3 Ways to Foster Happier Children and Erase “Moods” for Good with Food by Tam John
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez
What your kid puts in their gut derives the health of their mind and body. Science has proven an undeniable link between the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract and the brain. Top doctors refer to it as the Gut-Brain Axis. Neurotransmitters (serotonin and dopamine are two that generate calm good moods), are made in the gut. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that essentially control all of the decisions a person makes and derive mood. Nutrition and its uptake are the most influential controls over the levels of neurotransmitters in a body. Incorporating three golden basics consistently can reveal calmer moods and better performance all around life. Persistent consistency is the key to seeing and believing happy changes. The following are tips to ease mood, attention, anxiety and depressive disorders in your kiddos.
1. Replace the sugar roller coaster:
Sugar is disguised in packaged and processed foods. For every gram of sugar on a food label there are four teaspoons of sugar. Healthy kids and teens should consume no more than 24 grams or six teaspoons of added sugar daily. Read labels for grams of sugar on all processed, packaged and bottled food/drinks. Veggies can be eaten with abandon. Consume fresh whole fruit in moderation. Healthy fat and quality protein will provide long burning energy to replace the sugar roller coaster.
2. Daily fizzy foods:
Fermented lovelies feed healthy gut bugs called microbiome. Sugar, antibiotics, overly refined foods full of preservatives, unhealthy fats, artificial colors, and more manmade chemicals squash microbiome. Fizzy foods feed healthy gut bugs and promote balance to enhance uptake of nutrients and a happy neurotransmitter factory. Some of the more kid friendly fizzy foods are raw cultured vegetables (not pasteurized), grass fed whole milk yogurt (without sugar added), fruit kvass, kombucha, miso and tempeh (made from organic soybeans). Introducing fizzy foods in a strand, a small bite and sip while gradually increasing to a 2 – 4 ounce serving once or twice a day makes for easy adjustment for the brain and body. Naturally their palates will adapt.
3. Make meal time calm:
Digestion occurs when the human is relaxed and focused on the food while chewing it thoroughly. Don’t introduce food as a panacea or meal while you are driving. Set aside devices and turn off the TV while your family is eating. Make meal time peaceful. Resist letting them know about how you are passing on great wellness to them. Make the food cool with fun names and storytelling to create relaxation and interest.
Imparting these choices with your family will set them up for fundamental health wisdom for life. Better mood is joined with longer burning energy. You are able to save your food budget dollars because you won’t be buying so many packaged and processed snacks and drinks. Your kids will make the connection to the food and how they are feeling without you divulging the great benefits of your loving action. Naturally they will gravitate to healthier choices when away from home and as they grow up and leave the nest.
Tam John understands feelings determine healthful choices. Food, drink, the choices you make and how you fend off stress all play together and create how well you perpetually rejuvenate yourself. Tam’s approach guides you to sort out your feelings with enlightened guidance personally aligned for your unique being.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care Physician or Naturopathic Doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
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