Natural Super Kids Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jessica Donovan
Ideas and inspiration to boost the health and nutrition of your kids with Naturopath Jessica Donovan
Why the Natural Super Kids Podcast Is Pressing Pause After 270 Episodes
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we have some big news to share. After 270 episodes and almost six years of recording nearly every week, we’ve decided to press pause on the podcast.
This is not necessarily goodbye forever. It’s a decision we’ve been thinking about for months and one that now feels right. Creating this podcast has been such an important part of Natural Super Kids but lately we’ve felt our inspiration starting to dip. We’ve found ourselves revisiting topics we’ve already covered and we know we need some space to work out what content will genuinely be most helpful for parents moving forward.
In this episode, we share:
- Why we’ve decided to pause the Natural Super Kids Podcast after 270 episodes
- What the extra space will allow us and the Natural Super Kids team to focus on
- Why we are feeling pulled towards refreshing our written content and older resources
- How you can keep learning from the 270 podcast episodes already available
🎧 Tune in to hear why we are pressing pause, what might come next and why we’d genuinely love your feedback on the future of the podcast.
We’d Love to Hear From You
Whether you’ve been listening since the very beginning or only recently found the podcast, thank you for being here.
We’d genuinely love to know how you feel about the podcast pressing pause. What content would help you most? What platforms or formats do you prefer? And if you’re really sad to see the weekly episodes pause, please tell us that too.
Your feedback will help shape what comes next for Natural Super Kids and may even help inform the future of the podcast.
📲 Stay Connected With Natural Super Kids
The podcast may be pressing pause but Natural Super Kids is not going anywhere.
We’ll continue sharing practical kids' health and nutrition content on Instagram. We’ll also be running free live masterclasses and sending our weekly emails with helpful information for parents.
If you’d like to join our email list, download our free Kids Gut Health eBook. You’ll receive the eBook and our regular emails with kids' health and nutrition support.
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Natural Super Kids Klub
Explore our kids' health and nutrition resources, masterclasses and practitioner support through the Natural Super Kids website.
🌿 Free Winter Immunity Masterclass Join the free Why Kids Get Sick Every Winter (And What You Can Do About It) masterclass. Save your seat here.
🌿 Send us a DM on Instagram at @naturalsuperkids and let us know what you think.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
How Everyday Antibacterial Products Could Affect Your Child’s Immune System
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about the everyday antibacterial products many families use to try to keep germs away, and how they may be making it harder for your child’s immune system to do its job.
From antibacterial hand washes and surface sprays to laundry sanitisers, dishwashing products and teenage skincare, these products are often marketed as protective. But when used too often, they can reduce the microbial exposure children need for healthy immune development.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why too many antibacterial products can interfere with healthy immune development
- The two chemicals to look out for: triclosan and benzalkonium chloride
- Where these chemicals may be hiding, including soaps, sanitisers, laundry products, dishwashing liquids and skincare
- Simple swaps that support a healthier home without over-sanitising your child’s environment
🎧 Tune in to learn why microbes are not always the enemy, how everyday antibacterial habits may be affecting your child’s immunity and what to use instead this winter.
Free Winter Immunity Masterclass
If this episode is resonating and you want to understand where your child’s immunity might be getting undermined, join our free Why Kids Get Sick Every Winter (And What You Can Do About It) masterclass.
You’ll learn the four areas where well-meaning parents may be making it harder for their child’s immune system to do its job, plus simple natural strategies to support your family through winter.
👉 Save your seat here: https://naturalsuperkids.com/winter
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Connect with us on Instagram Follow @naturalsuperkids for practical tips, education and updates on upcoming programs and resources.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Could Iron and Zinc Deficiency Be Behind Your Child's Constant Colds?
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we're exploring two of the most overlooked nutrient deficiencies that could be affecting your child's immune system, especially if they seem to catch every cold that goes around or take longer than expected to recover.
If your child keeps getting sick and you're repeatedly told it's "just another virus" or they're prescribed another round of antibiotics, this episode will help you understand one of the underlying reasons this cycle may be continuing.
We explain why iron and zinc are essential for a healthy immune system and why standard blood tests don't always give the full picture.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why iron deficiency can affect immunity, even when your child isn't anaemic
- Why ferritin is one of the most important markers to assess iron stores and why haemoglobin alone isn't enough
- How zinc supports immune function, gut health and recovery and the common signs your child may be running low
- Why standard GP blood tests often miss these nutrient deficiencies and what to ask for if your child is frequently unwell
- How diet, gut health, dairy intake and nutrient absorption all influence iron and zinc levels in children
🎧 Tune in to learn why identifying and correcting iron and zinc deficiencies may help reduce frequent winter illnesses, support faster recovery and strengthen your child's immune system over time.
Free Winter Immunity Masterclass
If your child seems to catch every bug that goes around and you're wondering what could be contributing to it, join our free Why Kids Get Sick Every Winter (And What You Can Do About It) masterclass.
You'll learn the four key areas that influence your child's immune system and simple natural strategies that can help support healthier winters.
👉 Save your free seat: https://naturalsuperkids.com/winter
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Need support with your child's iron or zinc levels?
Email: support@naturalsuperkids.com
🌿 Connect with us on Instagram
Follow @naturalsuperkids for practical tips, education and updates on upcoming programs and resources.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
What Happens When You Keep Suppressing Fevers in Children
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about fevers in children, why they happen and what can happen when we suppress them too quickly or too often.
It’s 2am. Your child is burning up. You feel scared. Reaching for Panadol can feel like the most caring thing to do. This episode is not about making parents feel guilty, it’s about helping you understand what a fever is actually doing, when it may be helpful to let it run its course and when it’s time to seek medical support.
In this episode we explore:
- Why fever is a deliberate immune response.
- How fevers help the body slow down pathogens.
- What can happen when fevers are repeatedly suppressed.
- How to support your child with hydration, rest and comfort measures.
🎧 Tune in to learn how to feel more confident around childhood fevers, why the goal is not always to bring the temperature down straight away and how to support your child’s immune system in a safe and considered way.
Free Winter Immunity Masterclass
If this episode is resonating and you want to understand where your child’s immunity might be getting undermined, join our free Why Kids Get Sick Every Winter (And What You Can Do About It) masterclass.
You’ll learn the four areas where well-meaning parents may be making it harder for their child’s immune system to do its job. Jessica also shares simple natural strategies to support your family through winter.
👉 Save your seat here: https://naturalsuperkids.com/winter
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Free Winter Immunity Masterclass https://naturalsuperkids.com/winter
🌿 Health Direct Fever in Babies and Children Infographic Search “Health Direct fever infographic” for guidance on when to manage a fever at home and when to seek medical attention.
🌿 Part & Parcel Shop healthy pantry staples, low-tox household products, supplements and snacks. Use code NSK20 to receive $20 off your first order over $99.
https://partandparcel.com.au/naturalsuperkids
🌿 Connect with us on Instagram Follow @naturalsuperkids for practical tips, education and updates on upcoming programs and resources.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Why Kids Get Sick So Often and How to Support Their Immune System Naturally
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about why kids getting sick is actually normal, especially during winter. We also talk about what you can do to help it happen less often.
If you’re in week three of another cold, your child has missed school again and everyone is exhausted, it’s easy to wonder if something is wrong with their immune system. In many cases, nothing is “wrong”, but there are reasons some kids get sick more often, take longer to recover or develop recurring issues like ear infections, croup, coughs and congestion.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why 6 to 8 colds a year can be normal for children.
- How illness helps train the immune system.
- The role of nutritional deficiencies, including iron, zinc, vitamin D and vitamin C.
- How gut health, inflammation, allergies, poor sleep and indoor lifestyles can affect immunity.
🎧 Tune in to learn why the goal isn’t zero illness, it’s fewer infections, milder symptoms and faster recovery, plus a clearer understanding of what may be undermining your child’s immunity.
Free Winter Immunity Masterclass
If this episode is resonating and you want to understand where your child’s immunity might be getting undermined, join our free Why Kids Get Sick Every Winter (And What You Can Do About It) masterclass.
You’ll learn what may be driving recurrent colds, coughs, ear infections, croup and slow recovery. Jessica also shares simple natural strategies to support your family through winter.
👉 Save your seat here: https://naturalsuperkids.com/winter
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Connect with us on Instagram Follow @naturalsuperkids for practical tips, education and updates on upcoming programs and resources.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
How One Family Supported Their Son Through Severe Emotional Struggles, Developmental Challenges, and a Powerful Recovery Journey
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re sharing an incredibly raw and emotional conversation with mum Casey about her son Ashton’s journey through severe behavioural challenges, mental health struggles, sleep issues, ADHD, anxiety and overwhelming family stress, and how things slowly began to change.
We speak with Casey about the years where Ashton’s aggression, emotional dysregulation, self-harm and physical health issues left the whole family in survival mode and how a combination of holistic health support, gut health interventions, psychological care and community support helped Ashton find his way back to himself.
In this episode, we explore:
- How Ashton’s sudden changes in behaviour, aggression, emotional outbursts and school struggles led to multiple diagnoses including ADHD, anxiety, depression and pathological demand avoidance
- The hidden physical health issues contributing to his mental and emotional state, including severe sleep deprivation, gut dysfunction and poor nutrient absorption
- How microbiome testing, targeted supplements, dietary changes and nervous system support helped improve Ashton’s sleep, mood, emotional regulation and energy
- Why community support, trusting parental instincts and taking small consistent steps can make such a powerful difference for families navigating complex challenges
🎧 Tune in to hear Ashton’s incredible story. From a place of crisis and hopelessness to becoming a calmer, happier young boy thriving socially, emotionally and even competing at the Surf Lifesaving Nationals. This episode is a powerful reminder that progress is possible, even when things feel impossibly hard.
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Connect with us on Instagram Follow @naturalsuperkids for practical tips, education, and updates on upcoming programs and resources.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
From Developmental Delays to Thriving: Matthew’s Gut Health and Learning Journey
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re sharing an incredibly honest and hopeful conversation with parents Ann and Ben about their son Matthew’s health journey. From developmental delays, emotional outbursts, digestive issues, sleep struggles and sensory challenges, through to becoming a calm, connected, thriving child who is now one of the best readers in his class.
We chat with Ann and Ben about the many pieces that helped support Matthew’s progress, including gut health, nutrition, microbiome testing, nervous system support and a more holistic approach to children’s health.
In this episode we explore:
- How early signs like colic, reflux, speech delays, aggression, poor sleep and frequent illness were impacting Matthew and the whole family
- Why trusting parental instincts matters when concerns are dismissed as “normal” developmental differences
- The role of gut health, gluten and dairy sensitivities, low-tox living and practitioner-grade supplements in supporting behaviour, digestion, and emotional regulation
- How therapies focused on the nervous system, primitive reflex integration and the gut-brain connection helped improve coordination, learning, communication, and self-regulation
🎧 Tune in to hear Matthew’s inspiring story, the practical changes that made the biggest difference for this family, and a powerful reminder that children can thrive when we look beyond isolated symptoms and support the body as a whole.
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Connect with us on Instagram Follow @naturalsuperkids for practical tips, education, and updates on upcoming programs and resources.
Parents Directory
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
How to Interpret Paediatric Microbiome Testing Correctly (and What Most Parents Aren’t Told)
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about one of the biggest issues we are seeing in children’s health right now, the misinterpretation of paediatric microbiome testing.
With more families turning to gut microbiome testing to understand eczema, allergies, digestive symptoms, immune issues, and overall health, it’s becoming increasingly important for parents to understand that children’s microbiome results cannot be interpreted the same way as adults’.
We share key insights from a recent paediatric microbiome mentoring program with Dr Brad Leech. During this, Dr Brad explained the common mistakes that can lead to unnecessary supplementation, restrictive diets, and incorrect “leaky gut” diagnoses in children, which we wanted to share with you today.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why most microbiome tests for kids use adult reference ranges that may not apply to children
- The truth about zonulin, secretory IgA, and microbiome diversity scores in kids under 12
- Why a child’s age, diet, breastfeeding history, and immune development matter when interpreting results
- How the right practitioner and the right testing technology can make a huge difference in getting useful, accurate information
🎧 Tune in to learn why low microbiome diversity is not always a bad thing in young children, why some gut test results may be misunderstood, and how to approach paediatric microbiome testing in a more informed and balanced way.
FREE MASTERCLASS: The Natural Solution for Kids with Eczema & Allergies
How to soothe skin, calm reactions & reduce flare-ups .... naturally.
Register for our Masterclass here
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Connect with us on Instagram
Follow @naturalsuperkids for practical tips, education, and updates on upcoming programs and resources.
🌿 Join the Eczema & Allergy Program Waitlist
Add your name to the waitlist to be notified when the next round opens.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Why Some Kids With Eczema and Allergies Stay Stuck in a Cycle of Flare-Ups
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about why so many children with eczema and allergies stay stuck in a cycle of flare-ups, food reactions, congestion, poor sleep, and constant symptom management, even after trying creams, elimination diets, supplements, and allergy testing.
We share the 3 biggest differences in the Natural Super Kids approach to eczema and allergies, and why looking at the bigger immune picture can make such a difference for long-term results.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why eczema and allergies are often treated as separate problems instead of connected immune system issues
- What standard allergy testing can miss when it comes to histamine, sensitivities, and immune dysregulation
- The gut-skin-immune connection and how gut health can influence eczema, congestion, inflammation, and food reactions
- Why individualised, realistic support works better than restrictive diets and overwhelming protocols
🎧Tune in to learn more about the deeper drivers behind eczema and allergies, why many children don’t improve with symptom-focused approaches alone, and how a more holistic, sustainable strategy can support your child’s skin, gut, immune system, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Connect with us on Instagram
Follow @naturalsuperkids for practical tips, education, and updates on upcoming programs and resources.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
4 Eczema Root Causes in Children: Why Your Child’s Skin Needs a Personalised Approach
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about why eczema is never “just a skin condition” and how four real-life cases reveal completely different root causes behind similar symptoms.
