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Children’s Metal Health Week Providing children with the building blocks for good mental health
February 11th, 2016
8th – 14th February is Children’s Metal Health Week – a subject not often talked about. Here nutritionist Nicky Seabrook talks about a link between diet and mental health in children.
Nutrition is intimately linked to brain biochemistry. By improving a child’s diet you can greatly improve their mood, sleep patterns, energy levels and enthusiasm for everyday life.
In 2005 the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued guidelines stating that children under 18 should not be treated with antidepressants before diet, counselling and exercise are tried first.
Today we understand a little more about brain biochemistry. For example, we know that there are three key neurotransmitters: serotonin which makes us happy and adrenalin and noradrenalin which motivate us.
Some children may suffer low levels of these neurotransmitters if they do not get adequate intakes of specific nutrients or take insufficient exercise or have a lot of stress in their lives.
The following are recognised nutritional imbalances that can lead to poor mental health:
- Poor blood sugar balance
- Deficiencies of B vitamins
- Low intakes of magnesium, zinc and essential oils
- Low intakes of tryptophan and tyrosine from protein
- Food allergies and intolerances
Nutritional Therapy can support children’s recovery from depression and behavioural disorders.
Please contact Nicky Seabrook BSc.Dip.IONmBANT CNHC at the centre for further advice on 01394 388234 or visit her page on our website.