What we eat lies at the very heart of good health and well-being. Getting the diet right can be the single most transformative factor in the journey to improved health, particularly for children on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD, PANDAS, and PANS.
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is a fundamental building block of a healthy diet. It helps to regulate the stress response, supports optimal metabolic function and helps keep inflammation in check. Ensuring that your child starts their day with a high-protein breakfast can help prevent blood sugar spikes, setting the stage for a more balanced, focused, and productive day.
Our top five super-charged breakfasts for energised kids
Scrambled eggs or omelette on wholegrain sourdough toast (or gluten-free toast).
Brainstorm Health’s secret twist pancakes - delicious and nutrient-packed!
Overnight oats: prepare these the night before for a quick breakfast on school mornings. Mix half a cup of porridge oats with three tablespoons of Greek or coconut yoghurt and two tablespoons of flax seed. Cover with your choice of dairy or plant milk and leave in the fridge overnight. Enjoy in the morning with some stewed apple or fresh berries and a drizzle of raw honey or maple syrup.
Make a batch of these delicious breakfast muffins to store in the freezer for a healthy breakfast on the go when you are in a hurry.
Whip up a delicious smoothie: This cashew and cacao smoothie is choc-full of healthy fats, nutritious nuts and seeds, and plenty of protein to fuel young bodies and minds.
What diet is right for my child?
The answer to this depends on the individual health challenges that your child faces. We work with patients to develop bespoke diets based on their individual needs.
For many of the children we work with, a gluten- and/or casein-free (GF/CF) diet has proven to be transformative. One of our recent patients reported significant improvements in fine motor skills, cognitive function, reading ability, and emotional well-being after making this dietary shift. Another observed improved digestion, enhanced calmness, better focus, and improved sleep.
There are many other diets that may be beneficial for those facing neurological challenges. A qualified practitioner can work with you to devise a bespoke diet, eliminating trigger foods that have been identified through clinical evaluation or laboratory testing.
The Brainstorm Health 30-day Body Reset
It is not always necessary to follow strict elimination diets indefinitely. At Brainstorm Health, we have developed a ‘30-day Body Reset Plan’ - a highly effective approach when there is evidence of inflammation, blood sugar dysregulation, dysbiosis, or poor digestive function. This protocol is based on removing common inflammatory triggers and increasing intake on nutrient-dense anti-inflammatory foods.
Functional medicine embraces targeted nutritional supplements, and environmental and genetic considerations in promoting optimal health. However, first and foremost, a nutritious diet forms the foundation of good health and is a fundamental and powerful tool in healing.
To learn more, check out my blog post.
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.
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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