5 Strategies to Support Your Child’s Mood and Behaviour

I know first-hand how challenging it can be to parent a child with anxiety, imbalanced moods and other behavioural issues. 

The underlying factors of these behaviours are often many, but there is always a nutritional and biochemical element to these symptoms.  

Whether your child is dealing with undermethylation, poor detoxification, nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal issues, there are many ways to support your child.

I find these 5 strategies to be very helpful when setting a good foundation for a balanced nervous system:

1. Remove Trigger Foods

   Gluten, dairy and soy can wreak havoc on most ASD kids' bodies resulting in anxiety, imbalanced moods and behavioral challenges. Check out my previous posts on why eliminating gluten and dairy can be beneficial for their gut and brain health as well as overcoming picky eating behavior and restoring nutritional deficiencies.

2. Eliminate Glutamate

   Many families see considerable benefits in their child’s mood and behaviour by removing glutamates - including excitatory glutamates. This includes popular gut-healthy foods such as bone broth, collagen, protein powder, seaweed, coconut amino sauce, and other “healthy” condiments, even citric acid that's added to many supplements.

   Avoiding artificial colours, flavours and preservatives is also crucial for healthy brains, especially when dealing with behavioural issues and learning difficulties.

3. Increase Magnesium Levels

   Magnesium deficiency is common among kids on the spectrum. This important mineral is involved in many processes in the body and regulates nervous system health, helps reduce anxiety, supports methylation and detoxification pathways. Most importantly, it will support your child’s sleep, making them happier and calmer during the day.

   I love Epsom salt baths (magnesium sulfate), topical lotions or supplement powders - these are easy to add to your child’s smoothie or homemade popsicles.
   
   With the proper guidance and support, you too can help your child feel better and find joy in everyday moments. 

4. Supplement With Zinc

   Another common deficiency in developmental disorders is zinc deficiency. Lack of this crucial mineral can lead to mood disorders, anxiety, picky eating, poor immune function and more! Increasing high-zinc foods is a great start - but this is often not enough if your child is deficient.

   I recommend using a good quality zinc picolinate or citrate to increase your child’s levels. Many families notice a big difference in their children after supplementing with zinc and increasing their levels.

5. Movement and nature

   Supporting your child’s nervous system means supporting the whole body. Ensuring they are getting enough sunshine, spending time outdoors, allowing them to walk barefoot if possible, exploring, and moving their bodies: climbing, crawling and running.

   Movement will regulate your child’s behaviour and support the development of certain areas in the brain that help with social skills and language.

   
   Remember, always consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting your child on a supplement.
   
   Let me know how you go with these strategies!