The close link between gut health and neurological disorders, particularly autism, has emerged as a focal point of research and clinical investigation. As a pediatric clinical nutritionist specializing in autism, I have witnessed the profound impact that addressing gut issues can have on the overall well-being of children with autism.
Read MoreAmong the challenges faced by children with autism, impaired speech and language development stand out as significant obstacles. While traditional therapies have played a crucial role in supporting these children, an emerging approach focuses on the intersection of nutrition and functional medicine modalities. This holistic approach seeks to address the underlying physiological and biochemical imbalances that may contribute to speech difficulties in children with autism.
Read MoreWhile conventional medicine offers valuable insights into these conditions, the rapidly evolving field of functional medicine testing has provided us with a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between gut health, nutrient deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, and food sensitivities in these children.
Read MoreThe intricate connection between our gut and overall health has been the subject of much scientific investigation in recent years. The gut microbiome, a vast ecosystem of microorganisms residing in our digestive tract, plays a pivotal role in various aspects of our well-being. Emerging research suggests that the health of the gut microbiome and its interaction with nutrients can have a profound impact on childhood conditions such as autism, allergies, asthma, and ADHD.
Read MoreNutrigenomics explores how specific nutrients or dietary components can influence gene expression and metabolism, leading to personalized dietary recommendations for optimal health outcomes. This emerging field has shown promise in addressing various childhood disorders, including autism, eczema, and autoimmune conditions.
Read MoreAnxiety is a complex condition that affects people of all ages, including children and is a common comorbid condition that affects children with autism and ADHD. It can manifest in various ways and may be triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. As I have mentioned in several other articles, the root of many of these factors begins in the gut. When our digestive health is out of whack, the rest of our bodies will be too. If we are not able to digest properly, we will not be able to absorb nutrients and many functions in the body will not work optimally. Also, if there are food sensitivities then those can lead to improper digestion, improper absorption and create inflammation leading to many symptoms.
Read MoreThe human microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms inhabiting our bodies, plays a crucial role in most aspects of our health. Recent research has shown that the microbiome's composition can be influenced by diet, leading to both positive and negative effects. In children, an imbalanced microbiome has been associated with conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Read MorePicky eating is a common challenge many parents face when it comes to feeding their children. Dealing with a limited range of food preferences can lead to concerns about nutrient deficiencies and overall health. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to address picky eating effectively.
Read MoreEczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects millions of children worldwide. It is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin that can be uncomfortable and even painful for children. There are many strategies that parents can use to help manage their child's symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Let’s look at five strategies to help with eczema in children: elimination diet, anti-inflammatory foods, exercise, coconut oil, and red light therapy.
Read MoreChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and irregular bowel movements, and sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently during the night. Magnesium supplementation can be a useful tool for parents to alleviate these symptoms and improve their child's quality of life.
Read MoreAs we discuss quite often, gut health is crucial to brain health.
The connection between the gut and the brain is a sensitive balance of interdependence. Healthy brain function is dependent on the neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced in the GI tract.
If there is inflammation and imbalance in the gut, it will contribute to digestion problems, anxiety, aggression, mood swings, lack of focus and attention and interrupted sleep.
However, there are some easy additions you can do daily to start healing the gut now!
Read MoreSleep is vital to health. Sleep deprivation has been linked to inability to focus, irritability, increased anxiety, lowered immune function, and even depression and anger. Sleep is a time for restoration, growth and healing.
Unfortunately, many kids are not getting enough adequate sleep. This is especially true for children with autism and ADHD. Kids 5 to 12 years old need 9 to 12 hours each night. Lack of sleep can lead to impaired motor coordination, loss of good judgment, slower reaction time and poor memory.
Below are some tips to optimize the best sleep for your child.
Read MoreFor many parents, getting their children to eat vegetables can be a challenging task. But for the millions of parents raising children with autism, the challenge can be significantly harder due to sensory and health issues associated with the disorder. Eating nutritious meals is key for proper growth development, but experts say that it can take children on the spectrum longer to learn how to accept new foods and flavors. Read on for some tips and suggestions on how to encourage better nutrition in these young ones despite the difficulty they may face when it comes to mealtime.
Read MorePicky eating is an umbrella term used for a spectrum of food refusal behaviors and is something that many families struggle with at some point in their child’s life, even with our non-fussy eaters. Helping picky eaters find confidence and comfort with trying new foods is challenging, and sometimes frustrating. Read further for 5 tips to help your picky eater be more comfortable at mealtime.
Read MoreAs an adult traveling alone, anticipating the unexpected makes for less stress when the unexpected indeed happens. When traveling with sensory sensitive children this is even more important.
Read MoreThe neuroprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are multifocal: they provide structural integrity to the membrane of brain cells, promote neuronal plasticity and healthy cell signaling, counter neuroinflammation, support blood brain barrier integrity, increase cell membrane fluidity, and play a role in modulating neurotransmitter activity.
Read MoreSulforaphane is an organosulfur compound, found in cruciferous vegetables, that has been associated with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. In addition to the health benefits provided, research has shown that sulforaphane can be a safe and effective treatment for the symptoms associated with autism.
Read MoreThe connection between the gut and the brain is a sensitive balance of interdependence. Healthy brain function is dependent on the neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced in the GI tract. Conversely, the GI tract, and the microbiome that inhabits it, are sensitive to changes in the brain, such as stress.
Read MoreThere are a ton of gluten-free flour options available these days, but some flours achieve better results than others depending upon the recipe. If you are trying to reinvent your favorites, it's important to know which gluten-free flours and baking techniques might work best for what you are trying to make.
Read MoreHaving an unpleasant reaction to something you've eaten is a common experience. But if you have a sensitivity to a particular food, you may find you experience these symptoms frequently along with additional side effects.
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