As a licensed social worker, I have helped many families deal with child behaviors that made them want to pull their hair out. The rigorous charts and rewards systems and behavioral techniques that were implemented over the years helped many but did it actually get to the root cause? When my daughter turned three she became the opposite of what she was. She went from compliant child to a noncompliant child and mood changing toddler. She went from a toddler who was "eager to please child" who could care less. She went from wanting to eat all foods to gradually cutting out foods and becoming the pickiest eater... Even to the point of not wanting to eat pizza. It was my turn to want to pull my hair up, but it was more than that. I would cry myself to sleep because I didn't want to be a mom if this was what momming was. It was so hard, there was no joy because I was too tired and worn out and frustrated to have joy. It was hard to soak in the moments when all I could do was survive the day. coupled with the feeling of complete failure since I was a behaviorist and I didn't know how to fix my own child.
When she was five we found a way and taking the supplements that we had concocted together for 7 years. While the years were not always easy, they were easier. I didn't cry myself to sleep. I didn't feel like a complete failure.
Instead, I felt hopeful. Hopeful that we could continue to improve her behavior and emotional well-being with each passing day.
As a social worker, I knew that behavior is often an outward sign of an underlying issue. It wasn't until I started researching gut health that I truly began to understand what was going on with my daughter. The gut-brain axis had become disrupted, and her behavior and mood were suffering as a result.
The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional pathway between the gut and the brain. This connection allows for communication between the two and can influence a wide range of bodily functions, including behavior and mood. When the gut is healthy, it sends positive signals to the brain, which can improve mood and cognitive function. However, when the gut is unhealthy, these signals can become negative, leading to emotional and behavioral issues.
Recent research has shown that gut health is crucial for maintaining a healthy mind and body. When the gut becomes disrupted, it can lead to a range of physical and mental health issues, including behavioral problems in children. This is because the gut is home to trillions of microbes that make up the gut microbiome. When the balance of these microbes becomes disrupted, it can impact the gut-brain axis and lead to a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
It was through this research that I discovered the importance of gut health and the impact it has on behavior. That's when I started looking for solutions that would support my daughter's gut health and improve her behavior.
After years of trial and error, we found that certain supplements can make a significant difference. We started incorporating prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes into her daily routine. These supplements improve gut health by creating a favorable environment for the growth of good bacteria while also breaking down food for better nutrient absorption.
In addition to supplements, we also made dietary changes. We cut out processed and sugary foods and added more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to her diet. These changes helped to reduce inflammation and improve gut health.
Slowly....very slowly.....after starting this new regimen, we noticed improvement in her behavior. She was less moody and less prone to tantrums. She started sleeping better and seemed more emotionally grounded. Additionally, her picky eating habits began to change, and she started to enjoy a more diverse range of foods.
As a mom and a social worker, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate the world of child behavior and wellness. It's easy to get lost in the endless recommendations and advice. However, one of the most crucial things we can do for our children is to prioritize gut health. By doing so, we can set them up for a lifetime of good physical and mental health.
If you're struggling with your child's behavior, it may be worth researching gut health as a possible underlying factor. Simple changes to diet and incorporating supplements can make a world of difference. As I have learned first hand, a healthy gut can truly transform behavior and improve the quality of life for you and your child.
Over the last decade, research has increasingly shown a link between nutrition, gut health, and behavioral health. It is becoming more evident that improving your gut health can have far-reaching effects on mental health and behavior. In fact, experts now believe that gut health is connected to the brain through a nerve known as the vagus nerve, which has a direct impact on mood, behavior, and emotions.
The gut-brain axis is a continuous feedback cycle between the gastrointestinal system and the brain. Scientists have proven that the gut microbiome sends neural signals to the brain through the vagus nerve. Scientists have discovered that gut microbes can produce neuroactive compounds such as neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These compounds play a crucial role in behavior.
When your gut is healthy, the beneficial bacteria produce a balance of various neurotransmitters that positively affect your brain, promote cognitive abilities, reduce anxiety, and boost overall mood. But, when your gut is not functioning correctly, or when there is an imbalance of good and bad bacteria, it can cause inflammation, which can negatively impact the gut-brain axis and behavioral health.
Therefore, it makes sense that healing the gut-brain connection could lead to improved behavior in children and even adults. A person dealing with inflammation and an overgrowth of harmful gut bacteria may experience a range of issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, migraines, and more. It is possible to address these concerns by improving gut microbiome health.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that get introduced to your gut system and help in restoring the natural balance in your gut microbiome. According to research, probiotics may work by changing the levels of bacteria, producing supportive metabolites, or stimulating the immune system. In children, studies have shown that supplementing with certain kinds of probiotics can improve behavioral and cognitive symptoms.
Specific strains of prebiotics can also directly improve gut health. These are dietary fibers that fuel the beneficial bacteria present in your gut. They assist and encourage the growth of good gut bacteria. Foods like garlic, asparagus, beans, onions, and bananas, for example, are high in prebiotic fibers.
Supplements that encompass both prebiotics and probiotics can help bring about a more favorable gut-brain axis in children and support the growth.
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Disclaimer: Product reviews and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Amare does not guarantee specific results, as these are the opinions of individuals and results may vary.