Fiber Is Key To Neurodivergent Children's Health
Inflammation is the key feature of PANDAS/PANS, therefore any intervention that reduces inflammation will reduce symptoms and Protect The Brain long term.
Nourishment is the cornerstone and first line of defense to reduce inflammation. Fiber plays a key role in reducing inflammation through the brain-gut-microbiome axis, a network of connections between the brain and gut bacteria.
1) Fiber is the primary food source for our microbiome.
2) When we do not feed our microbiome fiber, these gut bacteria feast on our intestinal lining.
3) This attack weakens the integrity of the gut lining and our gut barrier.
4) The resulting increased gut permeability (“leaky gut”) allows partially digested food, toxins, and bacteria to enter our blood stream.
5) The toxins in our blood stream lead to inflammation of our entire system, including the brain, a particularly vulnerable organ for neurodivergent children.
Fiber is essential to maintain a healthy microbiome that optimizes the brain-gut-microbiome axis and reduces inflammation.
Fiber-rich foods include:
Greens such as spinach and kale
Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or whole grain oats
Legumes such as edamame, beans, lentils, and chickpeas
Veggies such as peas, carrots, and tomatoes
All fruits!
Nuts like almonds, pistachios, and pecans
Seeds like flax and chia seeds
We encourage our families with neurodivergent children to add these foods to their plates at all meals.
Dr. Adame encourages any degree of progression towards high-protein, high-fiber, anti-inflammatory nourishment to reduce inflammation, protect the brain long term, and improve gut-brain health connection.
Here are some of the tools the Culver Peds team uses to guide families with this intervention.
Talk to your PANDAS/PANS physician to strategize an individualized action plan to optimize your child’s nourishment.
If you would like to join our PANS/PANDAS clinic at Culver Pediatrics Center, register for one of our informational group sessions.
At Culver Pediatrics Center we aim to transform children’s mind, body, spirit health by educating and empowering families, communities and schools in holistic nutritional wellness because. We believe healthy children start with healthy adults in their lives. We take a Veggies Over Pills approach for our comprehensive pediatric services, combining science-based medicine with holistic principles. Schedule a consultation to start your children’s wellness journey with us.
Do you already have a great pediatrician for your children, but would like to transform your own mind, body, spirit health for the benefit of those you love most? Our Holistic Wellness Program For Women is right for you.
We aim to be the best pediatric practice in Marshall County, Lake Maxinkuckee area, and the state of Indiana. If your child is not yet part of the Culver Pediatrics Center family, sign up in the email opt-in below to learn more about our boutique pediatrician services.