If you’ve tried creams, removed foods, and still feel like you’re guessing what’s driving your child’s eczema, this episode will help you see the bigger picture.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why eczema can look the same on the outside but have completely different root causes internally
- Common drivers of eczema including histamine issues, gut health, food allergies, and environmental triggers
- Why removing a food (like dairy or gluten) isn’t always enough to heal eczema
- How a holistic, personalised approach can lead to real, long-term improvements
🎧Tune in to learn how to better understand your child’s eczema, what clues to look for, and why a tailored approach is key to real healing.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
🌿 Connect with us on Instagram
Follow @naturalsuperkids for practical tips, education, and updates on upcoming programs and resources.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
FPIES Symptoms in Babies: Why Vomiting Hours After Eating Isn’t Just Gastro or Reflux
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome) a lesser-known type of food allergy that doesn’t look like a typical allergic reaction.
Instead of immediate symptoms like hives or swelling, FPIES often shows up as delayed, intense vomiting hours after eating, which is why it’s so commonly mistaken for gastro, reflux, or a random illness. For many parents, this leads to a long and confusing journey before getting real answers.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why your child may be vomiting hours after eating (and why it’s often missed)
- The key signs it could be FPIES, not gastro or reflux
- Why allergy tests come back normal, even when reactions are severe
- The most common trigger foods and how to start identifying patterns
🎧 Tune in to better understand what FPIES actually is, how to recognise the patterns, and how to feel more confident navigating your child’s symptoms, diagnosis, and next steps with the right support.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
🌿 Connect with us on Instagram
Follow @naturalsuperkids for practical tips, education, and updates on upcoming programs and resources.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Why Your Child Reacts to Everything: Histamine Intolerance vs MCAS in Kids
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re unpacking one of the more confusing and complex allergy-related pictures we see in kids — when symptoms don’t follow a clear pattern, allergy testing comes back normal, but your child is still clearly reacting to something.
If your child seems to react to multiple foods, heat, stress, exercise, strong smells, or seemingly random environmental triggers, this episode will help you better understand what may be going on beneath the surface. We’re talking about histamine intolerance, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and mast cell dysregulation — and why these issues are often missed or misunderstood.
In this episode, we explore:
- What histamine intolerance actually is, and why it is about poor histamine breakdown, not just eating high histamine foods
- The difference between histamine intolerance, mast cell activation syndrome, and mast cell dysregulation — and why symptoms can look so messy and unpredictable
- Why standard allergy testing often misses these issues, even when your child is clearly reacting
- How a more holistic approach focused on gut health, immune regulation, and inflammation can help calm the bigger picture
🎧 Tune in to learn why your child may seem to react to everything, why allergy tests can come back normal even when something is clearly wrong, and how to start approaching histamine and mast cell issues in a more grounded, practical, whole-child way.
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Follow Natural Super Kids on Instagram
Come and connect with us over at @naturalsuperkids for more education, practical tips, and updates on upcoming programs and masterclasses.
🌿 Visit naturalsuperkids.com
You can explore ways to work with us, find more resources, and access support through our website.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Enlarged Tonsils in Children: The Overlooked Allergy Connection Before Surgery
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about one of the most common reasons families seek support in our clinic: enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
For many parents, the conversation around tonsils and adenoids feels frustratingly limited. If your child is snoring, mouth breathing, getting frequent ear infections, or constantly congested, surgery is often presented as the main option. And while surgery can absolutely be the right path for some children, it doesn’t always answer the deeper question: why are the tonsils and adenoids enlarged in the first place?
In this episode, we explore one of the most overlooked drivers behind chronic tonsil and adenoid enlargement: allergies. From dairy and food sensitivities to dust mites and environmental triggers, we unpack how ongoing immune activation can keep this tissue inflamed and why addressing the root cause can make a meaningful difference.
In this episode, we explore:
- How allergies and immune activation may be contributing to enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children
- Why dairy and dust mites are two of the most common triggers we see in clinic
- The signs that suggest your child’s symptoms may be allergy-driven, not just structural
- Why surgery may not fully resolve the issue if the underlying trigger hasn’t been addressed
🎧 Tune in to learn more about the allergy connection behind enlarged tonsils and adenoids, what signs to look for, and how to take a more holistic approach before rushing into surgery.
Resources & Links Mentioned
🎧Previous podcast episodes on enlarged tonsils and adenoids,
we mentioned two earlier episodes that go deeper into this topic, including a case study with a family who were able to avoid surgery. These are a great next step if this conversation resonates with you.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
The Link Between Oral Function, Sleep Quality and ADHD in Children
This week on the podcast, we’re exploring a fascinating and important connection that more families need to know about: the link between oral function, sleep quality, and ADHD-like behaviours in children.
We are joined by Tash Duffin from Whole Child Co, an occupational therapist, orofacial myofunctional therapist, and practitioner working in infant and early childhood sleep quality, feeding, and reflux. Tash also brings her own lived experience as a mum, which makes this conversation feel both deeply informed and incredibly practical.
Together, they unpack how poor sleep quality, mouth breathing, and airway dysfunction can influence focus, impulsivity, emotional regulation, behaviour, and overall development. This episode is especially valuable for parents of children with an ADHD diagnosis, ADHD-like symptoms, restless sleep, mouth breathing, or ongoing feeding challenges.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How poor sleep quality can mimic or worsen ADHD-like behaviours, including the impact of fragmented sleep on focus, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and hyperactivity.
- Why airway health and oral function matter so much, and how mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, and poor oral rest posture can affect a child’s development, behaviour, and nervous system regulation.
- The signs that may point to underlying sleep and airway issues, including open-mouth sleeping, restless sleep, unusual sleeping positions, bedwetting, grinding, dry lips, bad breath, selective eating, and daytime fatigue.
- Where parents can start if they’re concerned, from observing their child’s sleep more closely to seeking the right support and understanding why addressing root causes matters more than relying on quick fixes alone.
🎧 Tune in to learn more about the connection between oral function, sleep quality, and ADHD, and why looking more closely at how your child breathes and sleeps may offer an important missing piece in their overall health and behaviour picture.
Resources & Links Mentioned
Website: Whole Child Co
Instagram: @wholechildco.au
Tash offers online and in-person support for families through:
- Orofacial myofunctional therapy
- Sleep quality assessments
- Support for persistent sleep challenges
- Feeding and oral function therapy
Previous Natural Super Kids Podcast Episode with Tash Duffin Tash has also been on the podcast before to talk about sleep,reflux and feeding, so if that’s relevant for your family, make sure to check out that earlier episode as well.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
How Sensory Integration in Children Supports Neurological Development
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into an important conversation about neurological development, sensory integration, and how children learn, regulate, and engage with the world around them.
We are joined by Dino Mennillo, founder and National Director of Occupational Therapy for Children, mental health-endorsed occupational therapist, and sensory integration specialist with nearly 30 years of experience supporting children with developmental, sensory, and neurodivergent challenges.
Together, they unpack what sensory integration actually is, how it affects daily life for children and families, and why play, movement, and the right kind of support can make such a meaningful difference. This is a rich, thoughtful conversation that brings together clinical insight, practical examples, and a shared passion for helping children thrive.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What sensory integration is and why it matters for neurological development, including how children process information through their senses, movement, and body awareness to support learning, regulation, coordination, and everyday functioning.
- The early signs of sensory processing challenges, from strong reactions to clothing, bath time, movement, and food textures to difficulties with emotional regulation, body awareness, and motor planning.
- How parents can gently support sensory needs at home, including why forcing food, movement, or uncomfortable experiences often backfires and how small, respectful, incremental changes can be far more effective.
- Why play, physical activity, and time outdoors are so important for development, and how reducing screen time and making space for more movement, creativity, and connection can support children’s sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing.
🎧 Tune in to learn more about supporting neurological development and sensory integration, what a neuro-affirming and play-based OT approach can look like, and how parents can take simple, realistic steps to better support their child’s regulation, development, and confidence.
Resources & Links Mentioned
Occupational Therapy for Children
Clinic Locations
- South Australia
- Melbourne
- Gold Coast
- Riverland
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Why Nature Play for Kids Matters More Than Ever
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re having a really important conversation about nature play, free play, and what today’s children may be missing when so much of life happens indoors or on screens.
We are joined by Nikki Farrell, co-owner of Wildlings Forest School and Little Wildlings, co-host of the Raising Wildlings Podcast, teacher, unschooling mum, and passionate advocate for children’s rights and free play. Together, they explore how children’s physical, emotional, and social development is being shaped by the steady decline in outdoor play and why getting outside matters so much more than we often realise.
This conversation begins with some confronting truths about how much children’s free play has changed over the years, but stay with it. Nikki shares practical, thoughtful ideas that make this feel possible and encouraging, even for families navigating busy schedules, screen habits, safety concerns, and children who resist going outside.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What has changed for kids over the last 10–20 years, including the decline in free play, reduced physical confidence, lower resilience, and the impact this is having on focus, emotional regulation, and social development.
- What children are missing out on when screens take over, and why the conversation needs to go beyond screen time limits to include creativity, movement, independence, problem-solving, and real-world connection.
- The wide-reaching benefits of nature play, from gross motor development and sensory integration to sleep, emotional regulation, confidence, curiosity, and a stronger connection to learning.
- Simple, realistic ways to bring more nature play into family life, including how to support outdoor play in urban areas, how to gently build children’s independence, and why community matters so much in helping kids get outside more often.
🎧 Tune in to learn more about why nature play is such a powerful support for children’s development, how parents can create more opportunities for free play without adding pressure, and what small shifts can make a big difference in everyday family life.
Resources & Links Mentioned
Wildlings Forest School
Raising Wildlings
Wildlings Forest School
Raising Wildlings Podcast
Little Wildlings
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Why Mental Breathing Space Is Essential for Parents in a Busy World
This week on the podcast we’re exploring something many parents rarely give themselves permission to experience: mental breathing space.
Modern life fills nearly every moment with stimulation. Whether it’s scrolling on our phones, listening to podcasts, checking messages, or constantly researching solutions for our children’s health and wellbeing, our brains are rarely given the opportunity to slow down and process.
In this episode we discuss:
- The concept of “soft fascination” and how gentle activities like walking in nature, swimming, or simply watching the clouds can help the brain rest while still staying lightly engaged.
- How technology has quietly removed many of the natural pauses from everyday life, speeding up our perception of time and contributing to constant mental stimulation.
- The heavy cognitive load many proactive parents carry, especially when navigating children’s health concerns such as allergies, food sensitivities, or behavioural challenges.
- Why allowing your brain more breathing space can strengthen intuition, emotional regulation, and resilience, helping parents make clearer decisions and support their children more calmly.
🎧Tune in to learn more about how giving your brain moments of breathing space can improve clarity, creativity, and emotional balance in family life.
We share practical reflections on reducing constant mental input, building moments of “soft fascination” into your day, and allowing yourself the space to slow down even in the busy seasons of parenting.
Resources & Links Mentioned
A Brain That Breathes by Jodi Wilson
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
How Busy Parents Can Create Real Rest in Everyday Family Life
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about how to create real rest in a busy family life and why so many parents feel mentally “full” even when they finally get a moment to themselves.
We are joined by bestselling author, health journalist, postpartum doula, and mum of four - Jodi Wilsonto explore the idea of “breathing space” and the small, practical ways we can help our nervous system feel calmer, without adding more to our already-full plates.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why modern family life can leave parents depleted, and the disconnect between how our brains are designed and how we’re living
- Simple “breathing space” practices that help you feel more grounded (even in the middle of a normal day)
- The difference between self-care culture and real rest in a busy family life, and what actually supports your body and brain
- How screens and constant input can overload the nervous system, plus gentle strategies to create healthier boundaries for the whole family
🎧Tune in to learn how to create tiny pockets of calm that actually make a difference, whether you’re in the thick of little kids or navigating a new season with older children and more space than you’re used to.
Resources & Links Mentioned
- Jodi Wilson’s book A Brain That Breathes: Essential Habits for an Overwhelming World (available through major bookstores and independent retailers).
- Jodi Wilson on Substack (weekly newsletter on simplicity and breathing space).
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Why Some Children React to Things Others Don’t: Understanding the Guard Dog Immune System
This week on the podcast we’re exploring a question many parents ask when their child develops eczema, allergies, or food sensitivities: Why does one child react to things that other children seem completely fine with?
You might notice that one child can eat a wide range of foods, roll around in grass, or spend time around pets without any issues, while another child develops itchy skin, congestion, digestive symptoms, or allergic reactions.
Here's what we cover:
- How children’s immune systems learn through early exposure to microbes, foods, and their environment, and why these early experiences shape how the immune system responds later in life.
- The hygiene hypothesis and rising allergy rates, including how modern lifestyles and highly sanitized environments may limit the immune system’s ability to learn what is harmless.
- Why some immune systems become overreactive, with factors such as genetics, gut microbiome health, birth method, diet, and skin barrier integrity all playing a role.
- Why removing triggers alone isn’t enough, and how supporting immune regulation can help calm an overprotective immune system rather than simply avoiding more and more foods or environmental exposures.
🎧 Tune in to learn more about the “guard dog immune system,” why some children react to things others don’t, and what parents can do to support healthier immune regulation.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Histamine Reactions in Children: Why Some Kids Seem to React to Everything
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about histamine and why some kids seem to be “reacting to everything,” even when you’ve already cleaned up their diet, removed the usual suspects, and tried all the common strategies.
If your child’s symptoms feel unpredictable (or like they’re piling up across skin, digestion, and respiratory health), this episode will help you step back and understand what an overprotective immune system can look like and why the goal isn’t endless avoidance, but supporting the body so it can respond more calmly over time.
