I know how hard it is when your child is struggling and no one seems to be joining the dots. You’re dealing with meltdowns, sleep issues, tummy pain, maybe even infections that keep coming back - and it’s affecting everything: school, family life, friendships. You’ve probably been told it’s “just a phase” or “part of autism” or “behavioural.” But deep down, you know there’s more going on.

Jonathan’s mum felt the same way. Her bright, sensitive eight-year-old was finding daily life harder and harder. He was constantly bouncing between hyper and exhausted, his digestion was always unsettled, and sleep was broken. He couldn’t concentrate at school, social situations overwhelmed him, and their family was living in survival mode.

She was doing everything she could, but nothing was shifting. Until she got the right support.

One of our brilliant practitioners, Emma, worked closely with her to take a step back and really look at what was driving the symptoms. They didn’t overhaul everything overnight -  just started with small, meaningful changes. Supporting his gut. Calming his nervous system. Putting in gentle routines that helped Jonathan feel safe again.

And then, slowly, things started to shift.

He was sleeping better. His digestion improved. The meltdowns became less intense. He started connecting more - even playing with friends again. And then one day, he planned his own birthday party. That was the moment his mum said she finally exhaled.

It doesn’t always take huge changes to see real progress. Sometimes, it just takes the right starting point.

If you would like to learn more about how our approach can help your child thrive, we would 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

Eight-year-old Jonathan first came to Brainstorm Health practitioner Emma in Autumn last year, with an array of physical and behavioural challenges, from hyperactivity and emotional dysregulation to gastric discomfort and frequent infections.

Emma worked closely with Jonathan’s dedicated Mum to develop a comprehensive health plan that addressed the root causes of Jonathan’s diverse but inter-connected symptoms. Five months on, Jonathan is a different child. He is calmer and more regulated in challenging situations, no longer distracted and irritated by physical discomforts, and more socially engaged - even organising his own birthday party recently! Read on for Jonathan’s full heartwarming story. 

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

Jonathan is an eight-year-old boy whose mother was looking for support with his health and behaviour. Jonathan initially presented with skin rashes, behavioural challenges, sleep issues and difficulties with focus and regulation. His mother, who has been incredibly supportive and committed, was particularly concerned about his persistent hyperactivity, irritability, and sleep disturbances, which seemed to worsen during stressful periods. Additionally, Jonathan had experienced digestive discomfort, including bloating and irregular bowel habits, as well as recurrent respiratory infections and a chronic cough.

How were these symptoms impacting their lives?

Jonathan’s hyperactivity and irritability made daily routines challenging for both him and his family. His difficulty concentrating meant that structured activities were often overwhelming, and school staff noted that he struggled in noisy or overstimulating environments. He had difficulty settling at night, which I suspected was impacted by the amount of caffeinated iced tea he was drinking in the afternoons. The skin rashes and digestive issues also contributed to his discomfort, making it harder for him to engage in activities without distraction. Socially, he found group interactions very difficult, often preferring to play alone, and he had developed sensitivities to certain foods, limiting his diet.

What were your initial steps in helping them?

The first step was addressing potential dietary and environmental triggers. We removed high-histamine and dairy products from Jonathan’s diet, replacing them with lower-histamine options while keeping his meals balanced with a mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and key micronutrients like magnesium to support his symptoms. Jonathan initially struggled with giving up dairy, so I recommended a digestive enzyme supplement to help him digest dairy products - not a long-term solution, but it can help support the transition. We also prioritised drinking more water, aiming for at least a litre of fluids per day. Jonathan has slowly but surely increased his intake.

Supplementation was introduced in phases to support his digestion, immune function, nervous system regulation, and detoxification. Interventions included magnesium butter applied to his feet for relaxation, micro-immunotherapy to support immune modulation, and a binder supplement to assist with toxin elimination. Epsom salt baths were incorporated into his routine to further support detoxification and relaxation.

Cutting out caffeine in the afternoons helped significantly with sleep and daytime fatigue, alongside small changes to his bedtime routine. A low-pressure eating environment was established to reduce mealtime stress and encourage a more varied diet.

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

We conducted a hair mineral analysis to assess heavy metal exposure and nutrient imbalances. The results showed elevated levels of aluminium, lead, and arsenic, alongside low levels of zinc and high copper levels. These findings reinforced Jonathan's need for ongoing detoxification support, and we introduced elemental zinc and a naturally sourced mineral supplement to assist with heavy metal clearance and support his immune function.

