Food for Thought (Literally!): Nutrition in the Playroom

The connection between gut and brain is becoming more widely studied and gaining in increased importance. For children who struggle, this brings up the possibility that what they’re eating is feeding underlying dysfunction. Diet might not be the sole answer, but it could play a vital role in finding a solution. Join Lisa Dion, LPC, RPT-S, and Kelly Miller, LCSW, RPT-S, as they explore this intriguing topic.

1:33 Lisa introduces Kelly Miller, LCSW, RPT-S

3:14 How many factors are involved in transformation?

3:45 What are the pieces that are overlooked?

4:30 The role that diet plays in mental health and wellness

5:15 The possible role of the immune system

6:00 Issues in the playroom may or may not be connected to diet

6:59 The gut microbiome

7:43 Many chemicals thought to be manufactured in the brain are actually manufactured in the gut

9:00 The gut sends the brain information provoking a response

12:00 Food sensitivities

15:30 Every behavior is an attempt to regulate the nervous system

17:30 The gut can direct you into a hypo-aroused state or hyper-aroused state

18:30 What symptoms can the diet cause?

20:33 How does the body respond to stimulants, like sugar or caffeine?

23:00 How does dairy affect us?

26:00 Cure your child with food: the hidden connection between nutrition and childhood ailments – In this book, Dorfman discusses and provides insights into how common challenges with children including picky eating, reflux, stomach aches, ear infections, constipation, sleepiness, mood disorders, hyperactivity, and more often have connection to nutrition. Dorfman goes into length about how children’s sensitivities and deficiencies can be exacerbated or minimized by recalibrating their diet.

27:00  A Mind of Your Own –In this book, Brogan, provides a monumental amount of research linking symptoms of depression and anxiety to dysregulation of the nervous system affected by diet, pharmaceuticals, and the environment. Brogan writes specifically to women who are looking to return their health and well-being to a natural state of wellness through education and transformation.

28:30 The importance of considering diet in treatment

31:00 Making diet changes accessible to people regardless of demographic