In this episode, we explore:
- What histamine is and why some children seem extra sensitive to it, even when allergy tests don’t give clear answers
- How histamine-related symptoms can show up alongside eczema, allergies, and ongoing gut symptoms and why the overlap is common
- Why restriction can sometimes become a slippery slope, and what to consider before cutting more foods “just in case”
- The bigger picture factors that influence histamine load and tolerance, including gut health, immune regulation, and the body’s “threshold” for reacting
🎧 Tune in to learn why “reacting to everything” isn’t a parenting failure - it’s often a sign the body needs deeper support and how to think about histamine in a way that feels clear, grounded, and practical.
🌿 Resources & Links Mentioned
- Monash University FODMAP app (a helpful tool for navigating FODMAP foods if your child is also dealing with digestive reactions)
If you loved this episode, We'd be so grateful if you left a review. You can also share your biggest takeaway by sending a DM on Instagram @naturalsuperkids.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
FODMAPs and Fructose in Kids: Why Healthy Foods Can Cause Gut Symptoms
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re exploring a confusing but incredibly common experience for families: when “healthy” foods seem to trigger bloating, tummy pain, irregular bowels, or fatigue in kids.
If your child reacts to foods like apples, garlic, lentils, smoothies, or even large amounts of fruit and you’ve already tried removing gluten or dairy without clear answers - this episode will help you understand what might really be going on inside their gut.
We unpack how FODMAPs and fructose malabsorption can affect digestion in children, why symptoms often overlap with eczema and allergies, and why simply removing more foods isn’t the long-term solution.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ What FODMAPs actually are and why some children struggle to digest these otherwise healthy foods
✅ How fructose malabsorption can cause bloating, gas, fatigue, and ongoing gut symptoms
✅ Why low FODMAP diets should only be short term and what needs to happen alongside them to support gut health
✅ How improving gut function and microbiome balance helps children tolerate more foods over time
🎧 Tune in to learn why gut symptoms often persist even after common food eliminations and how a balanced, personalised approach can support both digestion and immune health especially heading into colder months.
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌿 Monash University FODMAP App
A practical tool to help identify high, moderate, and low FODMAP foods and guide short-term dietary trials safely.
🌿 Natural Super Kids – Online Clinic & Klub
Personalised support for children with digestive symptoms, eczema, allergies, and food intolerances, with a focus on gut health and immune balance.
🌿 Share this episode
If you know a family navigating ongoing gut symptoms, food reactions, or a low FODMAP diet, this episode may help them feel less alone and more confident in their next steps.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Dust Mites, Eczema and Allergies: An Overlooked Trigger in Kids
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most commonly overlooked triggers when it comes to eczema and allergies in children: dust mites.
Many families focus heavily on food triggers like dairy or gluten, and while those can absolutely play a role, environmental allergens are often quietly contributing in the background. Because dust mites are present all year round not just seasonally like pollens, they can be harder to identify as a cause of ongoing symptoms.
In this episode, we unpack how dust mites may be affecting your child’s skin, sinuses, and respiratory system and why simply changing diet may not be enough if environmental exposure hasn’t been addressed.
In this episode, we explore:
- The signs that dust mites may be contributing to eczema and allergy symptoms especially when symptoms flare overnight or in the morning
- Why dust mites can trigger skin, sinus, and respiratory issues year-round
- Practical, manageable steps you can take at home to reduce exposure
- Why dust mites aren’t the root cause (only a trigger) and how immune regulation, gut health, and skin barrier function play a bigger role in long-term improvement
🎧 Tune in to learn how dust mites may be impacting your child’s eczema and allergies and why supporting immune balance is just as important as reducing environmental triggers.
💬 If you loved this episode, I’d be so grateful if you left a review.
💚 You can also share your biggest takeaway or any questions about dust mites, eczema and allergies by sending a DM on Instagram @naturalsuperkids - we’d love to hear from you.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Pantry Staples That Make Healthy Family Meals Easy
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re taking a peek inside Founder Jessica Donovan’spantry in audio form — sharing the key foods Jessica always keeps on hand, the ones she rarely runs out of because they form the backbone of so many everyday meals, baking recipes, and quick lunches.
Having a well-stocked pantry makes it so much easier to put together nourishing meals and snacks without stress, last-minute supermarket runs, or relying on processed convenience foods. While fresh, seasonal produce will always play an important role, the right pantry staples create a strong foundation for whole food family nutrition.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why certain pantry staples can make balanced meals faster and easier even on busy days
- Simple protein-rich options that support brain health, growth, and steady energy
- How small swaps in baking and cooking can boost fiber, micronutrients, and digestibility
- The role of quality fats, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices in supporting gut health and whole food eating
🎧 Tune in to discover the seven foundational foods that make healthy family eating feel simpler, more sustainable, and far less overwhelming.
🌿Resources & Links Mentioned
If you loved this episode, I’d be so grateful if you left a review. You can also share your pantry staples with us by sending a DM on Instagram @naturalsuperkids — we’d love to hear what you always keep stocked in your kitchen.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Simple Ways to Boost Kids’ Nutrition (Even If Veggies Are a Struggle)
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re diving into a refreshingly practical conversation about nutrition especially for families who feel stuck when it comes to vegetables.
Inspired by a moment in the kitchen, this episode explores simple, realistic ways to add more nourishment to your family’s meals without battles, pressure, or forcing extra greens onto the plate. Whether you have toddlers, school-aged kids, or teenagers who are increasingly eating outside the home, these ideas are designed to make everyday meals more nourishing even for picky eaters.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why adding nutrition doesn’t always mean adding more vegetables and what can have an even bigger nutritional impact
- How certain everyday foods can support brain development, immunity, and gut health
- Why some nutrient-dense choices can be more effective than simply increasing portion sizes
- Practical ways to enhance meals without overwhelming kids or creating food stress
🎧 Tune in to learn how small shifts in the kitchen can add meaningful nutrition to your family’s diet without turning mealtimes into a struggle or relying on foods your kids already refuse to eat.
🌿 Resources & Links Mentioned
💛 Share what you’re cooking on Instagram!
Tried one of the tips from this episode? We would love to see what you make.
Share a photo or short clip of what you’re cooking, tag @naturalsuperkids, and the team may repost your meal ideas to inspire other families.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Eczema and Allergies in Kids: Why Reactions Keep Happening
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re continuing our eczema and allergies series with a deeply grounding episode that brings everything we’ve been discussing into real life.
Instead of theory or quick fixes, this conversation walks through three real stories of children with eczema and allergies — each with a very different picture, but a shared theme: symptoms weren’t the full story. These families had tried creams, antihistamines, food elimination, and constant management, yet still felt stuck and overwhelmed.
We also share how looking beyond symptoms and into gut health, immune regulation, and individual drivers helped shift the picture in meaningful, lasting ways without extreme restriction or fear-based approaches.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why children with eczema and allergies can look completely different on the surface, yet share common patterns of immune dysregulation
- How histamine intolerance, gut microbiome imbalance, and reduced immune tolerance can quietly drive ongoing flare-ups
- Why removing trigger foods or allergens alone is often not enough and how repeated food elimination can sometimes increase reactivity over time
- What changes when the question shifts from “What is my child reacting to?” to “Why is their immune system reacting this way?”
🎧 Tune in to hear how addressing gut health and immune balance helped real children experience calmer skin, fewer reactions, and a better quality of life and why there may be more options available than you’ve been led to believe.
Resources & Links Mentioned
If you’re listening while the KLUB is open, now is the perfect time to join. Get ongoing practitioner support, allergy-friendly food guidance and clear step-by-step pathways for eczema and allergies.
👉 Join the KLUB here
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Food Elimination Diets for Kids: When They Help and When They Make Eczema Worse
When your child’s eczema or allergies flare, it’s natural to start scanning the plate. Dairy goes first. Then gluten. Then eggs. Then anything that feels even remotely suspicious. And yet… the flare-ups keep coming.
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re continuing our Eczema and Allergies Series by taking a closer look at food elimination — not from a place of blame, but from a place of understanding. We explore why cutting more and more foods can sometimes leave families feeling stuck, stressed, and confused, and why food isn’t always the real issue driving ongoing reactions.
In this episode, we unpack:
• Why food elimination feels like the most logical first step when eczema or allergies show up and why it often becomes unsustainable.
• How repeated restriction can quietly impact gut health, nutrient intake, and immune balance over time.
• The difference between avoiding a true allergy and navigating food sensitivities with a longer-term plan.
• What to focus on instead when your goal is calmer skin, fewer reactions, and a more resilient immune system.
🎧 Tune in to understand why eczema and allergies are rarely “just about food,” and how shifting your focus from constant elimination to internal support can help your child’s body respond more calmly, now and in the future.
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌱 🌱 Grab a copy of our FREE Eczema & Allergy-Friendly Recipes here
It shouldn’t be this hard to feed your child without worrying what might trigger a rash, hives, bloating or another stressful night. But the good news? Relief doesn’t have to come from restriction… it can start with simple, gut-friendly recipes your kids will actually enjoy.
🌱 Follow Natural Super Kids on Instagram: @naturalsuperkids
For complementary posts that support this eczema + allergies series, plus Q&As and episode updates.
🌱 Coming Soon: Free Masterclass on Immune Support for Allergic Kids
We will be launching an exciting FREE masterclass focused on building internal resilience and immune support strategies for children with allergies and eczema.
Stay tuned for details on how to access this valuable resource in the coming weeks!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Why Managing Symptoms Isn’t Enough for Kids With Eczema and Allergies
This week on the podcast, we’re continuing our eczema and allergies series with topic two and it’s a juicy one! This time, we’re talking about something so many parents feel in their bones but don’t always have the words for: when it comes to eczema and allergies, why does it feel like we’re constantly managing symptoms… but rarely getting real answers? 💛
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the loop of creams, antihistamines, food avoidance, and flare-ups that keep coming back, this episode is for you. We will gently unpack why the conventional medical approach can be incredibly helpful in the short term (and sometimes truly life-saving), but often misses the deeper “why” behind a child’s reactive immune system.
This is a big-picture episode that helps you step back, feel less alone, and start thinking about longer-term support in a way that’s practical and hopeful, not overwhelming.
Here’s what we cover:
- What most parents are offered in the medical system, and why creams, antihistamines, and avoidance can help in the short term but don’t always shift the bigger picture.
- Why allergy testing can feel confusing, including the difference between immediate IgE reactions and the slower, harder-to-identify intolerances and sensitivities many families suspect.
- The hidden downsides of long-term restrictive diets, and why removing more foods doesn’t automatically build tolerance or resilience (and can create new challenges over time).
- The four key areas that can change the long-term picture, including gut health, microbiome diversity, barrier integrity, and immune regulation (and why these aren’t always addressed in standard care).
🎧 Tune in to learn what may be missing from the usual “manage the symptoms” approach, and how to start thinking about eczema and allergies in a way that feels more hopeful, more empowering, and more sustainable for real family life.
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌱 Grab a copy of our FREE Eczema & Allergy-Friendly Recipes here
It shouldn’t be this hard to feed your child without worrying what might trigger a rash, hives, bloating or another stressful night. But the good news? Relief doesn’t have to come from restriction… it can start with simple, gut-friendly recipes your kids will actually enjoy.
🌱 Follow Natural Super Kids on Instagram: @naturalsuperkids
For complementary posts that support this eczema + allergies series, plus Q&As and episode updates.
🌱 Coming Soon: Free Masterclass on Immune Support for Allergic Kids
We will be launching an exciting FREE masterclass focused on building internal resilience and immune support strategies for children with allergies and eczema.
Stay tuned for details on how to access this valuable resource in the coming weeks!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Welcome to our very first Natural Super Kids Podcast episode of 2026! We hope you’ve had a beautiful festive season with your family, wherever you are in the world. ❄️☀️
This week on the podcast, we’re kicking off a new series with a topic so many parents are quietly struggling with: why eczema and allergies are becoming more common in kids (affecting almost 30% of children) and what actually helps beyond creams and avoidance.
If your child has eczema, food sensitivities, hay fever, asthma, or “reacts to everything,” this episode will help you zoom out and understand what’s really going on inside their immune system without blame, guilt, or overwhelm.
Have a listen as we break down the bigger picture behind rising allergy rates, explain why this isn’t something you caused, and introduce a more hopeful, long-term way to support your child’s health from the inside out.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why eczema and allergies are so common in kids today, and why this rise can’t be explained by genetics alone.
- How modern lifestyles affect the immune system, including what the hygiene hypothesis really means (and what it doesn’t).
- The role of the gut and microbiome in eczema and allergic disease, and why immune regulation matters more than suppression.
- What parents can realistically influence at home, even when wider environmental factors feel out of your control.
🎧 Tune in to better understand why your child’s immune system may be over-reactive and why there is more that can be done than just managing symptoms.
Resources & Links Mentioned
🌱 Grab a copy of our FREE Eczema & Allergy-Friendly Recipes here
It shouldn’t be this hard to feed your child without worrying what might trigger a rash, hives, bloating or another stressful night. But the good news? Relief doesn’t have to come from restriction… it can start with simple, gut-friendly recipes your kids will actually enjoy.
🌱 Follow Natural Super Kids on Instagram: @naturalsuperkids
For complementary posts that support this eczema + allergies series, plus Q&As and episode updates.
🌱 Coming Soon: Free Masterclass on Immune Support for Allergic Kids
We will be launching an exciting FREE masterclass focused on building internal resilience and immune support strategies for children with allergies and eczema.
Stay tuned for details on how to access this valuable resource in the coming weeks!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Holiday Parenting Tips for Kids: (Less Stress, More Connection)This week on the podcast, we’re wrapping up the year with a short, gentle episode designed to meet you exactly where you are right now — tired, busy, and likely juggling a lot.
As the final episode of the year, we share a heartfelt reminder that the holiday season isn’t about getting everything “right” with your kids’ health. It’s about connection, presence, and doing the best you can with the capacity you have. This episode is intentionally light, supportive, and realistic for families navigating the end-of-year rush.
Rather than focusing on rules or restrictions, we talk about coming back to simple foundations that support family health without adding more pressure to your plate.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why perfection isn’t the goal during the holidays and how letting go of unrealistic expectations can ease stress for the whole family.
