Photo: Supplied.
BY CHEREE SHELDON, QUALIFIED NATUROPATH, FLANNERYS ORGANIC WHOLEFOOD MARKET, VICTORIA POINT HOMECO CENTRE
If your child is withdrawn, having meltdowns, struggling to regulate their emotions, or having trouble sleeping, their overall health may need some extra attention. Listen to your intuition – the earlier kids and teens get help for their mental wellbeing, the better their long-term outcomes as adults.
Neurotransmitter Function.
Neurotransmitters are the brain’s messengers; they communicate our feelings and emotional responses.
- Dopamine gives us that rush of joy and motivation when we achieve something. If we’re not feeling any pleasure or drive, dopamine might be low.
- Serotonin supports happiness and good sleep. One simple way to boost serotonin is by getting morning sunlight.
- GABA is the calming neurotransmitter. Without balanced levels, we can feel more anxious or restless.
Neurotransmitters are built from micronutrients- vitamins and minerals that act like Lego blocks for the brain. So, we need a nutrient-rich diet to make sure we’re feeding the brain what it needs. We also need to keep the pathways free from neurotoxins and inflammation.
One essential pathway in the brain for neurotransmitter production is called the methylation pathway.
It relies on:
- Folate – from leafy green vegetables
- Vitamin B12 – from red meat
Important nutrients include vitamin B6, zinc, and magnesium.
Without these co-factors, the wheels get stuck and the pathway slows down, leading to low mood, irritability, sensory issues and more.
- Vitamin B6 supports a healthy nervous system.
- Zinc is vital for cognition and immunity, found in pumpkin seeds, red meat, and shellfish. Without enough zinc, neurotransmitters can’t form properly.
- Magnesium is another mineral many kids are deficient in. Supplementing with a quality magnesium can quieten excitatory brain signals and improve communication between brain cells.
Eating a nutrient-dense diet full of organic meats, fruits, vegetables, and living foods to feed gut bacteria is easier said than done with kids!
A quality multivitamin during their growth years can help cover the basics. Targeting brain health with methylation co-factors like zinc, B6, and magnesium can also make a difference.
If your little one has a busy mind, anxiety around school, or struggles with routine changes they might need extra emotional support. Nutrition and herbs can help with that.
A supplement called Affron® has been shown to help teens maintain a positive mood and ease stress, frustration, and tension. Saffron also boosts the body’s production of melatonin, supporting better sleep.
Sleep is critical for great mental health.
Think of sleep not as the end of the day but the start of good mental wellness.
If they wake up feeling grouchy or unrested, food choices are typically worse for the day as motivation drops, and connection feels harder.
For some kids, bedtime prep might need to start at lunchtime! From midday onwards, replace stimulating foods and drinks, cut out colours, sugars, caffeine, additives, and simple carbs that excite young minds.
Chamomile tea is a great herbal option for kids. Homeopathics and magnesium blends with calming herbs can also help support a peaceful night’s sleep.
Gut health matters. The gut-brain pathway influences mood and behaviour. It’s important to support a healthy microbiome with:
- Fibre-rich plant foods (prebiotics).
- Living foods like yoghurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha (probiotics).
You can also target mood and behaviour with species-specific probiotics – ask our team which strains would best benefit your child.
Social connection boosts oxytocin, the ‘love’ hormone. Family time, team activities, and community connection are vital for kids and for us, too.
Children need to feel valued, safe, and that they belong. Talk openly with your kids about how they’re experiencing the world and teach them emotional skills to build resilience for hard times.
As always, it’s important to consult with a qualified health professional if you’d like personalised support for your child. Our naturopaths are here to help guide you in a way that’s right for you.
