1. The Effects of Diet and Lifestyle on your Child’s Development
Abir Hamza-Goodacre
BANT Registered Nutritionist
BSc, MSc, mBANT, CNHC

2. About Nutritional Therapy
Application of nutrition and health science to enable individuals to maximise their health potential
Patient-led, personalised, evidence-based approach to health
Address genetic, lifestyle and environmental determinants of health
Nutrition Practitioners take a full case history to more fully understand the aetiology of a patient’s symptoms and provide practical dietary and lifestyle advice tailored to the individual
Health as a positive vitality, not simply the absence of disease

3. Today’s talk Whole body approach Genes play a part
The gut-brain connection (or ‘axis’)
Physiological factors affect behaviour
Common causes of physiological imbalances
How to support the gut and improve nutritional status
Lifestyle considerations
Importance of balancing blood sugar

4. “It is impossible to separate the health of your body from the health of your brain, and healthcare that ignores the brain will always be incomplete care.” Why isn’t my brain working? 2013

5. Whole body approach The brain is affected by the body’s biochemistry
The body’s biochemistry is affected by genetic, diet and lifestyle factors, for e.g. exposure to environmental toxins, medication, stress, sleep
Children with learning, developmental, motor and behavioural challenges relating to the brain (neurological) have similar root causes and underlying imbalances
These children routinely exhibit a similar cluster of physical symptoms and diagnoses, not just related to behavior (gut)

6. Genes play a part We all have genetic predispositions
Certain learning, developmental, motor and behavioural challenges likes ASD are likely to have multiple genes responsible rather than a single gene
The interaction of genes with environmental factors also affects the expression of a gene – epigenetics
Epigenetics – diet and lifestyle

7. The gut-brain connection
“All disease begins in the gut” Hippocrates
80% of our immune systems reside in the gut
Studies show that toxicity in the gut affects the brain
Studies have shown a prevalence of leaky gut, low levels of beneficial bacteria, inflammation and immune reactions to food in children with ASD
One research paper indicated that unrecognised GI disorders may contribute to behavioural problems in non-verbal autistic patients

8. Physiological factors affect behaviour
Digestion: poor digestion and nutrient deficiencies from impaired gut function causes incomplete absorption of nutrients --> physical and psychological symptoms
Methylation: poor methylation, a process in the liver that metabolises neurotransmitters (chemicals that affect mood) --> irritability, ADHD, depression
Detoxification: impaired detox pathways cause toxins like MSG, artificial ingredients, mercury and aluminium to build up --> irritability, aggression
Inflammation: caused by toxins, immune reactions to food, imbalanced gut flora and yeast --> head banging, inability to cope
Yeast: overgrowth results from imbalanced gut flora. Toxins released from the yeast can enter bloodstream causing symptoms --> foggy brain, dyspraxia
Opiates: incomplete breakdown of gluten, casein, soy --> foggy brain, irritability, insensitivity to pain

9. Common causes of physiological imbalances
Genetic predisposition
Insufficient diets/poor digestion = nutrient deficiencies (Vitamins A, D, E & K, zinc, iron, calcium, B6, Omega 3s)
Toxins/chemicals
Overuse of antibiotics
Infections
Immune reactions to food (predominantly wheat, dairy proteins)
Stress
These stressors can influence gene expression leading to an increase in diagnoses of ADHD, autism and other developmental, learning and behavioural issues

10. How to support the gut and improve nutritional status

11. What should my child be AVOIDING? What should my child be INCLUDING?
The 4 ‘R’ approach
The 4 ‘R’s
Remove any offending foods, chemicals, and other toxins that inflame and pose an obstacle to optimal nutrient absorption in the gut
Replace what’s missing by increasing specific nutrients through a diet consisting of nutrient dense whole foods
Re-inoculate with probiotics and pre-biotics
Repair any damage to the intestinal tract by eating healing foods such as bone broth and liver
What should my child be AVOIDING?
What should my child be INCLUDING?

12. Increasing quality of food
Eat a whole, clean diet that is largely free of preservatives, colourings and other additives
Choose good quality protein – grass-fed meat, wild fish, organic free range eggs, free range chicken, organ meats, nuts & seeds, dairy
Use healthy fats – Extra virgin olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds, virgin coconut oil, butter, cheese, full fat natural or Greek style plain yoghurt
Increase all vegetables and fruit
Try to go organic
Buy non-GMO food
Reduce excess sugar and processed foods

13. Increasing digestibility of foods
Offer bone broth regularly each week – healing on the gut, increases digestive juices. Add to sauces or use to cook grains
Offer fermented foods with meals – coconut kefir (or regular kefir if not dairy- free), sauerkraut
Juicing – good for getting a concentrated amount of nutrients. Don’t overdo it on high sugar fruits (pineapple, banana, mango). Add vegetables e.g. celery, carrots, cucumber, spinach
Cook meat on the bone and offer one pots and soups to children with a sensitive gut
Include raw foods where tolerated
Soak beans, pulses and grains for at least 6 hours

14. Reduce the body’s toxic load
Artificial colouring
Artificial flavours
Preservatives
MSG
Hydrolysed vegetable protein
Yeast extract
Artificial sweeteners
Trans fats
Avoid food additives
Reduce exposure to toxins from the food chain
Try to use more natural products in the home
Try to go organic
Ecover
Lemon
Bicarb

15. Lifestyle considerations
Stress management – reduces stress hormone cortisol. High cortisol affects gut environment and can ramp up inflammation in the brain. Quiet reading, audio tapes, soft music, coping strategies
Sleep hygiene – important for optimising REM sleep (mental function, memory mood) as well as Deep sleep (growth, repair). Establish regular bedtime routine, ensure room is dark, no screens at least 1 hour before bed (use night mode on ipdas/phones), ensure room is airy
Reduce exposure to toxins – reduces toxic load on the liver and gut. Consider changing household products to more natural options, consider going organic
Exercise - helps to manage stress, helps to balance blood sugar, improves mood. Engage your child in regular sports they enjoy

16. Importance of balancing blood sugar
Blood sugar levels are held within a tight range
A blood sugar imbalance can be caused when levels of blood glucose fluctuate out of that tight range
High carb meals or snacks result in a sugar spike in the blood and then a sudden drop as insulin tries to bring the blood sugar back within the normal range
Symptoms of blood sugar fluctuation include; irritability, poor concentration/ memory, headache, cravings for sugar and fatty foods, dizziness, feeling ‘spaced out’
Help your child to manage their blood sugar by including good quality protein, fat and carbohydrate (mainly from vegetables, GF grains and some fruit) in each meal

17. Some final thoughts…
Looking at your child’s development, particularly if they have learning, developmental, motor and behavioural challenges requires a whole body approach
Even small changes to diet and lifestyle can have a positive impact on your child’s health and wellbeing
These changes need not be expensive
Taking a strategic approach to your child’s health with the help of a qualified practitioner can help you to give them the most supportive nutrition and lifestyle plan

18. Disclaimer
Abir Hamza-Goodacre’s recommendations are intended neither to diagnose nor to treat any diagnosed medical condition(s). Nutritional advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice and/or treatment. The aim of nutritional intervention is to facilitate the body’s own biochemical re-balancing and self-healing in an attempt to alleviate distressing symptoms.