- The foundational health basics that matter most right now, including sleep, simple nourishment, and gentle movement.
- How to reduce emotional overload during a season that can bring grief, complex family dynamics, and self-imposed pressure.
- Ways to prioritise connection and joy, even when things feel busy, messy, or far from Instagram-perfect.
🎧 Tune in for a calming end-of-year reminder to slow down, focus on what truly matters, and support your family’s health in a way that feels sustainable, not exhausting.
This episode is a permission slip to simplify, say no where needed, and trust that doing less (with intention) can often support your family more.
🍀 Help Shape the 2026 Podcast Season
Have a topic you’d love us to cover next year?
Send us a DM on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or email jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Thank you for being part of the Natural Super Kids community this year. We’ll be taking a short break and will be back in your ears mid-January with new episodes, fresh topics, and practical support to help you raise healthy, happy kids without the overwhelm. 💛
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
How Parenting Teenagers Changes When Your Child Becomes an Adult at 18This week on the podcast, we invite you into a more personal episode with Jessica Donovan, Founder of Natural Super Kids & Naturopath— one filled with reflection, honesty and those “no one warned me about this part” moments that arrive as your child steps into adulthood. 💛
With her eldest son officially turning 18, Jess shares what the transition into the later teenage years has really been like; the joys, the grief, the unexpected emotional challenges, and the deep sense of pride that comes with watching your child become their own person.
Rather than giving you a “how-to” guide, this conversation is a warm, real look at the changing dynamics of parenting teenagers, navigating independence, and staying connected even as family routines shift.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why the teenage years can feel both fun and emotionally confronting and the parts of this stage that surprised Jess the most.
- How family routines evolve as teens build their own schedules, friendships and independence (and why this shift brings up real feelings for parents).
- The balance between freedom and responsibility, including how Jess is increasing expectations at home now that her son is earning and transitioning into adult life.
- What connection looks like with teens, and how staying open, flexible and empathetic helps keep communication flowing during this huge life stage.
🎧 Tune in to hear Jess’s heartfelt reflections on parenting teenagers, embracing change, and finding your footing as your child steps into adulthood.
It’s honest, comforting and a beautiful reminder that while everything changes, connection remains the anchor.
Resources & Links Mentioned
- 15% Off Initial Consultations — Ends November 30 | Use code NOVEMBER when booking. (Appointments can be scheduled for December or January.)
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Book an Appointment with Natural Super Kids
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All consults are online and family-friendly.
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Work with our highly experienced team in the areas your child needs most.
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Follow us on Instagram @naturalsuperkids
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
How to Recognise Nutrient Deficiencies in Children (Through Practical & Manageable Steps)
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into a topic that comes up constantly inside our clinic: the three most common nutrient deficiencies we see in children and the subtle signs parents often miss.
We are joined by our nutritionist Adelle Rutch, who supports families all over Australia and beyond through our online clinic. From rural communities to busy city families, Adelle brings a practical approach to helping parents understand what might really be going on beneath every child being “tired, moody” or “just not quite themselves.”
In this episode, we explore why these 3 nutrient deficiencies show up so frequently in kids, what they actually look like in everyday life, and gentle ways parents can start supporting their child’s nutrient levels without overwhelm.
Here’s what we cover:
✅ The three nutrient deficiencies Adelle sees most often in clinic and how they can affect your child’s energy, immunity, growth and learning.
✅ Subtle signs to look out for – from frequent infections and “fake hyper” tiredness to growing pains and concentration struggles.
✅ Everyday ways to support your kid's nutrients naturally, including family-friendly food ideas and small tweaks that make a real difference over time.
✅ When testing is worth considering and why working with a practitioner helps you get the right markers checked (and avoid guessing or supplementing blindly).
🎧 Tune in to feel more confident spotting early signs of nutrient deficiencies in children, and learn where to begin with gentle, realistic nutrition support that fits into real family life. 🌱
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode
- Book an Online Appointment with Adelle Rutch
Work directly with our experienced nutritionist Adelle Rutch for personalised support with nutrient deficiencies, kids' health, and family nutrition.
- Check Your Private Health Extras Cover
Adelle is claimable under many private health funds - a great way to reduce out-of-pocket costs for consults.
- Episode 239: BEST OF: Addressing Iron Deficiency in Kids
- Claim 15% off your initial consultation with the code NOVEMBER - (Offer valid for bookings made before November 30; appointments available December and January.)
- Follow us on Instagram @naturalsuperkids for more kids’ health tips and updates on new episodes
Use code NOVEMBER when booking an Initial online Naturopathic consultation here
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Why iron matters more than most parents realise and how to spot (and support) low iron in your child.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient issues we see in kids, and it often goes unnoticed for far too long. Many little ones struggle with low iron stores, unexplained fatigue, behavioural changes, or slow recovery from illness and parents are left wondering what’s really going on.
In this Best Of episode, we revisit one of our most-requested topics: understanding iron deficiency in children and how to support healthy iron levels without overwhelm or guesswork. This episode breaks down the signs, causes, testing, diet tips, and supplement guidance so you can feel confident knowing what your child needs.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The early signs and symptoms of low iron in children (and which ones parents often miss).
- The most common causes of iron deficiency including how maternal iron levels may impact kids.
- When and how to check your child’s iron levels, plus the testing markers that matter.
- The difference between heme and non-heme iron, and how each is absorbed in the body.
- Practical nutrition strategies to support iron naturally through food.
- What improves absorption (and what blocks it).
- How to approach supplementation safely — including best forms, dosage considerations, and why you shouldn’t supplement without confirmed deficiency.
This replay is perfect for parents navigating fatigue, behavioural changes, fussy eating, slow growth, or frequent illness or anyone wanting to better understand their child’s iron needs.
Tune in to learn the small changes that can make a big difference to your child’s energy + behaviour. 🎙️🌿
Episode Links:
- Read the full blog: Low Iron in Children – How To Boost Their Levels
- Book an appointment with our team at the Natural Super Kids Online Clinic
- Download our Free Gut Health eBook
Use code NOVEMBER when booking an Initial online Naturopathic consultation here
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Our kids are living in an anxiety-promoting world. There is so much stimulation out there thanks to modern technology, which gives their brains a lot to process. Some even say that anxiety is a normal and rational reaction to the modern world.
Anxiety is the second most common mental health disorder among children in Australia. It is more common in girls than boys, but boys can still have a hard time with anxiety. As a Mum of a child who experiences anxiety, I know firsthand how tricky it can be to manage, which is why I love helping as many parents as possible in this area.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The difference between feeling anxious vs having anxiety;
- Common signs and symptoms of anxiety in children;
- The most common contributors including:
- Gut-brain connection;
- Screen time
- Lack of physical activity
- Quality of sleep
- Diet and nutrition
- The Natural Super Kids naturopathic approach to managing anxiety in children which involves:
- Validating the child’s fears and emotions;
- Addressing underlying triggers;
- Dietary factors that contribute to anxiety in children
- Particular dietary changes that can benefit anxiety in children;
- Nutritional supplements that can be beneficial in supporting children with anxiety.
Episode Links:
- Screen time linked to psychological problems in children – research study.
- Changes in screen time and mental health outcomes – research study.
- Blog post: Exploring anxiety in children.
Use code NOVEMBER when booking an Initial online Naturopathic consultation here
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Welcome back to our ⭐ Best Of series — where we’re sharing some of the most loved and listened-to episodes from the Natural Super Kids Podcast.
In this Best Of episode, we’re revisiting one of our most popular topics — parasites in children — specifically the two we see most often: Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis.
These microscopic critters can cause a surprising range of symptoms in kids — from tummy aches to mood swings an,d are more common than most parents realise.
Jess shares the signs to look out for, how kids can pick them up, and the Natural Super Kids approach to treating and preventing parasite infections naturally.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The most common symptoms of parasite infections in children - digestive, mood, and behavioural changes.
- Why some kids are more at risk (especially those on tank water).
- How parasites can affect mood, irritability, and concentration.
- Our holistic, naturopathic approach to testing, treatment, and prevention.
- The role of gut health and “terrain” in keeping parasites at bay.
- How we use antimicrobial herbs, probiotics, and prebiotics to support recovery.
- When to consider medical treatment or further investigation.
Episode Links:
- Blog post: Holistic approach to treating worms in kids
- Blog post: Low iron in children – How to boost their levels
- Research: Mental and behavioural effects of parasitic infections
- Research: Intestinal parasites may be associated with later behavioural problems in internationally adopted children
Need support with testing or treatment?
If you suspect parasites could be affecting your child’s health, our online clinic can help. Our qualified naturopaths and nutritionists can arrange testing, interpret results, and create a personalised treatment plan to support your child’s recovery and overall gut health — all from the comfort of your home.
Book an online appointment here
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Welcome to our ⭐ Best Of series — where we’re sharing some of the most loved and listened-to episodes from the Natural Super Kids Podcast. These episodes continue to spark conversations, offer clarity, and provide support to parents navigating common health challenges in their kids.
In this Best Of episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we're revisiting one of our most popular topics: how to understand and naturally support enlarged tonsils and adenoids without jumping straight to surgery.
If your child struggles with mouth breathing, snoring, recurring ear infections or behavioural issues like poor concentration or hyperactivity, enlarged tonsils and adenoids could be playing a bigger role than you think.
This is a must-listen for parents who want to explore their options with confidence and clarity.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
- What tonsils and adenoids actually are, and how they function in the immune system.
- Common reasons they become enlarged (and stay that way).
- The link between enlarged tonsils/adenoids and symptoms like mouth breathing, sleep issues, ADHD, and fussy eating.
- Risks and benefits of surgical removal and why it’s not always the best first step.
- Natural and nutritional strategies we recommend to reduce inflammation.
- How oral myofunctional therapy can support breathing, sleep, and long-term outcomes.
Ready to take a natural step forward?
Supporting enlarged tonsils and adenoids doesn’t have to mean rushing into surgery. Tune in to feel informed, empowered, and supported with practical, gentle alternatives. 🎧
Resources & Links Mentioned:
🎧 Listen next: Episode 78 – Vitamin D for Immunity, Allergies & Brain Health
📘 Download your free Kids' Gut Health eBook
📚 Research:
- Association of Tonsil & Adenoid Removal with Long-Term Health Risks
- Tonsil Volume and Allergic Rhinitis in Children
👩⚕️ Need personalised support? Book a 1:1 consultation with our online clinic
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most eye-opening food conversations we’ve had yet with scientist, food integrity expert, and founder of Eat For You, Dr. Hayley Dickinson.
From misleading labels to outdated nutrition data, Dr. Hayley pulls back the curtain on how food marketing plays on our values especially when it comes to feeding our families. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can really trust what’s written on food packaging, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, we explore:
✅ What greenwashing and nutrition washing actually mean and how they show up in food marketing.
✅ Why food labels often don’t reflect what’s really inside (including shocking nutrient discrepancies).
✅ What parents should know about common supermarket products like Brazil nuts, berries, and organic snacks.
✅ Simple, practical ways to reduce chemical exposure and choose better foods without blowing your budget
🎧 Tune in to learn how to become a more informed food shopper, why “healthy” packaging often isn’t, and how to focus your energy on what really matters when it comes to nourishing your family.
💬 Loved this conversation?
Send Jess a DM on Instagram at @naturalsuperkids or email jessica@naturalsuperkids.com — we’d love to know your biggest takeaway!
🔗 Find Dr. Hayley Dickinson here:
- Website: eatforyou.com.au
- Instagram: @_eatforyou
- Personal IG: @hayley___dickinson
Other Projects:
- The Art & Science of Being Human
- The Womanhood Project
💚 Want ongoing support in raising healthy and happy kids?
Join the waitlist for the Natural Super Kids Klub — our membership that gives you evidence-based tools, real-life support, and a like-minded community of health-conscious parents.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
What It’s Really Like Inside the Natural Super Kids KLUB
This week on the podcast, we’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how we support families inside the Natural Super Kids KLUB — our signature membership that’s helped thousands of parents feel more confident, clear, and connected on their children’s health journey.
In this episode, we are joined by Adele Rutch, our Community Care & Growth Manager (and mum of two!), for her first-ever podcast appearance. As a qualified nutritionist with a pharmacy background, Adele shares how she supports families inside the Klub with calm, practical guidance and why this kind of support makes such a difference when you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure.
Here’s what we cover:
✅ The most common struggles parents come to us with and how we help them feel less alone.
✅ What makes the Natural Super Kids Klub different from other memberships or courses (hint: it’s not just more info).
✅ The 6 core health pathways inside the membership and how they help families make step-by-step progress.
✅ Real-life examples of the kinds of questions we answer daily (like dosing supplements, managing fussy eating, or decoding food sensitivities).
🎧 Tune in to get an honest, heartwarming glimpse into the Natural Super Kids Klub and learn how it might be the gentle structure and support you’ve been needing.
💚 Doors are open now but only for a few more days.
👉 Join us inside the Natural Super Kids KLUB before doors close Monday.
Whether you're navigating eczema, mood swings, food reactions or constant colds, you don't have to do this alone. We'd love to support your family without the pressure to be perfect.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
What Parents Need to Know about Gut Imbalance in Kids.
When you think of gut issues in kids, it’s easy to assume you’ll see obvious digestive symptoms like constipation or tummy aches. But what if your child’s mood swings, eczema, or constant colds were actually gut-related?
This week on the podcast, we’re exploring the less obvious signs of gut imbalance in children — the ones that often get missed or mistaken for unrelated problems. We'll tackle how skin, immunity, behaviour, and even food preferences are more connected to gut health than you might realise and how focusing on this one area can simplify your child’s whole health picture.
In this episode, we unpack:
✅ The overlooked signs of poor gut health beyond digestion like eczema, fussy eating, and recurrent infections.
✅ Why these symptoms often get treated separately in conventional medicine and how the gut offers a unified root cause.
✅ How to spot the patterns in your child’s symptoms that point back to gut imbalance.
