The Gut-Brain-Behavior Connection - 10 Things A Parent Can Do!
Science is just beginning to understand the connection between gut health and brain health. As a result of this research, a third connection has been found – the Gut-Brain-Behavior connection. Children are often prescribed antibiotics for ear, sinus, and respiratory infections. If these infections occur often, the child can end up with insufficiency dysbiosis or a complete lack of good bacteria in their gut (Quid, 2017). Studies have shown that when an imbalance in the gut microbiome of a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is treated, the behaviors associated with this disorder appear to improve (Yang, Fu, & Liao, 2020). In support of that research, here are ten things that parents can do to support the gut health of their child and the whole family.
· Talk to your child's pediatrician about a delayed food allergy test (IgG) – consider testing the whole family
· With the IgG results, eliminate these foods from your child's diet
· Dairy is often at the top of delayed food allergy tests. There are some great non-dairy alternatives like coconut, oat, and almond milk along with dairy-free yogurts, which are full of healthy probiotics. Beware of added sugars in anything advertised as low or no-fat.
· Reduce the number of prepackaged food products
· Read the labels on the foods you buy – you're looking for hidden sources of processed sugars, artificial colors, flavors, and ingredients
· Add in organic fruits and vegetables – at least all of those on the Dirty Dozen list by Environmental Working Group (https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php)
· Foods on the Clean 15 list have the lowest amount of pesticide/herbicide residue by the time they reach our stores. Keep in mind, that some sweet corn, summer squash, and papaya grown in the United States are/have been genetically modified. Consider buying organic.
· Include organic, probiotic rich foods such as pickles/pickled vegetables and sauerkraut or kefir, kombucha, or kimchi
· Include organic, prebiotic foods such as garlic, onion, leek, asparagus, yams, chicory, agave, bananas, berries, and artichokes
· Little by little, switch to healthy cooking materials – like cast iron, lead-free stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic containers. Never put acidic foods, like tomatoes and citrus fruits, in plastic storage containers.
These suggestions can be implemented at your pace. There is no need to put yourself into a financial situation by doing too much too quickly. Based on your child's abilities, involve them in these changes, along with the rest of the family. It is important that everyone knows that these changes are being made to support the best health of the entire family. If you have questions, or need help, feel free to message me on my website at http://www.marymernsberger.com.
References
Collado, M., Isolauri, E., Salminen, S., and Sanz, Y. (2015). The impact of probiotic on gut health. Retrieved from The Environmental Illness Resource at https://www.ei-resource.org/research/candida-and-gut-dysbiosis-research/the-impact-of-probiotic-on-gut-health/
Gareau, M., Sherman, P. & Walker, W. Probiotics and the gut microbiota in intestinal health and disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 7, 503–514 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2010.117
Quid, D. (2017). Understanding Gastrointestinal Permeability, Consequences and Interventions. Webinar presented through the Energetic Health Institute. Retrieved from the EHI website, HNF202, Lesson 6, at https://our.energetichealthinstitute.org/course/1378818695/materials?f=104876843
Yang, J., Fu, X., Liao, X. (2020). Effects of gut microbial-based treatments on gut microbiota, behavioral symptoms, and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review, Psychiatry Research, Volume 293, 2020, 113471, ISSN 0165-1781, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113471.
