It can sometimes be a winding road to get children back on the path to good health, and we celebrate all of the wins along the way alongside the families we work with. But we are always delighted when we see some big impacts within a short space of time. Getting the basics right in a child’s diet can be a game-changer. Seven-year-old Eli had poor dental health and complex behavioural issues when he first saw Brainstorm Health practitioner, Coriander. Within a few short months, he has made amazing progress and even loves brushing his teeth now!
Hi Coriander - tell me a bit about your patient and the symptoms they first came to you with
Eli is seven years old and has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). His presentation was severe when I first met him: he was nonverbal and only made babbling noises. He was hyperactive, and he had a habit of biting. His sleep was very poor. He was a picky eater and had sensory issues. His digestive health was bad, and he suffered from acid reflux. Eli’s teeth were rotting, and some had to be removed because he had sensory issues and disliked using his toothbrush. He refused to drink water and would only have juice.
How were these symptoms impacting his life?
Eli and his Mum were exhausted all the time. Eli’s diet was very limited due to his sensory issues. Getting him to take supplements was almost impossible, even when they were hidden in food. He was also very frustrated as he was not able to communicate well.
What were your initial steps in helping him?
We completely removed dairy and refined sugar from Eli’s diet, which made a big difference in his hyperactivity, and he became more open to trying new things. We were then able to make some key food swaps and introductions: peanut butter was replaced with pumpkin seed butter; we added beef liver and lambs kidneys to meals; he started having homemade juices with fresh turmeric and ginger and homemade lamb broth. We introduced Fiji water to support detoxification gently. I also recommended regular castor oil packs and Epsom salt baths to support liver and digestive function.
What lab tests did you do? What did the tests reveal, and how did that shape your therapeutic approach?
We ran a few tests – a urine organic acid test to look at metabolic function, a stool test to investigate digestive health, a hair mineral analysis and a food intolerance test. Results highlighted a high toxic burden, high adrenal output and adrenal depletion (indicating chronic stress), oxidative stress, an imbalanced gut microbiome, KPU, depleted omega-6 fatty acids, signs of yeast overgrowth and poor digestive processes.
As Eli became more open and flexible, we started supporting his digestion by adding supplementary enzymes. We also introduced key nutrients like wholefood vitamin C, magnesium, resveratrol (an anti-inflammatory nutrient extracted from plants), probiotics and essential minerals, and supplements to support liver and adrenal function. Eli was also prescribed melatonin which was instrumental in improving sleep quality.
How long did it take before seeing positive changes in symptoms?
We started to see improvements very quickly. Eli became less aggressive and more engaged at school within a few weeks. His attention and understanding improved dramatically. He became more open to trying new foods, and it started to become easier for him to take supplements.
How long have you been working together now?
Since December 2022, so around four months.
What has been the biggest ‘breakthrough’ moment on Eli’s journey?
Seeing Eli start to try new foods was wonderful when he saw others eating around him. And he started to enjoy brushing his teeth!
How is Eli doing now? What will you focus on next if you continue working together?
He is doing really well right now. He has no problem brushing his teeth and even cleans the top set himself. He will allow his Mum to brush the bottom set for him, which he wouldn’t do before. His eating habits are much improved now, and he is asking to try many new foods. He is also really happy to take all his supplements now, even in plain water. Mum no longer has to disguise them. He happily drinks water, so he has a lot less juice.
We will continue to support Eli’s adrenal function as hyperactivity, although much improved, is still an issue. Alongside this, we have a comprehensive plan to support and maintain his gut health.
Always consult a qualified practitioner before introducing new supplements. You can book a free 15-minute Discovery Call with a Brainstorm Health practitioner here.
Please note that we do not diagnose or treat illnesses at Brainstorm Health, but we can help you advocate for the right medical diagnosis from qualified doctors if necessary.
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