I remember the first time I was exposed to the idea that a child with latching difficulty, behavioral outbursts, frequent colds, unmet milestones, or mood disorders could potentially be related to a metabolic disorder. It blew my mind! Not only are their resources for helping navigate metabolic yellow and red flags as a parent but also practitioners who specialize in helping get to the root of what’s going on!
In this post I’m going to list a few of the resources I’ve found to be helpful. My education is through the Functional Medicine track at Kresser Institute. We had a few modules specifically addressing gut microbiome in the child and how to help support both the parents and children navigating this. I’ve also attended several functional neurology conventions that also addressed this issue. I’ve also had a little experience personally with my own daughter who is now 18 months.
Helpful blog posts for children’s wellness
Here are a some of my favorite blog posts that address children’s wellness! Please know that this is just the starting place.
Is it the “terrible twos” or a disrupted gut microbiome? - Chris Kresser
How to have the healthiest babies - Weston A Price
Our Children: Well-Fed but Malnourished? - Chris Kresser
Helpful podcasts for children’s wellness
What Nutrients Do Kids Need to Thrive? - Revolution Health Radio
How the gut affects behavior in children - Dr. Beurken
Helpful books for children’s wellness
The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child Care - although I don’t agree with everything in this book the nutrition information and research on ancestral health is very helpful!
The Human Superorganism: How the Microbiome Is Revolutionizing the Pursuit of a Healthy Life - this book is written by a PhD who specializes in immunology. He explains how the critical window of immune education and maturation (ages 0-4) affects children’s health their entire life.
Helpful practitioners to follow:
Chris Kresser, M.S., L.Ac., is a renowned expert, leading clinician, and top educator in the fields of Functional Medicine and ancestral health, and the New York Times-bestselling author of The Paleo Cure.
Dr. Ben Lynch is the best-selling author of Dirty Genes and President of Seeking Health, a company that helps educate both the public and health professionals on how to overcome genetic dysfunction.
Dr. Suzanne Humpries, MD, although Dr. Humpries doesn’t specialize in children’s wellness specifically she is an expert on how Vitamin C affects the human body and lectures globally. Vitamin C is an essential part of children’s wellness in helping to prevent the toxicity of this world!
Download a guide on children’s wellness
For anyone who is interested I have a 2 page PDF guide on “Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations for Kids” from Kresser Institute. Fill out the form below and I’ll e-mail it to you. :)
Health Coaching Support
I’ve worked with many Mama’s who feel these kind of diet and lifestyle changes are overwhelming for their family. Everyone’s situation is different and there is so much that goes into making big family lifestyle changes.
You can check out my functional medicine health coaching packages to see if what I offer could help your family overcome some of the obstacles and embrace a lifestyle of wellness.