From moodiness to hot temperament, your child’s gut health plays a significant role in shaping their behavioral development. Most parents assume the micro biome of gut bacteria only prevents their kids from developing allergies and other chronic conditions caused by metabolic problems. If you are worried that your child’s gut health could be influencing worrying behavioral and biological changes, keep reading.
The Relationship Between Gut Health and A Child’s Behavioral Development
1. Gut Health Influences The Secretion Of Chemicals That Control Mood
Suitable strains of bacteria occupying your child’s gut system help in food breakdown and promote the autoimmune system, but that is not all. Gut bacteria also produce chemicals responsible for controlling moods. When you compare kids who are easily agitated or have low self-esteem with ones who are calm and collected, you will realize that gut health is one behavior-regulating denominator that most parents do not understand.
2. Gut Bacteria Sends Messages To The Brain, Controlling Emotions
Every part of your body communicates with your brain, and gut bacteria is not an exception. However, it is unclear whether the gut sends signals to your brain or vice versa. It could be that extroverted children cope with stress much better, particularly when exposed to something out of the norm, than those who are restrained.
3. Lack Of Beneficial Gut Bacteria Might Trigger Delinquent Behavior
Children aged between three and eleven get easily irritated when they are hungry. However, their mood changes might have a lot to do with how their gut bacteria state is. Something that most experts can agree on is that children engaging in delinquent behavior blamed it on gut bacteria. Parenting style might also play a role in shaping a child’s emotional status.
The Actions To Take To Boost Your Child’s Behavior
Your child’s current diet and lifestyle determine their mood, energy, focus, and sleeping patterns. If you notice that your child is exhibiting signs of behavioral problems, do the following:
1. Get Probiotics For Kids
Whether in supplement form or meals, probiotics provide your child with good bacteria. This type of bacteria regulates your child’s ability to absorb nutrients, fight diseases, and produce neurotransmitters that control moods. A diet plan like cow milk can cause constipation and never-ending illness, affecting your child’s mood.
The best way to end your child’s behavioral health suffering is by introducing meals with probiotic properties such as kefir and plain yogurt. Alternatively, you can get probiotic supplements for kids from Sproutedbiome.
2. Get A Second Opinion From A Child Behavioral Health Specialist
While gut health can influence your child’s behavior, other factors like parental styles, toxic environment, or genetic factors could affect their behavior. You want to be sure that your hyperactive child is not throwing tantrums or engaging in destructive behavior due to excessive sugars. A child behavioral health specialist can assess your child’s mental health to determine what the problem is. That way, you can establish if your child’s mental problem results from diet or any other factor.
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3. Let Children Be Active
A three-year-old child should be active because they are growing. You do not expect them to remain clean 24/7. While playing with dirt might expose them to germs, their gut’s immunity system relies on germs to build their good strains of bacteria. Obsessive use of disinfectants and hand sanitizers can reduce gut bacteria, leading to low immunity. If your child wants to play, do not restrain them.
4. Encourage Healthy Eating
Kids adapt quickly to what their caregivers introduce them to in the early stages. If you introduce processed foods or junk, they will grow up thinking it is the way of life. After understanding the health implications of processed foods related to gut health, it would be best to introduce foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. If you have to spoil them with junk, do it in moderation. The environment and genetic factors play a role in determining how your child will behave, particularly when exposed to new things. However, there is a high chance that parents and caregivers can nurture their child’s behavioral development by incorporating a good diet. The next time you prepare your kid’s menu, find out if the meals you have chosen will shape their behavior for better or worse.
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