✅ The gentle, realistic first steps you can take to restore your child’s gut health without perfection or piles of supplements.
🎧 Tune in to understand how the gut impacts everything from your child’s sleep to their mood and what you can do to support their health from the inside out.
💚 Want extra support to make these changes feel doable?
Join our FREE masterclass:
👉 The Proven Gut Health Approach Helping Kids Have Happier Tummies, Stronger Immunity & Calmer Moods
✨ Perfect for parents navigating allergies, sickness, fussy eating, or behaviour challenges.
✨ You’ll walk away with a simple, natural gut health framework you can start using straight away.
Let’s take the guesswork out of gut health together. 💚
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Could Your Child’s Gut Be Fueling Their Anxiety? Here’s What Every Parent Should Know
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we're diving into one of the most overlooked root causes of emotional and behavioral challenges in kids — gut health.
Many parents notice rising levels of anxiety, worry, irritability, or sleep struggles in their children. And while counseling or medication can play a role in supporting mental health, there’s often a hidden link that’s too easily missed: the gut-brain connection.
🧠 Did you know that 90% of serotonin — the feel-good brain chemical — is produced in the gut? Or that low microbial diversity, inflammation, and parasites can send stress signals straight to your child’s nervous system?
In this episode, we explore how gut imbalances may be silently influencing your child’s mood, resilience, and sleep and what you can do about it, naturally.
Here’s what we cover in this episode:
- What the gut-brain axis is (in simple terms) and how it affects anxiety, mood, and sleep
- The different gut imbalances that can trigger emotional dysregulation in children
- Signs your child’s anxiety may be gut-related (especially if they have tummy issues or picky eating)
- Practical food and lifestyle strategies to calm the gut, reduce stress signals, and build emotional resilience
Anxiety isn’t “just in your child’s head.” Their gut plays a powerful role in how they regulate emotions, respond to stress, and sleep at night.
If you're feeling stuck or unsure where to start, this episode is packed with empowering insights that will help you support your child more holistically.
🎧 Tune in for practical tips, gut-loving food ideas, and a big reminder: You’re not powerless, you’re just missing a piece of the puzzle.
🌿 Helpful Resources
📘 Download our FREE Kids Gut Health eBook — full of gut-friendly food swaps, prebiotic recipes, and natural strategies to support your child’s mood, immunity, and digestion.
📩 Book a 1:1 Online Consultation — get tailored guidance from our Expert Naturopath to address gut-related mood or anxiety issues.
📲 Reach out to us anytime on Instagram @naturalsuperkids with your questions!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Understanding the Link Between Gut Health and Nutrient Absorption in Kids
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re digging into a topic that’s left many parents scratching their heads:
“My child eats well… so why do they still have low iron or nutrient deficiencies?”
It’s a frustrating reality for many families — you’re doing all the “right” things with food and maybe even supplements, but those blood tests or ongoing symptoms just aren’t shifting. The truth is: it’s not always about what kids eat; it’s about what they absorb.
In this podcast episode, we’re unpacking how gut health plays a powerful role in nutrient absorption and why deficiencies like low iron or zinc might persist even in well-fed kids.
Here's what we cover:
- Why good nutrition isn’t enough when the gut is imbalanced or inflamed.
- The signs your child isn’t absorbing nutrients well, even if they eat a “healthy” diet.
- How gut imbalances, parasites, and low stomach acid affect absorption.
- The truth about iron supplements (and why the form really matters).
- Practical ways to support your child’s gut so food and supplements actually work.
- Why absorption (not just intake) is one of the most overlooked reasons for poor growth, fatigue, and low immunity
🎧 Tune in to learn how to shift your focus from feeding to absorbing and help your child get the most out of every bite.
💬 As we share in the episode: “It’s not that you’re doing something wrong, your child’s gut might just need some extra support.”
🌟 Helpful Resources
We’re here to support you on your journey to raising healthy, happy kids! Here are some helpful resources to get you started:
📘 Download our FREE Kids Gut Health ebook for practical tips you can use right away.
💬 Book an online consultation with one of our caring practitioners for personalised guidance.
🌐 Visit our website at naturalsuperkids.com for more podcast episodes, show notes, inspiration, and more resources.
Have questions? Reach out to us anytime on Instagram at @naturalsuperkids; we love hearing from you!
Remember, you’re not alone; our community is here to help every step of the way!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Are parasite cleanses for kids actually necessary?
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re addressing one of the most commonly asked (and most misunderstood) questions we get from parents that pops up often in our DMs, emails, and live masterclasses:
“Should I be doing a parasite cleanse for my child?”
If you’ve ever come across an Instagram ad or wellness reel pushing the idea that every child needs regular parasite cleanses, this episode is for you. We’re unpacking the fear-based marketing, busting myths, and giving you the real, naturopath-backed guidance on when parasite cleanses may be helpful and when they’re completely unnecessary.
Here’s what we cover:
- Identifying the signs and symptoms that could indicate a parasitic infection.
- The difference between worms and gut parasites and why they’re often confused.
- Why general parasite cleanses can actually do more harm than good for your child’s gut.
- How these cleanses can impact the gut microbiome, nutrient absorption, and long-term health.
- Everyday, natural ways to support your child’s gut, immunity, and resilience.
Rather than jumping into harsh herbal cleanses or over-the-counter meds “just in case,” this episode will help you understand the why, when, and what else to consider before taking action.
✨ Tune in to learn what really supports long-term gut health in kids and when to seek professional guidance for parasites or worms.
🌿 Helpful Resources
📘 Download our FREE Kids Gut Health eBook for practical tips, recipes, and gut-loving strategies that help prevent worms and parasites the natural way.
Have questions or want to chat more about this topic? We’d love to hear from you!
📩 Reach out to our Natural Super Kids team on Instagram at @naturalsuperkids
or send us an email. We’re always here to help.
Let's make gut health fun and easy together! 💚
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Supporting Your Child’s Nutrition While on ADHD Medication
If your child is on ADHD medication and you’ve noticed their appetite has disappeared, this episode is for you. One of the most common concerns we hear from families is: “They’re finally more focused, but they barely touch their lunchbox.”
This week on the podcast, we’re unpacking why ADHD medication can impact appetite and what you can do to make sure your child is still getting the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.
💡 While these ADHD medications can be incredibly effective for behaviour and focus, they can also lead to a noticeable drop in appetite especially during school hours when kids need fuel the most.
Whether your child has just started their ADHD meds or you’ve been navigating this for a while, this episode will help you understand what’s going on and what you can do to support their growth, mood, and overall wellbeing.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why appetite loss happens on ADHD medication (and why it matters).
- Smart meal timing & snack strategies for when your child is hungry.
- Easy ways to boost nutrient intake for fussy eaters (even in small amounts).
- The role of supplements and when to consider extra support.
- Our go-to tips for parents who are feeling stuck or worried.
If you’ve been feeling stuck between supporting your child’s focus and their nutrition, this episode is for you.
As we share in this episode:
“Appetite suppression doesn’t have to mean poor growth or poor nutrition. Sometimes it’s just about one small shift that makes a big difference.”
🎧 Tune in to learn more about how to find the balance so your child can thrive both mentally and physically on their ADHD journey.
🌱 If you’d like extra guidance, our Naturopath Sarah offers online naturopathic consultations for personalised support. Click the link here if you’d like to book or explore your options.
🌱 And if you’re not already a member, we’d love to welcome you inside the Natural Super Kids Klub — where you’ll find practical pathways, expert guidance, and a community of like-minded parents navigating this journey together.
Your child’s health journey is yours too and you don’t have to do it alone.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
ADHD Support isn’t One-Size-Fits-All — Here’s how to find what works for your child.
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by our Naturopath Sarah Worboys to explore a topic that’s becoming increasingly important (and confusing) for families: how to best support children with ADHD.
Rates of diagnosis and medication use are rising rapidly, particularly among adolescents and many parents are left wondering if their child will benefit from medication and if there are natural and complementary options worth exploring. In this episode, we have an honest and grounded conversation that bridges the gap between mainstream treatment and naturopathic support.
Whether your child has just received a diagnosis, is already on medication, or you’re still exploring what ADHD support could look like — this episode will help you feel clearer, more confident, and better equipped to make decisions that feel aligned with your values.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- Why ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions have become more common and what this means for families.
- The benefits and challenges of common ADHD medications, and when they may be most helpful.
- How nutrition, supplements, and gut health play a role in supporting kids with ADHD.
- Why a whole-child, holistic approach is key when it comes to supporting kids with ADHD.
- Practical naturopathic strategies to support attention, behaviour, and emotional regulation (even alongside medication).
- How we can better advocate for our kids in a system that often takes a one-size-fits-all approach.
🎧 Tune in to gain clarity, learn practical tools, and feel empowered to take the next best step for your child. Our Naturopath Sarah shares her professional insights and experience supporting families through both medicated and non-medicated pathways; reminding us that ADHD support is not all-or-nothing. It’s about finding a plan that works for your unique child.
🌿 Links & Resources Mentioned:
- Episode 169: The Two Most Important Dietary Changes for ADHD
- Research: Nutritional Therapy vs Medication
🌿 More Helpful Resources from Natural Super Kids:
- Download the ADHD Brain Bundle
- Book a Consultation with Sarah Worboys
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
🌴 What a Family Trip to Fiji Taught Me About Health, Happiness & Slowing Down
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, I’m shifting gears from the usual health-focused topics to share something a little more personal; an honest reflection on a recent family trip to Fiji and the unexpected lessons it brought.
As my kids grow older, travel continues to be a powerful teacher; not just for them, but for me too. From embracing “Fiji time” and letting go of the rush, to soaking in moments of contentment and connection, this trip offered reminders about what really matters most. In this episode, I’m sharing the values, priorities, and insights that are shaping my parenting and personal growth journey right now.
Here’s what I talk about in this episode:
- Why travel has always been a priority for our family and how we make it work financially.
- The joys and challenges of traveling with teens (let’s just say... it’s not always smooth sailing!).
- What I admired most about Fijian culture: slowing down, being present, and finding contentment where you are.
- Why this trip reminded me to keep investing in my fitness, mobility, and strength — not just for today, but for all the adventures I want to have in the decades ahead.
🎧 Tune in for a personal conversation about parenting, purpose, and the clarity travel can bring. Whether you’re dreaming of your next family holiday or just craving a moment of reflection, I hope this episode speaks to you.
🌿 Want to be part of a like-minded community raising healthy, happy kids with intention?
Join the waitlist for the Natural Super Kids Klub and get inspired to make holistic living feel more grounded, joyful, and aligned. I’d love to see you inside!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
When it comes to reducing toxins in our homes, some of the biggest threats are the ones we can’t see.
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re wrapping up our low-tox living series with an episode that’s essential for every modern household: a deep but practical look at PFAS chemicals — often called “forever chemicals” for good reason. These invisible toxins are used in everything from non-stick cookware to school uniforms, food packaging to mascara… and they don't just disappear. They linger in our homes, our water, and even our bodies.
In this episode, we unpack how PFAS exposure builds up over time, why it’s especially concerning for kids and pregnant women, and how to start making sustainable changes that actually feel doable. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by toxin talk, this conversation will help ground and guide you.
Here's what we cover:
- What PFAS are and why they’re known as “forever chemicals”.
- Where these toxins show up in everyday life from pans to prams to personal care.
- How PFAS exposure may impact immunity, hormones, and long-term health especially in children.
- Gentle but effective steps to reduce your family’s toxic load, one swap at a time.
🎧 Tune in to feel informed, supported, and empowered to make safer, low-tox choices that ripple into long-term wellbeing for your family.
🌿 Join the Natural Super Kids Klub waitlist for step-by-step support on raising healthy kids in today’s world.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
When we think of reducing toxins in our homes, we often focus on cleaning products or plastics but hidden pesticide residues on everyday produce could be quietly contributing to our kids’ toxic load.
In this episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re continuing our low-tox living series with an honest conversation about pesticides, and why choosing organic matters more for children. Pesticides are everywhere — from what we eat to what we breathe in and while we can’t avoid them completely, there’s a lot we can do to minimise exposure, especially for our little ones.
Whether your family already buys some organic produce, lives rurally near farms, or you’re just beginning to learn about glyphosate and the Dirty Dozen — this episode will meet you where you are.
Here’s what we talk about in this episode:
- Why children are more vulnerable to pesticides, and how they can affect gut health, immune development, hormones, and neurodevelopment
- What glyphosate is, and why it’s one of the most concerning chemicals in our food system
- How to make smarter food swaps using the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists even on a tight budget
- Practical strategies for families living rurally, including how to reduce pesticide drift, set up cleaner home zones, and support detox pathways naturally
🎧 Tune in to feel more informed, empowered, and supported in reducing pesticide exposure at home — one practical step at a time. This episode will help you make aligned decisions around food, routines, and what goes in (and stays out of) your home environment.
🌿 Resources mentioned in this episode:
- The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 Lists – EWG
- ABC’s “Generation Cancer” Four Corners Program (Report Overview)
- Join the Natural Super Kids Klub Waitlist
✨ Inside the Natural Super Kids Klub, we make holistic living simple, sustainable, and realistic for everyday families. Want support turning this info into action? Join our waitlist to be the first to know when we open doors.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
When we think about reducing toxin exposure in our families, plastics are one of the biggest and most overlooked culprits.
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re continuing our low-tox living series by unpacking the health risks of everyday plastic products — and more importantly, what you can do about it. We made sure you'll walk away with information as to how hidden chemicals found in plastic containers, toys, personal care products, and even clothing could be impacting your child’s long-term health.
This episode will help you cut through the overwhelm and make realistic, sustainable swaps for a healthier home — starting with just one change a week.
Here's what we cover:
- How BPA and phthalates found in common plastics disrupt hormones, metabolism, and immunity especially in growing kids
- Where these chemicals are hiding in your home including surprising places like receipts, personal care products, and baby food packaging.
- Simple, practical swaps to reduce plastic exposure in your family’s everyday life.
