The role of food on our children’s health has a huge impact on the way they act and feel and as parents, we should never underestimate the importance of nutrition. Research has shown a strong link between the health of your gut and your brain. Specifically, people with insuffient amounts of bowel flora, which is the good bacteria, are more likely to have learning and behavioural difficulties. There is strong data that indicates that the gut microbiota communicates with the central nervous system (CNS) through lots of different pathways - and thereby influences brain function and behaviour.
Did you know?
An average person has around one and a half kilos of bacteria living predominantly in their gut. That is equivalent to the size of a human brain! Our gut contains 500 million neurons, produces 50% dopamine and 90% serotonin. It is no wonder that our gut could affect learning, memory, concentration, attention, behaviour and mood, to name just a few.
In fact, it appears that the child’s digestive system holds the key to their mental development.
Good bacteria in a healthy gut will not only ensure appropriate absorption of nutrients from food but also actively synthesise various nutrients, including vitamin K, pantothenic acid, folic acid, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12 and various amino acids. Deficiencies of these nutrients can have an impact on the brain function and can lead to poor coordination, impaired cognition, fatigue, increased irritability and anxiety. Despite adequate nutrition, most children who show signs of learning and behavioural difficulties have multiple nutritional deficiencies due to gut flora damage. It is also very common to see these children show signs of digestive problems like constipation, diarrhoea, malabsorption, flatulence and bloating.
Some factors which may have an impact on the gut flora include:
- food allergies or sensitivities including gluten, dairy, salicylates, etc.
- sugar
- artificial sweeteners, food additives and colouring
- genetically modified foods
- high refined processed foods
- antibiotic overuse
Our bodies have the innate ability to heal and prevent disease with the right approach to diet and lifestyle. Thus, the emerging evidence of microbiota-gut-brain connection suggests that improving good bacteria may be key therapy in addressing learning and behavioural difficulties.
With thanks to Nour Abulughod, a Naturopathic Doctor, N.D. BHSc (Nat), ANTA, Australia, Dubai.