Support Your Child’s Brain Health by Doing These 6 Things

Is your child struggling with any of the following symptoms:

• Anxiety

• Sleep issues

• Cognitive development

• Behavioural issues

• Speech delay & communication problems

Then these daily habits are a great way to start supporting your child’s brain health and bringing the body back to balance!

1. Eliminate all processed foods

   Eliminating foods that may create inflammation in the gut is crucial to avoid chronic brain inflammation leading to a whole range of symptoms in your child. I'm talking additives, preservatives, food colourings, glutamates - everything that is not REAL food is a big no.

2. Reduce refined sugar intake

   We all know that sugar is bad, but eliminating all processed sugar really is key when it comes to supporting healthy brain development. Sugar negatively alters the microbiome and your child's overall gut health which in turn also affects your child's brain, biochemistry and behaviour. Opt for natural sugars when possible!

3. Limit exposure to toxins

   This is a big one. Environmental toxins can have a huge effect on our kid's little bodies, especially when their brains are not yet properly developed. Reduce the exposure that's within your control: Clean water, cleaning detergents, personal care products, mould, herbicides, pesticides etc.

4. Get their bodies moving

   Supporting your child's brain development means supporting the whole body. Ensuring that they are getting enough time outdoors, exploring and moving their bodies. Integrating primitive reflexes and investigating hemispheric brain balance may be one of the puzzle pieces for your child’s behaviour and brain development.

5. Good quality sleep

   If your child is not sleeping well, nothing in their body will work sufficiently. Their detoxification, cognitive function and brain development will all suffer. Is your child not sleeping? Rule out yeast overgrowth, mould exposure, high histamine, too much screen time, lack of morning sunlight etc.

6. Sufficient intake of essential fatty acids

   Omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) are crucial for healthy brain development and for reducing overall inflammation. Because the body cannot make these on its own getting it from food or a good quality supplement is necessary. Think fatty fish like wild-caught salmon, sardines, walnuts, chia, hemp seeds and flaxseeds.

When there is brain and neuroinflammation present your child will likely continue to struggle developmentally and overcoming symptoms will be harder.

Will following these tips fix your child’s brain development and inflammation? 

Perhaps not instantly, but by doing these things you are creating the best possible environment for your child’s brain to heal, regain milestones and support cognitive development.

What are you doing to support your child’s brain health?

I would love to know in the comments below!