As a parent, I know how heartbreaking it can be to watch your child struggle and feel unsure about where to turn for help. This is why I am so excited to share Jake’s story with you this week. It is a story of hope, determination, and the power of small, steady changes that can transform lives.

When Jake came to Brainstorm Health in August, he was just five years old, and his family was facing a tough time. His diet was extremely limited, he was frequently unwell, and his anxiety around eating and social situations made daily life a constant challenge. Like so many parents, they simply wanted to see their little boy happy and thriving.

Fast forward three months and Jake’s progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. He is now eating a wider variety of foods, feeling healthier, and engaging with school and daily life in ways that fill his parents with hope and joy.

This transformation did not happen overnight. With the guidance of our fantastic practitioner, Emma, Jake’s family embraced a carefully tailored, holistic plan designed to meet his unique needs. By taking small, consistent steps to focus on nutrition, environment, and behaviour, they have achieved real and lasting change.

Read on to discover how Jake’s journey unfolded and how his family made it happen.

If you would like to explore how our holistic approach to healing could help your family, we’d love to talk to you. Book your free 15-minute Discovery Call with one of our practitioners today.

Stella Chadwick, BSc (Hons) mBANT CNHC

Founder, Functional Medicine Practitioner & Registered Nutritional Therapist

In August this year, five-year-old Jake struggled with behavioural challenges at home and school. He suffered with frequent lingering infections and had become extremely anxious around eating, with an increasingly restricted food intake.

Jake’s family has been working with Brainstorm Health Practitioner Emma on a holistic plan encompassing nutritional, environmental and behavioural strategies. In just three months, Jake has made incredible progress. He is participating happily in food preparation and family meal times and trying new foods. His teachers have remarked on improvements in his communication and behaviour, and he is throwing off infections much more easily.

Read on to enjoy Jake’s heartwarming story.

Hi Emma. Tell me a bit about your patient and the symptoms they first came to you with

Jake is a delightful five-year-old boy who was recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At our first meeting in August 2024, Jake’s mum shared her main concerns: Jake’s restricted diet, language delays, solitary behaviour, anxiety around people and frequent illnesses from infancy (fevers, colds, and respiratory infections) that required regular doses of Calpol.

Jake’s history included early exposure to mould, antibiotics for strep throat, and hospitalisation at two weeks old for RSV. When unwell, Jake developed a persistent mucusy cough that triggered vomiting. He also lost his appetite and experienced long recovery periods from illness, with lethargy and pale complexion.

Jake also had dark circles under his eyes, sweated excessively, and had variable bowel movements. Behaviourally, he was often anxious (particularly around meal times), irritable, and hyperactive, with stimming behaviours like hand-flapping and head-banging. Jake avoided eating at the table, and exhibited sensory-seeking behaviours like switching lights on and off.

He had a strong preference for sugary foods, drank only apple juice, and consumed very little liquid throughout the day.

How were these symptoms impacting Jake's life?

Jake’s limited food preferences, solitary nature, sensory-seeking behaviours, communication challenges and frequent illnesses affected his daily routines, social interactions, and emotional well-being. He became overwhelmed during family meals, preferred to eat alone, and played on his own at nursery. His parents were concerned about the impact of all this on his overall development.

What were your initial steps in helping them?

The first step was cleaning up Jake’s environment. Jake spent time at his grandmother’s house, where mould was present in some rooms. Both households got on board immediately. They purchased air purifiers, and ensured Jake avoided the mould-affected rooms. They removed other sources of harmful chemicals like candles and diffusers. His mum even stopped wearing perfume, and both households installed water filters. It was fantastic to see Jake’s family working so hard to support him.

We worked on increasing Jake’s hydration, aiming for six cups of drinks daily. We also introduced a low-pressure eating environment where Jake participated in choosing recipes and preparing meals, with no pressure or expectation to eat them. Jake started having quiet time and an Epsom salts bath before meals to help reduce anxiety around mealtimes. Lights were dimmed at the table and noise kept to a minimum.

I had concerns about Jake’s frequent intake of paracetamol (Caplol), so to support detoxification, I recommended a transdermal glutathione cream as well as a binder. We also added topical magnesium butter and castor oil packs to support liver detoxification and nervous system regulation.


What lab tests did you do? What did the tests reveal and how did that shape your therapeutic approach? 


A hair analysis was performed to assess heavy metal exposure and mineral imbalances. Results indicated elevated levels of aluminium, antimony, arsenic, and lead, alongside low zinc and high copper levels. These findings guided adjustments in Jake’s diet, supplementation plan, and detoxification strategies during our next meeting. We introduced a nano (unbound) form of zinc, selenium drops and a trace mineral supplement to support detoxification and remineralisation. I asked Mum to place a tiny amount of L-glutatmine powder under Jake’s tongue whenever he had sugar cravings. This had been a real issue when we first met and had not decreased by our follow-up consultation.

How long did it take before seeing positive changes to symptoms?

By his first follow-up, Jake’s parents were already seeing significant improvements in his symptoms and behaviours. He was sitting at the table for meals and watching the family eat and drink. He loved helping to cook and choose recipes. He was eating new foods and foods cooked in different ways, including potatoes, salmon, carrots and apricots. I suggested encouraging Jake to scrape his plate after meal to give him another low-pressure sensory experience around food.

