may be better suited to handle challenging situations and patient demands when they maintain a healthier diet. Avoiding fast food may also translate to better test scores for students who are considering the travel nursing profession.