Developmental Issues

Developmental & Behavioural Issues
Gut Brain Connections

Developmental & Behavioural issues in children

Learning and behavioural disorders are escalating at an alarming rate – Homeopathic Medicine may offer support to children exhibiting these types of symptoms.

Children with these diagnoses often have other health problems, a common one being digestive and bowel problems. Recent research shows that what goes on in our digestive system, affects how we all think, feel and behave.

2) The Gut Brain Connection -

Picky Eaters
Related to gut disharmony, can be fussy eating habits, where a child may crave sweet, starchy foods. Some of these foods have a drug-like affect on children, which is why they crave them, and why it affects their brains. Symptoms that indicate this are sleepy looking children, or children who have behavioural outbursts that are difficult to manage.

Gut Bacteria
A decline in healthy gut bacteria is thought to be causing many of the gut and brain disorders being seen in children. Interestingly, other members of the family often suffer from related problems, like asthma, allergies, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or learning difficulties as well so poor gut flora may be a family, not just one child’s problem.

Gut Function and Immunity
Around 80% of our resistance to infections also relies on healthy gut bacteria, and many children with learning disorders also get frequent infections.

What causes poor gut bacteria?
Many factors contribute to poor gut bacteria, including medications like antibiotics, the oral contraceptive pill and cortisone, when taken over a period of time.

Can anything be done for learning & behavioural problems?

Many children with a learning/behavioural disorder do well with the proper diet and nutrition. Eating the right kind of food forms the foundation, but not all of, their treatment.When an affected child’s bowel function is normalised, their mental and emotional state improves.

What type of diet is necessary?

The diets these children need are simple ones, which contain meat, fish and eggs, fruit and vegetables. Avoiding dairy products, wheat, and other gluten containing foods, sugars and chemicals is important, but each child has their own individual dietary needs. A diet free of aggravating substances for each child allows the important gut bacteria to flourish, and it helps to restore mental and physical health.

How do busy parents manage a diet like this?

Invariably, a busy parent despairs at the thought of making such dietary changes for their child (or children). It is a challenge, and this is why we are offering some information and support for parents to get started, or to continue on. When a child becomes calmer, more focused and happier, it is well worth the effort.

Are other treatments necessary?
Dietary changes often make a big difference to these children, but further treatment is usually necessary. This involves prescribing specific nutrients for each child, some lab testing and individually prescribed homeopathic medicines.

Is it possible for these children to get back to normal?

Many children regain full health to have a normal childhood, making family life more enjoyable. The degree of recovery depends on the severity of the problem, the age treatment is started, and identifying the correct causes of the problem.
An appropriate diet is a substantial beginning to getting better. Professional help is then necessary, to conduct lab tests, prescribe targeted supplements, and identify any problems that are preventing recovery.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ANY LONG-TERM OR CHRONIC ILLNESS THE ADVISE OF YOUR MEDICAL HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL SHOULD ALWAYS BE SOUGHT

Jane Lindsay - Registered Homoeopath

Developmental Issues