Childrens Gut Health
Signs of gut dysfunction in kids go way beyond the obvious symptoms like diarrhoea and constipation. Recurrent infections, skin issues and mood swings are some of the other indication of an unhealthy gut.
The human intestines are home to trillions of bacteria, that influence not only digestion but also immune function, mental health & more.
Children’s gut health
Working with children with a variety of conditions, Kate understands the profound impact of gut health on a child's overall well-being. Research is increasingly showing the importance of the microbiome in every condition, from clear gut disturbances to metabolic conditions to mental health.
The gut-brain connection, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, is a crucial focus of Kate’s practice. Kate is dedicated to guiding parents on how to improve gut health in their children, offering a holistic approach that includes recommending probiotics for gut health, natural gut health supplements, and gut health foods that nourish the microbiome.
When necessary, Kate utilises microbiome testing to personalise treatment plans and provides specific advice on vitamins and natural probiotics for gut health. Her treatment plans focus on improving gut health through dietary adjustments but also provide natural remedies for gut health issues when required.
If you're seeking support for your child's well-being, personalised advice from an experienced naturopath gut health specialist can help identify areas that your child’s gut health might need support.
Signs & symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a gut environment that needs nourishing goes way beyond obvious signs like constipation and diarrhea. Other common symptoms include:
Digestive Problems: Frequent complaints of bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort can be signs of gastrointestinal distress.
Food Allergies and Sensitivities: Recurrent food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities could indicate an imbalanced microbiome.
Skin Issues: Eczema, psoriasis, or unexplained rashes may be linked to gut health imbalances.
Behavioural and Emotional Changes: Anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating can be associated with disruptions in the gut-brain axis.
Weakened Immune System: Frequent illnesses or infections might indicate compromised gut health.
Unexplained Weight Changes: Unusual weight gain or loss, despite no apparent changes in diet or activity.
Chronic Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and lack of energy may be linked to an imbalanced gut microbiome.
Autoimmune Conditions: Some autoimmune diseases can have their roots in immune dysfunction beginning in the gut.
Contributing causes & risk factors
Disruptions to gut health in children can arise from various contributing causes and risk factors. Some common factors that may lead to imbalances in the gut microbiome and the gut-brain axis include:
Diet: A diet high in processed foods, and sugar, and lacking in fibre can negatively impact gut health and lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast in the gut.
Antibiotics and Medications: The use of antibiotics, frequent medications, or over-the-counter drugs can disrupt the balance of healthy gut flora.
Stress: Chronic stress can impact the gut by affecting gastric secretions, increasing gut motility and increasing the permeability of the gut wall.
Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants can disrupt the gut bacteria and overload detoxification pathways.
Inadequate Sleep: Insufficient sleep or irregular sleep patterns can negatively affect gut health and the gut-brain axis.
Hygiene Practices: Excessive use of antibacterial products and insufficient exposure to beneficial microbes in the environment can affect gut health.
Genetic Predisposition: Some children may have a genetic predisposition to gut health issues, which can be exacerbated by environmental factors.
Naturopathic approach
Kate takes a holistic and personalised approach to support the gut health of her young clients. She is committed to providing comprehensive care and guidance tailored to each child's unique needs. Here's how Kate supports the gut health of her clients with a naturopathic approach:
Comprehensive Assessments: Kate begins by conducting thorough assessments of your child's health, including a detailed review of medical history, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors to identify potential contributors to gut health issues.
Microbiome Testing: In cases where it's beneficial, Kate may recommend microbiome testing to gain deeper insights into the unique composition of your child's gut flora, allowing for more precise treatment.
Personalised Treatment Plans: Based on her assessments, Kate creates a treatment plan that encompass dietary recommendations, natural remedies, and lifestyle adjustments. These plans are designed to address the specific needs of your child, promoting a balanced gut microbiome.
Nutritional Guidance: Kate offers guidance on gut-healthy foods, incorporating dietary changes that support optimal gut function. She may recommend prebiotic-rich foods, probiotics for gut health, and other nutrients that nourish the microbiome.
Natural Remedies: Where appropriate, Kate utilises natural remedies, such as herbal supplements and nutritional treatments, to help restore gut health and alleviate symptoms of gut dysfunction.
Education and Empowerment: Kate empowers parents and children with knowledge about the gut-brain connection, emphasising the importance of maintaining a balanced microbiome for overall health.
Keep reading about gut health for kids
Hi, I’m Kate
I’m a degree-qualified naturopath with a passion [or maybe obsession] for anything related to the brain: how it works, why things go wrong, and what we can do to support it.
I work with kids, from toddlers to adolescents, supporting conditions such as anxiety, PANS & PANDAS, OCD, ADHD, behavioural issues, sleep difficulties and other conditions of the gut-brain axis.
I love research and science, and I want to understand deeply the how and the why of the ways our bodies work, but also respect and incorporate traditional naturopathic knowledge such as herbal medicine and functional testing when appropriate.
Outside my clinic time, I am busy being a mother to two children and two dogs, living and playing on Wurundjeri land in North Warrandyte.