- Why early exposure to these toxins may play a role in the rise of early-onset cancers, as highlighted in the Four Corners report “Generation Cancer”.
🎧 Tune in to feel supported, informed, and empowered as you take small but meaningful steps to reduce your family’s exposure to harmful chemicals in plastics. From lunch boxes to laundry, this episode will inspire you to rethink plastic use in your home with a calm, realistic mindset.
🌿 Resources mentioned in this series:
- ABC’s “Generation Cancer” Four Corners Program (Report Overview)
- ABC’s Report on Cancer Diagnosis Rates in Under 50s
✨ Want support turning this information into action?
Join us inside the Natural Super Kids Klub — our supportive membership packed with expert education, real-life tools, and a like-minded community to help you raise a healthy family with confidence.
👉 Click here to join the waitlist
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
When we think about protecting our children’s health, we often focus on food, supplements, or sleep — but what about the toxins we might be unknowingly carrying into our homes every single day?
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re continuing our series on practical, low-tox living with one of the simplest changes you can make to reduce chemical exposure at home — removing shoes at the door. Research shows that what’s on the bottom of our shoes could be silently impacting our family’s wellbeing: pesticides, heavy metals, microplastics, bacteria, and more.
And while today’s topic might sound small, it’s one of the easiest and most effective habits to put in place especially if you’ve got little ones crawling, playing, and living life on the floor.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why shoes can carry hidden toxins like glyphosate, heavy metals, petroleum residues, and microplastics — and how they end up in your home.
- How indoor environments, especially carpeted floors, can trap these toxins and affect long-term health (particularly in young children with developing immune and detox systems).
- How the “shoes off at the door” rule can protect your family’s health and keep your home cleaner.
- Real-life tips to make this work in your home: creating a shoes-off zone, handling guests politely, and what to do if taking shoes off isn’t always possible.
🎧 Tune in to feel more empowered, informed, and supported as you take meaningful steps toward reducing your family's daily exposure to environmental toxins and harmful household chemicals. Even small changes like this can play a powerful role in supporting long-term family health and lowering the toxic load our kids are exposed to.
🌿 Resources mentioned in this series:
- ABC’s “Generation Cancer” Four Corners Program (Report Overview)
- ABC’s Report on Cancer Diagnosis Rates in Under 50s
✨ Want support with making low-tox, holistic living more realistic and doable for your family?
Join us inside the Natural Super Kids Klub — our trusted membership designed to help you raise healthy, happy kids with expert guidance, real-life resources, and a like-minded community. Make sure to pop your name in the waitlist!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Let’s talk about a topic that’s been on many parents’ minds lately — the rising rates of cancer in young people, and what that means for our children’s future health.
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re reflecting on the Four Corners report Generation Cancer, which highlights some confronting statistics. But instead of letting fear take the lead, we’re unpacking the key takeaways from a naturopathic perspective with calm, clarity, and practical ways forward.
In this episode, we explore the connection between modern lifestyle habits and long-term health risks — and how we can begin laying strong, simple foundations for our kids' wellbeing without panic or pressure.
Here’s what we cover:
- What the “Generation Cancer” report reveals about cancer trends in young people including which types are increasing the most.
- The role of gut health, nutrition, and toxins in long-term disease prevention (and what we know from research so far).
- The link between antibiotic overuse, the gut microbiome, and immune vulnerability and what parents can do instead.
- How to take a more thoughtful, empowered approach to everyday choices like food, cleaning products, plastics, and more.
- How to make realistic, gentle shifts in your child’s environment without fuelling health anxiety.
🎧 Tune in to feel grounded and informed as you learn how small, manageable changes can support your child’s long-term health and reduce the overwhelm that often comes with heavy health topics like Cancer in this episode.
Links and Resources Mentioned
- ABC’s “Generation Cancer” Four Corners Program (Report Overview)
- ABC’s Report on Cancer Diagnosis Rates in Under 50s
- Episode 216: 3 Questions To Ask Before Giving Your Child Antibiotics
🌿 Want more support for raising a healthy, resilient family — naturally?
The Natural Super Kids Klub is where we help you turn information into action. It’s our signature membership packed with real-life support, expert education, and family-friendly resources to help you make confident, sustainable health choices.
👉 Pop your name on the waitlist here to be the first to know when doors open.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Let’s explore what could be triggering your child’s eczema — from the obvious to the ones most parents never suspect.
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re continuing our eczema series with a look at the everyday (and not-so-everyday) culprits behind your child’s flare-ups. If you feel like you’ve tried every cream, eliminated the “usual” foods, and still find yourself dealing with itchy skin or constant inflammation — this episode will help you connect the dots in a new way.
Here's what we cover:
- The most common food triggers we see in clinic (including ones that fly under the radar).
- The difference between allergies and intolerances — and why it’s not always as obvious as a reaction.
- How histamine intolerance could be quietly fuelling eczema and other allergy-like symptoms.
- Surprising environmental triggers like dust mites, mold, and even household products that could be playing a role.
🎧 Tune in to feel more equipped and empowered as you explore what’s actually driving your child’s eczema. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for more clarity, we’re here to help you take a thoughtful next step.
🌱 Want to learn a complete, naturopathic approach to managing eczema naturally?
Explore our Eczema Workshop, where we guide you through the 5-step framework to support your child’s skin from the inside out. It’s practical, family-friendly, and based on what truly works in clinic.
✨ Get all the details here: naturalsuperkids.com/eczema
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Let’s talk about what no one tells you about steroid creams — and what your child’s skin might really be asking for instead.
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re continuing our eczema series by exploring the role of steroid creams in eczema treatment. If your child has been prescribed steroid creams and you’re wondering if they’re the only way forward — this episode is a must-listen.
We’re not here to create fear or guilt — just to bring clarity and help you make more informed decisions. Because when we understand how steroid creams work (and their limitations), we can take empowered steps toward long-term skin health that actually last.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why steroid creams are a short-term tool, not a long-term solution — and what they aren’t doing for your child’s skin.
- The risks of relying on steroid creams too often or for too long, including skin thinning, increased sensitivity, and Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW).
- How to start reducing steroid cream use safely while addressing the underlying causes of eczema.
- Practical, nourishing alternatives that support your child’s skin barrier and immune health from the inside out.
🎧 Tune in to feel more informed and confident as you navigate eczema with a more holistic lens. We’re here to help you move beyond the endless cycle of flare-ups and creams — and guide you toward sustainable, naturopathic support that works for your family.
🌿 Ready to explore a gentler, more holistic path for your child’s eczema?
Access ourEczema Workshop where we unpack the root causes of eczema and share real-life, practical strategies to calm flare-ups and strengthen your child’s skin from within.
Tap here to learn more!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Eczema can feel like a never-ending cycle of creams, flare-ups, and frustration — but what if the real solution lies beneath the surface?
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re kicking off a new eczema series with something we talk about with parents all the time: what’s really going on underneath your child’s eczema. If you’ve been relying on topical creams (especially steroid-based ones) without lasting results, this episode will help you understand a more holistic path forward.
In this episode, we’re exploring three often-missed underlying causes of eczema and how we can gently support the body from the inside out for long-term skin health.
Here’s what we cover:
- How immune dysregulation plays a role in most eczema cases — and why it’s more than just “sensitive skin”
- The link between the gut and skin, and why things like constipation, fussy eating, or food sensitivities matter.
- What an impaired skin barrier means for your child — and how to strengthen it from within.
- Why it’s time to rethink the “just use a cream” approach, and explore a deeper, more lasting solution.
🎧 Tune in to feel more informed and empowered as you explore the root causes behind your child’s eczema. This episode is here to help you support their skin health with more clarity, confidence, and care.
🌿 Want more support with your child’s eczema?
Join our Eczema Workshop — where we dive further into these underlying causes and share practical ways to reduce flare-ups and soothe your child’s skin naturally.
Explore the root causes in more detail, learn practical steps you can take at home, and feel empowered with expert guidance inside. We can't wait to see you there!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Let’s explore the root causes behind frequent childhood illness and how we can gently build stronger immunity together.
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re talking about something so many parents ask us about: Why does my child keep getting sick? If you feel like you’re constantly managing coughs, colds, and round-the-clock sniffles, you’re not alone — and there is something we can do about it.
In this episode, we’re sharing a naturopathic perspective on what might be happening underneath repeat infections and how we can support our kids’ immune systems in a more thoughtful, long-term way without panic or pressure.
Here’s what we cover:
- What nutrient deficiencies (like iron, zinc, and vitamin D) could be quietly weakening our child’s immune response.
- The role of dairy sensitivity in triggering recurring inflammation and infections.
- Why gut microbiome diversity is a game-changer when it comes to immune resilience — and the simple ways we can nurture it with food and lifestyle.
- How we can step away from the cycle of medications and antibiotics, and lean into nourishment, connection, and empowered decision-making.
- Simple, food-first strategies you can try at home plus when it’s time to get extra support.
🎧 Tune in to feel more confident, informed, and supported the next time your child gets sick. We’re here to help you understand the “why” behind frequent illness — so you can support your child’s immune system naturally this winter and beyond.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
What Parents Really Need to Know About Fevers in Kids
Fevers can feel scary—but they’re often a sign that your child’s immune system is doing exactly what it’s meant to do. In this episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we're sharing a naturopath’s perspective on why fever is a healthy immune response, when to worry (and when not to), and how to confidently support your child through it without unnecessary medication.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or you’ve dealt with a dozen midnight wakeups and thermometer checks, this episode will give you the clarity and calm you need to better understand and manage fevers at home.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why fever is not the enemy and how it helps your child fight infection by speeding up white blood cell activity and slowing the growth of microbes.
- What most parents don’t realise about fever medications including their risks, from gut irritation to depleting glutathione and links to respiratory complications.
- Why febrile convulsions aren’t prevented by medication and what to do instead.
- When to treat the child, not the number — plus signs to watch for, and when to seek urgent medical attention based on age and symptoms.
🎧 Tune in to be more informed the next time your child has a fever without jumping straight to medication or panic. You’ll learn how to work with your child’s immune system (not against it) and spot the red flags that require medical attention.
💡 Helpful Resource:
Explore the Health Direct Fever Infographic – a medically-backed chart for navigating childhood fever management. View it here!
Keep your family well this winter by stocking your kitchen with our naturopath’s favourite immune-boosting foods!
💛 Grab your FREE copy of the Foods to Boost Immunity Cheat Sheet – packed with natural remedies and whole food ideas that support kids’ gut and immune health:
Download the cheat sheet here
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
What Parents Should Ask Before Giving Their Child Antibiotics
Antibiotics can be life-saving — but that doesn’t mean they’re always the right first step. With so many childhood illnesses being viral, not bacterial, it’s important to understand the difference and know how to support your child’s immune system without jumping straight into a prescription.
In this episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re exploring how to make well-informed decisions when your child is prescribed antibiotics.
This episode will give you three thoughtful questions to ask your doctor, so you can feel confident that antibiotics are truly needed (or if a wait-and-see approach is safer).
Here’s what we cover:
- The difference between viral and bacterial infections — and why it matters for antibiotics.
- Three questions that help open up conversation with your doctor.
- How to protect your child’s gut health during and after antibiotic use.
- Natural ways to strengthen your child’s immune system when illness strikes.
🎧 Tune in to learn how you can advocate for your child’s long-term health without overwhelm, guilt, or guesswork.
Keep your family well this winter by stocking your kitchen with our naturopath’s favourite immune-boosting foods!
💛 Grab your free Foods to Boost Immunity Cheat Sheet here — packed with whole food ideas to support immunity and gut health naturally.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Cold and Flu Season? Try These 5 Immune-Boosting Foods for Kids!
As the weather cools down and winter bugs start circulating, keeping your kids healthy can feel like a full-time job. But here’s some good news: one of the most effective ways to support your child’s immune system doesn’t come from a supplement bottle — it starts in your kitchen.
In this episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we're sharing five simple, science-backed food hacks that strengthen your child’s immune system naturally. These tips are perfect for busy parents, picky eaters, and families who want to feel empowered when it comes to supporting immunity during winter.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why letting garlic sit before cooking can unlock powerful antimicrobial compounds that is beneficial to the immune system.
- How A2 dairy (from Jersey, Guernsey, sheep or goats) supports gut and immune health and may reduce inflammation.
- How adding superfood powders into your kid's meals (they won't even notice it's there)is one of the best ways to boost your child’s iron, zinc, and vitamin A levels.
- Easy ways to use immune-boosting herbs in everyday meals.
- How probiotic-rich foods support a healthy gut — where 70% of the immune system lives!
🎧 Tune in for realistic and practical immune-boosting tips that can make a real difference especially during winter season.
Keep your family well this winter by stocking your kitchen with our naturopath’s favourite immune-boosting foods!
💛 Grab your FREE Foods to Boost Immunity Cheat Sheet here — it’s packed with practical ideas and easy-to-find staples that naturally support kids’ immune systems.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Can Gut Health in Childhood Help Prevent Bowel Cancer Later in Life?
This week on the podcast, we’re talking about something that might feel a little confronting but also incredibly empowering: how our kids’ health today could shape their future health tomorrow.
Bowel cancer rates are on the rise in young people, and new research is pointing to a surprising contributor — one we’ve been talking about for a long time here at Natural Super Kids: gut health. In this episode, we will break down what this means for parents without fear, but with practical action in mind.
Here’s what we cover:
- What the latest research says about childhood gut bacteria and bowel cancer risk.
- How early-life factors like C-section births, antibiotics, and diet can impact long-term gut health.
- Subtle signs that your child’s gut may be out of balance — from tummy troubles to mood changes.
- Easy, gut-supportive changes you can start making right now (even if life feels busy).
🎧 Tune in to learn how small steps like adding variety to meals or spending more time outside can make a big difference to your child’s health, both now and in the years to come.
Feeling unsure where to begin?
If you’re ready to take action but don’t know where to start — I created the Six Steps to Better Gut Health for Kids course just for you.