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

Within a few weeks, Jonathan’s symptom severity had decreased. His skin rashes had started to clear, and his anxiety levels had decreased. A month later, he was doing even better, with notable improvements in emotional regulation, digestion, and social engagement. He was handling changes in routine better and had begun participating in structured activities with greater ease.

By December, his rash was almost completely resolved, and his digestion remained stable. However, hyperactivity and irritability fluctuated, which may have been exacerbated by school-related stress. Concentration remained a challenge, but Jonathan was showing increased interest in friendships and had successfully organised his birthday party that month.

Within four months, Jonathan’s symptoms had largely resolved. His skin was clear, digestion was normal, and he had not experienced any significant respiratory infections. His concentration had improved, allowing him to focus for up to 30 minutes during tests. Sleep had also become more settled, and his morning energy levels were improving. Jonathan’s mother has been seeing me monthly, implementing all recommendations, and this regular contact and her commitment has played a crucial role in his success.

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

One of the most significant breakthroughs was Jonathan’s ability to regulate his emotions more effectively in stressful situations. A notable moment was during a swimming class, where he managed to handle an unexpected situation without resorting to physical aggression. His family was also thrilled when he initiated and organised a birthday party with friends, demonstrating social confidence and an eagerness to interact with others.

Another key milestone was his progress in concentration. By January, he was able to focus for extended periods during tasks, which had previously been a major challenge. Additionally, his improved digestion and clearer skin reinforced the effectiveness of the dietary and supplement interventions on his overall health

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

Jonathan’s symptoms have significantly improved, and he is now engaging more socially, managing transitions better, and experiencing fewer irritability spikes. I look forward to seeing his Mum in the coming weeks. Moving forward, we will focus on maintaining the progress made, further diversifying his diet, and supporting school-based strategies to ensure he continues to thrive in structured settings. We will also consider a KPU test to investigate any remaining underlying imbalances that may need further support.

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.

Nano Zinc/Copper by The Health Factory

We love The Health Factory’s Nano range. These elemental supplements provide essential minerals in their purest state, so that they are efficiently and easily taken up by the body across the lining of the mouth, bypassing the digestive tract, where absorption can be less optimal. Zinc and copper are essential minerals that work together to support immune function, skin health, efficient digestion and a host of crucial metabolic functions. Nano Zinc/Copper by The Health Factory provides these two essential nutrients in perfect balance without the metallic aftertaste of other mineral supplements.

Health benefits of Nano Zinc/Copper

🛡️ Supports immune function – Zinc and copper play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system, helping protect your body against illness and infection

✨ Promotes skin health – These essential minerals contribute to collagen formation, wound healing, and overall skin and membrane health.

🧠 Supports cognitive function and energy levels – Zinc and copper aid in neurological processes and energy production, helping to maintain mental clarity and focus.

💪 Maintains antioxidant balance – Copper is essential for the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes, while zinc helps reduce oxidative stress, promoting cellular health.

Key Features

✔️ Highly bioavailable – Elemental format allows optimal absorption and rapid cellular uptake.

✔️ Neutral taste and well-tolerated – Unlike traditional mineral supplements, this formula has no metallic aftertaste and is well-tolerated even by sensitive individuals.

✔️ Balanced zinc-to-copper ratio – Carefully formulated to provide optimal amounts of both minerals, ensuring synergy without imbalance.

✔️ Pure and effective – Free from additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, making it suitable for those with sensitivities.

Enjoy a 10% discount using the code 

SMC010

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

Food of the week: Watercress

Vibrant, peppery watercress is just coming into season. A leafy green that offers a rich nutrient profile, watercress is also naturally low in oxalates and histamine, making it a good choice for people with sensitivities. Bitter herbs like watercress are great for digestive function, helping to stimulate bile flow as well as supporting the liver. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, watercress is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed raw in salads, blended into soups, or lightly cook with other greens to serve alongside meals for an extra nutrient boost. 

Health benefits

🥬 Low in oxalates – Unlike spinach and other leafy greens, watercress is naturally low in oxalates, making it a great choice for those who poor oxalate tolerance

💚 Low histamine - watercress is well tolerated and suitable for those following a low-histamine diet 💛

✨ Rich in antioxidants – Packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids to support immune function and combat oxidative stress 💪

🌱 Supports detoxification – Contains compounds that promote liver health and aid the body's detox pathways 🧹

⚡ Supports energy production – provides essential nutrients like iron and folate to support healthy blood cell formation and sustain energy 🚀

With its crisp texture, peppery flavour, and impressive nutritional profile, watercress is a simple yet powerful way to nourish your body while keeping oxalate and histamine intake in check.

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, Emma, Carolyn and Rachel, 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 New Patient enquiry 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