Children's mood and behaviour, why/when to consider digestive health and nutrition.
As a parent myself, having been through times of what I call "big emotions" it can be hard to work out what is more than just normal growth and development, and if certain behaviours need more attention or investigation. There is enough to think about when it comes to raising happy, healthy children, so wondering and worrying if your child might have more deeper cognitive and behavioural concerns just adds to the ongoing list of things we, as parents, think about daily. ‘
PANS/PANDAS – is not a familiar term used here in NZ – but eventually I am sure it will be somewhat more common. Although the term may not be familiar – the symptoms for many parents will be. Children who present with specific neuro symptoms, including behavioural but also commonly associated with digestive symptoms.
Again although the term may not be familiar, the feature of behaviour and “tummy” complaint is something that I have seen in my clinic for many years, and often why many families are referred to me.
What is PANS/PANDAS?:
Paediatric Acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection is essentially brain inflammation that occurs after an infection, most commonly associated with strep infection, but could many other infections including viral. A child may have a sudden onset of behaviour changes after an illness or infection, resulting in dramatic changes in personality, or may suddenly present with tics, anxiety, sensory sensitivities (light/sound). And what I have seen in clinic also is a reversal of food intake, due to becoming sensitive to texture and/or taste. There may also be new or increased onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviour.
Unfortunately diagnosis is still difficult here in New Zealand. Many time parents are coming up with their own conclusion due to their own investigations.
I have noticed recently an increase in on-going education, specific to PANS/PANDAS for holistic practitioners and this is wonderful to see, as it will help so many parents in their journey to supporting their children to thrive not just mentally, but physically.
My common-sense approach, which has always been evidenced based, is to focus on digestive integrity and microbiome diversity. It may be necessary to consider food intolerance testing, but not always. Certainly understanding nutritional deficiencies is vital – but this can often be difficult to obtain depending on the child’s age and nature.
It is worth noting, that I have seen these types of symptoms children with onset of candida issues (skin and intestinal) as well as post Urinary Tract Infection.
There are typical nutrients to suggest – such as magnesium – but there are also many others to consider. And of course as always protein intake – or amino acid nourishment - is always part of the food as medicine approach.
However each child is unique. Each family environment is unique. Having worked with many kids over the years, it is important to work well with the kids as well as parents/caregivers. I feel blessed to have been referred by many of my existing families, to other families who need support in this sensitive area.
If you have any questions around how I can support your amazing little one, then please reach out!
Claudia Oxford-Gonzalez Clinical Nutritionist DipNut GradCert. HPN