💛 Click here to learn more and enrol — and start supporting your child’s gut health in a way that truly works for your lifestyle.
Curious to learn more about the research I mentioned in this episode?
If you're interested in diving a little deeper, here are a couple of easy-to-read articles that explain the science behind the gut health–bowel cancer connection in more detail:
🔗 Read this article on The Conversation
🔗 Or this one from Get Surrey
Don't forget to visit Natural Super Kids to find more resources for you and your child's health.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the podcast, we’re celebrating you, mama. 💛
In this special Mother’s Day episode, we are holding space for the invisible load so many mothers carry and sharing 10 powerful self-care ideas that take five minutes or less. Because taking care of yourself doesn’t need to mean a full spa day (although that’s lovely too!). Sometimes, it’s a few deep breaths, a warm cup of tea, or stepping outside to feel the sunshine.
Whether you're packing lunchboxes, managing appointments, calming meltdowns, or remembering when the library books are due—you are doing so much and you are recognised.
This episode is a gentle reminder that your wellbeing matters and it doesn’t have to wait.
Here’s what we touch on:
- A gentle reminder of the visible and invisible labour mothers carry every day.
- A special shoutout to mums managing their children’s health — from eczema and allergies to behavioral challenges.
- A mindset shift around self-care, so it no longer feels selfish (or unattainable).
- 10 simple, powerful self-care ideas that take 5 minutes or less.
🎧 Tune in for encouragement, practical tips, and the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.
This episode is for every mum who needs a little reminder: you’re doing a phenomenal job and you deserve to feel good, too.
Ready to try one of the 10 ideas Jessica shares?
Start with one. Share it with a fellow mum. And remember, even five minutes of presence is powerful.
Visit Natural Super Kids for other free and helpful resources for you and your kids. 💛
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
When your child is experiencing frequent meltdowns, struggles with falling or staying asleep, or rides an emotional rollercoaster day after day, it’s natural to wonder what’s really going on. These big behaviours can feel overwhelming, but often times, they are actually signals that your child’s body and nervous system may be out of balance. And while every child is beautifully unique, there are patterns and clues that can help us understand what’s really going on
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re tackling one of the most common questions we hear from parents:
“Is this normal, or is something else going on?”
In This Episode, We Talk About:
- How the gut-brain connection can shape your child’s mood, sleep patterns, and emotional resilience.
- The impact of blood sugar imbalances and nutritional deficiencies on daily behaviour.
- The role of lifestyle factors like screen time, overstimulation, and modern routines.
- Why behaviour is often a form of communication and how to approach it with curiosity and care.
This episode will help you slow down, zoom out, and see your child’s challenges through a new, empowering lens. You’ll walk away feeling more grounded, more informed, and with a handful of practical, real-life starting points to gently support your child’s overall well-being in everyday moments.
Because you don’t need more pressure—you just need the right advice, and a bit of clarity to move forward with more ease.
📘 Free Download: 3 Breakfast Recipes ebook
Easy, nourishing recipes to support your child’s mood and energy—starting with the first meal of the day.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the Natural Super Kid's podcast, we’re focusing on something we talk about with families all the time — omega-3s for kids. It’s one of those nutrients that feels small but plays such a powerful role in your child’s mood, learning, sleep, and development. And while we've touched on it before— in this episode, we're giving it the space it deserves.
If you’ve ever stood in the supplement aisle feeling overwhelmed by the choices of omega 3 supplements… or found yourself Googling “healthy fats for kids” at 10pm — you’re in the right place. This episodeis here to cut through the confusion and help you feel more confident and informed in the choices you’re making.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
- What are omega-3 fatty acids and why they’re foundational for your child’s brain, behaviour, mood and overall development.
- How modern diets can throw out the balance of healthy fats and what that means for your child’s wellbeing.
- Why food sources alone might not always be enough and what to consider if you’re looking at supplement options.
- Practical tips on how to make omega-3s easier for kids to take, even if they’re fussy eaters.
Tune in to learn how to confidently support your child’s learning, mood, and development with omega-3s without falling for the wrong products on the shelf.
At Natural Super Kids, we're here to make it easier, more empowering, and more doable. Whether it’s through our podcast, free resources, or personalised support — you’re never doing it alone.
Additional Resource
💡 Omega-3s For Kids: What You Need To Know
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re chatting about the essential nutrients that many kids aren’t getting enough of and why they matter for your child’s growth, immunity, and overall wellbeing.From fussy eating to busy school days, it’s easy for kids to miss out on key vitamins and minerals—but the good news is, you don’t need a complete diet overhaul to make a difference (yes, even for picky eaters!).
In This Episode, We Cover:
- The three commonly overlooked nutrients that play a big role in your child’s health.
- Why fibre is crucial for digestion, immunity, and more (and where to get more of it).
- Simple, nourishing ways to boost your family’s nutrition with my favorite ingredients.
Tune in to learn practical, real-life strategies for boosting your child’s nutrient intake in a way that fits seamlessly into your family’s routine. By making simple, sustainable changes to your child’s diet, these small additions can create a big, lasting impact on their health and wellbeing over time!
💡 Learn more about Fibre.
- Catch the full episode here: Episode 203 – Your Kids Need More Fibre (Here’s Why)
🛒 Shop our favourite sources:
- Beef Liver Powder
- Wakame Flakes
Use code NSK$20 at checkout for $20 off your first order at Part & Parcel!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Raising a highly sensitive child can be both beautiful and challenging. These children experience the world deeply, feeling emotions intensely and reacting strongly to sensory input. While their sensitivity is a strength, it can also lead to overwhelm—for both the child and the parent.
This week on the Natural Super Kids podcast, psychologist and mum of three Jacqui Ward joins us to shed light on what it truly means to understand, support, and nurture a highly sensitive child. Whether your child is deeply empathetic, struggles with transitions, or gets easily overstimulated, this conversation will help you navigate parenting with more confidence and ease.
In this episode, we cover:
- The biological basis of high sensitivity—why it’s a trait, not a disorder, and how it impacts children’s emotions and behaviours.
- Recognising common traits of highly sensitive kids, including deep emotional processing, sensory sensitivities, and perfectionism.
- Practical strategies to reduce sensory input, ease transitions, and help children regulate their emotions.
- Why self-care and co-regulation are essential for parents—and how small, intentional moments of calm can transform daily challenges.
If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child thrive in a world that often feels overwhelming, this episode is for you. You’re not alone in this journey, and with the right tools and understanding, you can create an environment where both you and your child feel more supported.
Connect with Jacqui Ward & Explore More Resources
📸 Instagram: @jacquie_ward_
🌍 Website: jacquieward.com.au – Telehealth services, workshops, and resources for parents.
🎓 Course: Highly Sensitive Child Thrive Course – An online, short course for parents and caregivers of highly sensitive children.
Additional Resources Mentioned
🌱 Podcast Episode: Episode 150: The Orchid and the Dandelion – The Science of Sensitive Kids
📖 Children’s Book: Billy’s Brilliant Butterflies – A Children’s Book for Highly Sensitive Kids
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Parenting today feels more overwhelming than ever. There’s a constant flood of information, endless opinions on how to “get it right,” and yet—so many parents feel like they’re doing it alone. This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Gen Muir, a parent educator, social worker, and mum of four, to talk about how connection is at the heart of handling big feelings.
Gen shares her expertise on making sense of meltdowns, managing bedtime struggles, and approaching fussy eating without stress—all while reminding parents that perfection isn’t the goal; showing up with presence and care is what truly makes a difference.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- The challenges of modern parenting – How increased information and reduced community support impact parents today.
- Building connection with your child – Simple but powerful ways to strengthen your bond such as playful gestures and non-verbal affirmations.
- Managing big feelings – Strategies for preventing and responding to meltdowns with empathy and calmness.
- Navigating bedtime struggles – How safety, routine, and emotional needs contribute to smoother nights.
- Supporting fussy eaters – Low-stress mealtime strategies that foster a healthy relationship with food.
- Flexibility and self-compassion in parenting – Why being kind to yourself helps you show up better for your child (because you're actually doing BETTER than you think!).
Parenting isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being present, responding with warmth, and giving yourself grace along the way. When we stop chasing unrealistic expectations and instead focus on building trust, creating safety, and meeting our children where they are, parenting becomes less of a battle and more of a journey we take together.
Tune in for practical, heart-centered strategies to help you navigate your child’s big feelings with calmness and ease.
Connect with Gen Muir & Explore More Resources
📖 Book: Little People, Big Feelings
📸 Instagram: @connectedparenting.au
🌍 Website: connectedparenting.com.au – Workshops, consultations, and online resources for parents.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Ashley Gobeil, a Child and Family Therapist, trauma-specific counsellor, and social worker who specialises in supporting families through emotional and behavioural challenges. Parenting a child with ADHD-based behaviours can feel overwhelming, but Ashley offers compassionate guidance and practical strategies to help families build connection, resilience, and confidence in their parenting journey.
In This Episode, We Cover:
- The difference between ADHD and ADHD-based behaviours—and why understanding this distinction is key.
- Why validating your child’s feelings, rather than focusing on immediate correction, fosters resilience.
- How prolonged stress and emotional dysregulation impact both children and parents.
- How managing your own emotions can create a calmer home environment.
- How physical activity and mindfulness techniques can improve focus and self-regulation.
- Practical ways to support kids with working memory, organisation, and impulse control.
- A holistic approach to parenting: The role of brain development, gut health, somatic interventions, and cultural wisdom in supporting children’s emotional and behavioural well-being.
Ashley reminds us that parenting is an ongoing process and how it isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about consistency, emotional safety, and creating a home environment where children feel seen and understood.
Tune in to learn how to better support your child, manage challenging behaviours with confidence, and create a home environment that fosters connection and growth.
Connect with Ashley Globeil
For more insights, support, and resources on parenting children with ADHD and emotional regulation, connect with Ashley here:
- Website: Ashley Child Therapies & The ADHD Thrive Institute
- Instagram: @ashleychildtherapies
Explore More Resources
- Free Guide to Building Positive Self-Esteem in Kids
- Powerful Exercise to Motivate & Soothe Kids with ADHD
- Jumpstart 4 Parenting ADHD Program
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Are you tired of sifting through endless, conflicting advice on your child’s health? One source says to eliminate dairy, another swears by probiotics, and yet another Facebook group insists bone broth is the answer. Meanwhile, your child’s tummy troubles, frequent colds, or fussy eating persist—leaving you feeling more confused than ever, all while you’re still searching for answers at midnight, trying to figure out why your child’s discomforts won’t go away..
In this episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast, we’re cutting through the noise and giving you a clear, structured approach to managing your child’s health with confidence. No more second-guessing or wasting time on trial and error.
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
- Why parents feel overwhelmed by kids’ health advice—and how to know what’s actually worth following.
- The biggest mistakes parents make when trying to improve their child’s health and what to do instead.
- The power of a step-by-step approach to common issues like digestive discomfort, frequent sickness, and fussy eating.
- How the Natural Super Kids KLUB can provide expert guidance, structured pathways, and a clear starting point—so you always know the next best step for your child.
You don't have to figure it all out alone. Tune in to learn how to take control of your child’s health without the confusion, stress, or endless Google searches. Plus, enrollment for the Natural Super Kids KLUB is now open—don’t miss your chance to get the support you need!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Fermented foods are a simple yet powerful way to support your child’s gut health, digestion, and immunity. But many parents wonder—how do you introduce them in a way that kids will actually enjoy? In this episode, we’re breaking it all down with practical tips to make fermented foods a fun and easy part of your child’s diet.
In this Episode, We Cover:
- Why fermented foods are beneficial for children’s digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
- The best way to gradually introduce fermented foods to get children acquired with its taste and avoid any tummy troubles.
- Common concerns parents have such as picky eating, portion sizes, and how to navigate them.
- Simple, kid-friendly ways to add fermented foods to everyday meals.
Adding fermented foods might sound complicated, but they can be an effortless addition to your child’s diet.The best part?Even a teaspoon a day can have a big impact on their gut health. Whether you’re blending them into familiar dishes or making it a taste-test adventure, this episode is packed with practical ways to make gut-friendly foods a hit at home.
Every child’s gut health journey is unique! Come along to our FREEKids Gut Health Masterclass to learn more about improving your child's gut health. Save your SEAT here!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
If your child is dealing with constant digestive discomfort, skin issues, allergies, or even mood imbalances, these issues might be linked to something deeper—gut health. In this episode, we’ll be talking about an important yet often misunderstood topic: leaky gut in children—why it happens, why it’s often misunderstood, and how you can help heal it naturally.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- What leaky gut is and how it impacts your child’s overall health.
- Common signs and symptoms to look out for such as food intolerances to skin conditions that may indicate your child is experiencing a gut health issue.
- Key factors that contribute to leaky gut, including dietary factors, stress, and certain medications.
- Steps you can take to support and heal your child’s gut with the right nutrients and lifestyle adjustments.
Making changes to your child’s diet and routine doesn’t have to happen overnight—small, manageable swaps can make a big difference over time. Whether your child has been struggling with gut issues for a while or you just want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to support their overall health, this episode is packed with helpful information to support your child’s gut health in a way that works for your family.
If you’re looking for more personalized support, our expert naturopaths are here to help through one-on-one consultations. Book an online consultation or you may also grab a copy of our FREE Kids Gut Health ebook.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into an often-overlooked but essential part of kids' nutrition—fibre! While we’ve touched on it in previous episodes, we’ve never dedicated an entire discussion to just how essential fibre is for kids’ health and overall well-being.
Many children aren’t getting enough fibre in their diets, and it’s impacting their digestion, gut microbiome, immunity, and even their mood and behaviour.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why many kids aren’t eating enough fibre and the surprising statistics on fibre deficiency in Australian children.
- The crucial role fibre plays in digestion, gut health, and overall well-being—including how it supports the gut microbiome.
- Common health issues linked to a lack of fibre in the diet that affect your kid's ability to excrete toxins, energy, mood and weight.