Jake’s physical health was improving too: despite catching a cold at school, he recovered quickly without needing Calpol, and maintained his energy levels. The dark circles under his eyes had diminished, and his stools were consistently well-formed.

His school and his parents noticed that his language was beginning to develop more, he was saying more words and engaging more at school. By October, Jake had used the phrase “My apple!” in context. He had made a new friend at school, and interacted well with a family friend during a holiday.

His emotional regulation had also improved. He was less tearful when Mum left for work and he had received a certificate for good behaviour at school.

What has been the biggest ‘breakthrough’ moment on Jake’s journey?

Jake’s use of the phrase “My apple!” with clear inflection was a significant milestone, showing language development and context use. His mum was thrilled when she told me. Other highlights include Jake receiving a good behaviour certificate at school and making a new friend.

How is Jake doing now? What will you focus on next?

Jake is doing so well. His diet now includes a wider range of foods. He is participating in family meals and engaging really well in other social situations where he was previously so withdrawn. Future focus areas include increasing hydration and continuing diet diversification. We plan to begin some sensory profiling, which will help us construct a sensory-based menu for him.

Always consult a qualified practitioner before introducing new supplements. Book your free discovery call today to discuss how we can help your child achieve optimal health.

Okinawa Sea Coral Minerals by The Health Factory 

Okinawa Sea Coral Minerals is a premium, mineral-rich supplement designed to promote overall health and vitality. Harvested from the pristine seas surrounding Okinawa, Japan, this remarkable product delivers a wealth of natural, bioavailable minerals essential for your body’s optimal performance - without any effort or fuss. I

ts standout feature? It’s completely tasteless and blends effortlessly into food or drinks, making it a seamless addition to your daily routine.

Health benefits of Okinawa Sea Coral Minerals

• Supports bone health 🦴: Rich in elemental calcium and magnesium, essential for strong, healthy bones and teeth.

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• Supports cellular health 🧬: Contains over 70 trace minerals that promote cellular function and regeneration.

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Key features

• Naturally sourced: Derived from Okinawan coral reefs, known for their pristine, unpolluted environment.

• Bioavailable minerals: The minerals are easily absorbed by the body for maximum effectiveness.

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• Free from additives: No artificial colours, preservatives, or chemicals - just pure, natural minerals.

Enjoy a 10% discount on Okinawa Sea Coral Minerals using the code SMC010

Please consult your practitioner or medical professional before adding any new supplement to your plan

Food of the week: Clementines

As the festive season approaches, nothing beats the bright, refreshing taste of clementines. These tiny, juicy citrus fruits are the perfect snack to keep you feeling energized and refreshed during the cooler months. Their sweet, tangy flavour and easy-to-peel skins make them a hit with kids and they make a great addition to a school lunchbox.

Clementines also pack a nutritional punch. They are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants to nourish the immune system. While they are a refreshing treat on their own, they can also be added to salads, desserts, or even savoury dishes for an extra burst of flavour.

Fresh clementines - a winter delight!

🍊 High in vitamin C to boost immune function and protect against seasonal colds 🛡️

🍊 Rich in antioxidants to help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation ✨

🍊 High water content, making them a great snack for staying energized and refreshed 💦

🍊 A good source of fibre to support digestive health and keep things running smoothly 💩

A bowl piled high with these colourful little fruits makes a bright addition to your winter kitchen, and provides an easy, healthy snack for little hands to grab. Clementines are at their very best during the winter, so enjoy them now while they’re at their juiciest and most tasty!

Please only introduce new foods or supplements under the guidance of your healthcare practitioner and remember dose is important! We always recommend that people start with a very small dose and work up. Supplements are not meant to be used long term. These are general recommendations only and not intended to diagnose or treat any health issues. If you are already a patient of ours, feel free to ask your practitioner if these are suitable and don’t forget to use the discount codes listed below.

Meet our practitioners
We are a unique clinic in that each of our practitioners is a parent. Many of us have a child with special needs, and we all have different passions and expertise. Please head to our website to meet Jo, Sarah, Haley, Mémé and Emma, and get in touch if you'd like to know how to work with us. 

Appointments
If you’d like to become a new patient please follow this link to our appointment page and follow the directions.

Existing patients can book follow-up appointments with their practitioners using this link. Please note Discovery Calls on this page are only for people we have not seen yet, and not for existing patients.

Buying supplements from our trusted suppliers

We recommend our patients buy supplements from the below suppliers. Note any supplement mentioned in the above article is for educational purposes only. You should only try new supplements with your child with the approval of your healthcare practitioner. If you have already gotten approval, please feel free to make use of the exclusive Brainstorm Health® discount codes we have negotiated with our suppliers. Some suppliers support Brainstorm Health® with a small commission which we reinvest into creating quality content like this newsletter to give as much free support to our community as possible.

The Natural Dispensary
Discount Code: SMC010

Amrita
Discount Code: L8FQQL

Your Health Basket
Discount Code: Brainstorm10