After reading our report The Gut-Brain Connection and Children with Special Needs [1], you are probably wondering what you can do to help balance crucial gut flora. Food will not heal everything, but, what a person consumes can play a role in healing, behavior, and well-being. Here are some ways to improve the gut-brain connection:
1. Consume Probiotics
Foods rich in probiotics, such as kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut provide the good bacteria that lines the gut for proper nutrient absorption and immune system support. This is especially important for anyone who takes antibiotics at any time. A good supplemental probiotic is also recommended.
2. Avoid Processed Foods
From artificial sweeteners to chemicals and fillers, processed foods load the body with unhealthy substances and toxins. Aim for whole, fresh foods, and prepare healthy meals and snacks at home.
3. Avoid Inflammatory Foods
Wheat, dairy (casein), corn, soy, fish, nuts, and eggs are common allergenic foods. While nuts, fish, and eggs are part of a healthy diet, they should be avoided if an allergy is present.
4. Consume Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are essential for brain performance. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is high in essential antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory, protect cells from damage, and aid in cognitive functions and memory. Coconut oil, grass fed organic butter, and avocados are also beneficial.
5. Go Gluten-Free
Going gluten free does not mean giving up bread. Sprouted grains provide numerous benefits, and offer many delicious options. You can purchase many types of gluten-free pasta and baked goods – just watch out for added sugar. It is always best to make your own treats at home.
6. Consume More Nuts
Whether whole or ground up as nut butter without any additives, nuts increase serotonin levels that help improve mood while providing healthy fats to the body.
7. Eat Mushrooms
While many children may not like mushrooms, they will probably never notice that they were ground up and added to hamburgers or meatballs. Shiitake mushrooms are high in vitamin B6, a vitamin crucial for improving mood and reducing stress and depression.
8. Chew Food Slowly
Maximize digestion by eating slowly, taking small bites, and thoroughly chewing food.
9. Go Paleo
Consider the Paleo Diet, Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), or the Gut and Psychology Syndrome diet (GAPS diet) as a viable option.
10. Bone Broth
Bone broth, (whether homemade or as commercially bought Bone Broth Protein), has incredible healing benefits for the lining of the intestines. Yes, our ancestors knew what they were doing when they sucked the marrow out of the bones.
Natural Antifungals for Candida Yeast
Antifungals are excellent options for children (and adults) with yeast infections, athlete’s foot, of other symptoms of candida yeast. Please see our report The Gut-Brain Connection and Children with Special Needs [1] for further information about candida yeast in the gut.
Natural antifungals include:
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Aged garlic extract
- Natural garlic
- Caprylic acid
- Cat’s claw
- Olive leaf extract
- Tea tree oil – topically on the skin
- Oregano oil – topically on the skin
As candida yeast begins to die off, there may be a few days of discomfort. This is natural and will subside on its own. Also – it is crucial to avoid sweets which feed the yeast.
A healthy gut can improve the body and brain in many ways. Always discuss changes with your doctor before implementing them.
Helpful Articles
- A Natural Education: What You Need to Know Before Using Natural Remedies [2]
- Ditch The Chemicals Start The Year Off Healthy [3]
- Ways to Clean Your House Naturally [4]
- Searching for Natural Alternatives to Prescription Medications? [5]
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