Dooley Noted: 4/16/2016 
Today, I had an absolute blast helping to introduce London to Immaculate Dissection II: Lower Limb Concepts.
The brilliant group of eager students stepped out of their comfort zones to explore anatomy through discussion, palpation, and loading patterns.
But I noticed a change after lunchtime.
The students seemed to be in a haze, having taken an hour away from the three hours of intense seminar instruction.
As they returned on a full belly, I noticed they started to grow sleepy and hazy in memory.
And it wasn’t their fault.
Having dissected the gastrointestinal (GI) system over 1,000 times, I have seen the absolute plethora of vasculature feeding the guts.
And as they digested their food, I watched their focus wane.
Even after I encouraged them to move and feel the anatomy, their blood was shuttled to their intestines – making less available to the limbs and to the mind.
This is why I rarely take a long lunch break when teaching, and I keep the food to light grazing.
The brain needs 20% of your oxygen and glucose. But the guts will gladly steal it.
After a few hours, the students were back to themselves again. They were extremely attentive and focused.
They were more fully digested – so they could digest the material.
But if you are studying for a big exam or attending a seminar, consider keeping your food breaks as light ones.
And don’t eat foods that are slow to digest.
You might find your brain with appreciate the circulation you supply with the stimulus provided.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
