Nature's Touch: Natural Approaches to Treating Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Children.

Neurodevelopmental disorders in children are chronic developmental conditions that impact upon speech, behaviour, intellectual development and learning and can have a significant impact on families.

Statistics indicate prevalence rates of 1 in 68 children in the US and 3-4% of children in the UK.

Conditions including autism, ADHD, tic disorders, and PANS/PANDAS are common neurodevelopmental conditions and understanding causes is crucial for effective treatment.

Whether genetic causes or acquired from toxins, infections, or nutritional deficiencies, an integrated healthcare approach, involving a multidisciplinary team, including nutritional medicine and natural/herbal therapies, is pivotal for optimal outcomes in children's health and supporting families.

Understanding Neurodevelopmental Conditions and pathways to treatment

 Functional medicine and Naturopathic care prioritize treating the whole individual, recognizing the interconnectedness of bodily systems rather than viewing them in isolation. Neurodevelopmental disorders' causes are complex, involving genetics, environment, immune responses, and metabolism. Genetics and epigenetics play crucial roles, affecting cellular processes and predisposition to conditions. Environmental factors such as prenatal influences, toxins, diet, and psychosocial elements also contribute significantly to symptoms.

Research underscores the immune system's involvement in neurodevelopmental disorders, with abnormal responses increasing inflammation, impacting neurotransmitter function, behaviour, and cognition. Similarly, like leaky gut syndrome, a "leaky brain" phenomenon can occur, compromising the blood-brain barrier's integrity and allowing harmful substances to inflame the brain.

Gut health intimately influences overall well-being, particularly in neurodevelopmental disorders, where gut microbes can influence both gut and brain health. Factors like diet, food intolerances, infections, and toxins affect both systems. Metabolic irregularities, manifested as low energy, fatigue, behavioural issues, and weakened immunity, are prevalent in affected children. Understanding these interconnected aspects guides holistic approaches in Functional medicine and Naturopathic care for comprehensive management.

 Natural Approaches to Treatment

Identifying the root cause of symptoms is key when considering approaches to treatment. Alongside a detailed case history, functional testing that looks at blood, urine, stool, or saliva can give insight into understanding the drivers of symptoms.

Nutritional and herbal interventions are focused upon improving symptoms through reducing inflammation, improving gut health, supporting biochemical processes and neurological function.

Critical nutrients for neurological health include:

·       Essential fatty acids (Omega 3’s)

·       Vitamins A, C, D

·       Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9

·       Minerals: zinc, magnesium, iron, selenium, chromium, molybdenum

·       Amino acids: glycine, glutathione, glutamine, Taurine, tyrosine.

·       Probiotics and prebiotics to support gut health.

Herbal medicine is a great addition to treatment and can help directly with reducing inflammation, correcting gut bacteria imbalances, and helping to regulate the nervous system and brain function.

Commonly used herbal medicines used in neurodevelopment conditions are:

·       Turmeric (curcumin): potent anti-inflammatory

·       Saffron: anti-inflammatory for the brain and can help with mood.

·       Antimicrobials – to help with rebalancing gut bacteria.

·       Herbs to regulate and calm the nervous system.

Nutritional and Dietary Interventions

Dietary recommendations form the basis of ongoing treatment as many foods can drive inflammation contributing to changes in behaviour, learning an overall health. Often children can present with food intolerances or allergies and identifying these through elimination diets and/or testing can be beneficial with immediate improvements.

Following specific diets may help improve symptoms in children and this depends upon the cause, genetic susceptibility, and current state of health. Gluten and dairy foods are often recommended to avoid in children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions due to their impact upon inflammation, gut and immune health.

Other specific diets may include, anti-inflammatory diet, GAPS, low salicylate, dairy free and soy free).

 Alongside this, other key dietary recommendations can include:

·       Organic food where possible

·       Avoiding processed foods and additives

·       Including more fermented and prebiotic foods into the diet to support gut health (Sauerkraut, kefir, yogurts)

·       Eat a diverse range of plant-based foods – rich in polyphenols to help heal the gut.

With the significant rise in in children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions it is imperative to understand all causes to implement effective treatment options and to support children and families.

Childhood neurological conditions can be improved through correct assessment and implementation of targeted nutritional and herbal medicines alongside integrative care. The human brain is very plastic, especially in childhood and when obstacles are removed and specific treatment advice is followed, it is then that children and families are given the best chance to heal and thrive.

 Consulting with a qualified health care professional before implementing natural approaches is always recommended to provide the correct professional guidance.

If you are concerned about your child’s health or sudden onset of symptoms and are looking or support you are welcome to book a complementary 10min call.