- How a lack of fibre can affect the gut-brain axis, potentially leading to mood and behavioral challenges in children.
- Practical, kid-friendly ways to increase fibre intake, including simple food swaps, creative meal ideas, and increasing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes in children's diets, while also ensuring adequate hydration.
If you’re looking for realistic strategies to help your family eat more fibre without the struggle, this episode is packed with valuable insights that’ll have you walk away with actionable tips to increase the fibre intake in your family's diet.
Looking for more personalized support? Our team of expert naturopaths can help you navigate your child’s nutrition needs with one-on-one consultations. Book an online consultation here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Sugar is everywhere in our modern diet, often hiding under different names and sneaking into our kids’ meals in ways we don’t even realise. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the hidden effects of sugar on children’s health - especially when it comes to their gut health, immune health, mood and behaviour. Plus, we’ll share simple, practical ways to start reducing sugar without overwhelming yourself or your family. In this episode we cover:
Why sugar is more than just a sweet treat - it can impact weight, energy levels, and long-term health.
How excessive sugar intake contributes to blood sugar imbalances, mood swings and hyperactivity.
The effect of sugar on gut health, immune functions and nutritional deficiencies.
Simple, realistic ways to cut back on sugar, starting with breakfast and snack time.
Reducing sugar doesn’t have to mean cutting out all treats overnight. By making small, sustainable changes, you can set your child up for better health while still enjoying food. Tune in for practical tips and easy swaps to help your family find the right balance!
Want access to our FREE breakfast recipe e-book? Get your copy here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
In this episode we’re joined by Katie, a mum who has been on a transformative journey with her son’s health after his autism diagnosis at only 3 and a half years old. From severe speech delays and ongoing health challenges to thriving in mainstream school, Katie shares how she took a proactive approach to support her son’s development and wellbeing. In this episode, Katie and I discuss:
The early signs of autism and developmental delays that led Katie to seek answers.
Why conventional advice wasn’t enough - and how she found the right support in the Natural Super Kids Klub.
The impact of dietary and lifestyle changes, plus key supplements that made a difference.
How addressing fussy eating and gut health has helped her son thrive.
Katie’s story is a powerful reminder that small, intentional changes can have a huge impact on our kid’s health. If you’re looking for ways to better support your child with autism, ADHD or other developmental challenges, this conversation is full of valuable insights and inspiration.
Want to access the same support and information that helped Katie on her journey? There’s so many ways we can help! You can become a member of our Natural Super Kids Klub here, or access more 1-1 support from our team of highly qualified naturopaths here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week, we’re celebrating a major milestone for the Natural Super Kids podcast episode - our 200th episode! To mark the occasion, we’re doing something special: an “Ask the Naturopath” session where Jess, owner and Naturopath at Natural Super Kids, answers some of the most frequently asked questions from parents in our community. This is something we do weekly with our Natural Super Kids Klub members, so we’re excited to bring it to the podcast today!
Here’s some of the topics Jess will cover:
How to tell if your child’s tummy troubles stem from food intolerances or other issues.
The key difference between cod liver oil and fish oil, and which one is best for your child.
Whether supplements are truly necessary for your kids’ health and how to navigate costs.
Realistic ways to reduce sugar in your kids’ diet and encourage healthier habits.
Strategies for supporting teens in making healthier food choices, while still encouraging independence.
Whether you’re curious about tackling picky eating, understanding leaky gut, or finding affordable ways to prioritise your child’s health, this episode is jam packed with practical advice and insights. Join us as we celebrate 200 episodes by tackling your biggest questions about kids’ holistic health!
Want to learn more about gut health? Our FREE Kids Gut Health e-book is a great place to start. Grab your copy here.
Looking for more 1-1 support? Our team of highly qualified naturopaths specialise in children’s health, and we’d love to help you! You can book an appointment here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
As the school term approaches, it’s the perfect time to reset and establish healthy routines to support your child’s learning, concentration, and overall wellbeing. In this episode, we’re diving into the food and lifestyle habits that can make all the difference with learning, concentration, mental health, mood and brain health during this transition back to school.
In this episode we cover:
Why breakfast is such an important meal of the day and how to revamp your child’s breakfast with nutrient-rich foods for steady energy and focus.
How to encourage sustained energy throughout the day and avoid energy spikes and crashes with a balanced, nutritious lunchbox.
Simple lifestyle habits that can have a big impact on concentration and behaviour throughout the school day.
The importance of supporting your child’s circadian rhythm to help regulate sleep and mood, and my number one tip to do this.
Setting your child up for success in the new school year doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With small, intentional changes to their diet and daily habits, you can help them thrive both mentally and physically. Join us as we share practical tips for creating a smoother, healthier back-to-school transition!
Want to know our 3 favourite breakfast recipes to improve your kid’s mood and behaviour? Grab our free e-book here!
Need more support? We have some great resources for helping kids thrive. Check out our Healthy Brain Bundle here, or learn more about becoming a Natural Super Kids Klub member here.
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for nutritious food and products without the nasties, Part and Parcel is the perfect online store for you! You can get $20 off your first order with the code NSK$20.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
After a holiday season filled with processed foods, sugary treats, and a break from regular routines, your child’s gut health might be feeling the effects. In this episode, we explore how a gut reset can help restore balance and support your child’s overall wellbeing as we head into the new year. We cover:
How processed foods and sugary treats can deplete the healthy bacteria in the gut microbiome and integrity of the gut lining, and how this can impact your kid’s health.
The 4 most common signs that your child might benefit from a gut reset, and the link between gut health and skin flare-ups, mood and behaviour.
How we would approach a gut reset for children in 6 simple, easy to follow steps that will rebalance your child’s gut microbiome naturally.
If you’re worried about your child’s health and wellbeing, or simply feel like your family needs a little help returning to healthier habits after the festive season, this episode is packed with insights and actionable tips! Discover how to guide your child back to better gut health for a happier, healthier start to the year.
Want a more detailed guide to our approach for resetting gut health? Our new 6 Steps to Better Gut Health course is exactly that! You can access this course here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Parenting comes with unique challenges, and for Chami, raising two children with complex needs has been a journey of resilience and discovery. In this epsiode, Chami shares her story of supporting Andreas, her autistic 15-year-old son, and Misha, her 17-year-old daughter who struggles with anxiety. From severe constipation and sensory issues to mental health challenges, Chami’s experience highlights the power of a natural, holistic approach.
In this episode, Jess and Chami discuss:
How Chami turned to Natural Super Kids for help when Andrea’s severe constipation disrupted their daily lives, and how doing so helped her avoid having to see a specialist GP.
The impact of sensory challenges on Andreas’ fussy eating habits and how the family have managed this over time.
Ways Chami supports Misha’s anxiety and mental health with natural remedies and supplements.
The ongoing nature of autism and anxiety management, and how a natural approach has provided long-term benefits for the whole family.
Chami’s story offers inspiration and hope for parents navigating similar challenges. If you want to learn how small, consistent changes can make a significant difference for children with autism, anxiety and gut health issues, don’t miss this heartfelt and informative conversation!
If someone in your family is struggling with constipation, fussy eating, autism or anxiety and you would like to learn more about how you can support them naturally like Chami, we have so many resources available in our Natural Kids Klub! Find out how to become a member here.
Looking for more 1-1 support? Our team of qualified naturopaths are here to help. Book a consultation here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Watching your child be in pain from constipation and scared to go to the toilet is hard! If this is something you are struggling with, you’re going to want to listen in as we chat to a mum who has come out the other side of these struggles. In this episode, Mel opens up about her journey with her 3.5-year-old son, who has faced persistent constipation, withholding poos, and daycare struggles. She shares how addressing gut health has been a game changer for her son and her entire family.
In this episode, we explore:> The impact of early challenges, including a tongue tie and recurring illnesses, on her son’s gut health.
How anxiety around toileting and constipation affected daily life and daycare routines.
Mel’s transition from costly naturopath consultations to the Natural Super Kids Klub for a more sustainable and supportive approach.
The transformative results of a consistent gut health routine, including fewer supplements and better overall family wellbeing.
Tune in to discover how Mel found practical, affordable solutions to help her son thrive and improve her family’s overall health. This inspiring story is a must-listen for parents navigating similar challenges.
Want to join Mel in the Natural Super Kids Klub and get access to all of our amazing resources? You can join the waitlist here.
If you want more personalised support, our team of highly qualified naturopaths specialise in children’s health issues! Find out more about booking in for a 1-1 consultation here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Parenting can feel overwhelming when sleep issues and mood struggles take over family life. In this episode, Andrea shares her journey on how she overcame these exact issues with her 4-year-old son Noah, who for years was experiencing several nightly wake-ups, night terrors, and the resulting big emotions every day that impacted the whole family. With the help of the Natural Super Kids team, Andrea has finally found a holistic approach that has completely transformed their lives.
In this episode, Andrea and I discuss:
The impact of Noah’s sleep disruptions, night terrors and frequent waking on his mood and the whole family dynamic.
How gut health played a key role, including the effects of multiple rounds of antibiotics at a young age.
The simple dietary and lifestyle changes that made a dramatic difference in just two weeks.
The incredible improvements in Noah’s sleep, mood and overall behaviour - and how it transformed life for the entire family.
Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with practical tips and inspiration. Andrea’s story shows the power of a holistic approach to creating lasting change for your child and family.
If you’re navigating similar challenges with your child, our team of highly qualified naturopaths can help you in the same way they helped Andrea! Simply book a consultation to get started.
Our Natural Super Kids Klub members also have access to many resources on sleep, mood, behaviour and more. If you would like access to these resources too, make sure you sign up for the Klub waitlist!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Julie Tenner - an Intimacy and Relationship Therapist, mum of four, and cofounder of the Nourishing the Mother podcast. Julie shares her insights into the emotional challenges of parenting through the tween and teen years and how the many changes can impact your relationships with both your kids and partner.
In this episode we discuss:
The emotional shifts and grief parents experience as their children become more independent and how the relationship changes.
Practical ways to foster connection with tweens and teens while honouring their independence.
The power of gratitude and appreciation in transforming your partnership when resentment over the imbalance of the mental load and the feeling of being on opposite teams has taken over.
Simple tips to prioritise your partner and maintain intimacy in the chaos of family and everyday life.
Tune in for valuable tips and heartfelt advice on staying connected to your loved ones during the challenging but rewarding tween and teen years. This episode is full of strategies to strengthen your family bonds and rekindle your relationship with your partner. Don’t miss it!
You can find access to Julie’s Couples Advent Calendar here.
Want to hear more from Julie? You can find her at her website, Instagram, Facebook and podcast.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into another powerful story from one of our amazing clients! Jo shares her journey as she navigated her 3-year-old son Frank’s eczema, food intolerances and allergies. After years of research, trial and error, and with recent support from Natural Super Kids naturopath Laura, Jo has found the right tools and support to transform Frank’s quality of life - and she’s here to share the holistic approaches that worked for her family.
In this episode Jo shares:
The challenges of managing Frank’s eczema, food intolerances, hay-fever and colic, which started after a routine vaccination at only 6 weeks old.
Jo’s early natural approaches, including probiotics, food elimination, and stool testing, and how a consultation with another naturopath resulted in a range of supplements that her son refused to take.
How working with Laura helped refine their approach, including introducing child-friendly supplements that helped them reintroduce previously restricted foods.
The remarkable improvements in Frank’s eczema, sleep, and overall quality of life.
If your family is struggling with eczema or other skin related issues, make sure you tune in to hear Jo’s inspiring story and learn more about the steps she took to help her son thrive! Ready for some more 1-on-1 support to help your own journey with health issues in your children? Our highly qualified team of naturopaths would love to help! You can book a consultation here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
If you’re a parent who’s always asking “why is my child so tired?”, you’re not alone! While occasional fatigue is normal in kids (and parents), constant tiredness might be a sign that something deeper is going on. In this episode, we explore possible causes and offer insights to boost your child’s energy levels.
In this episode we cover:
How small changes in diet and daily lifestyle habits can make a big difference in your child’s energy levels.
Simple, everyday factors that can impact kids’ energy, from hydration to blood sugar and activity levels.
Common contributors to ongoing tiredness, like poor sleep quality, overstimulation, nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, and so much more.
If your child is always tired and you’re ready for answers, this episode is the best place to start. And if you’re looking for more guidance to solve this issue, out team of highly qualified naturopaths are amazing at providing personalised support! You can book in with them here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
We’re excited to announce a new series in our podcast called Real Conversations, where we chat with parents who are using a holistic approach to healing their children’s health issues with great success!
This week we’re talking to Billie, mum to 5-year-old Aries, who opens up about her son’s chronic health challenges, including enlarged tonsils and adenoids, sleep apnea, and recurring infections from birth. When an ENT recommended surgery to remove Aries tonsils and adenoids, a late night Google search led Billie to us, and from there she turned to a natural approach instead… and the results speak for themselves!
In this episode Billie shares:
The challenges Aries faced, from chronic infections and mouth breathing to behavioural issues and sleep walking.
How Billie discovered Sarah from the Natural Super Kids team, and decided to address the root causes of the health issues before resorting to surgery.
The changes they made to the whole family’s diet and lifestyle, and how these changes created dramatic improvements in just two weeks.
The incredible outcome they have seen in Aries since the first consultation with Sarah: everything from improved sleep and behaviour, to no tonsillitis, infections or antibiotics for over a year!
Tune in to hear Billie’s inspiring story and learn how addressing the root causes of chronic health issues can lead to life-changing results.
If you’re navigating similar challenges with your child, our team of highly qualified naturopaths can help you in the same way they helped Billie! Simply book a consultation to get started.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the podcast, we’re diving into something essential for every parent: filling your own cup so you can show up as your best self for your children and those around you. Parenting is a demanding job, and when you’re juggling health concerns in your children around other aspects of daily life, self-care often takes a back seat. In this episode, Jess talks about the 5 ways she keeps her cup full as a mum, and why self-care should be a priority for parents without feeling guilty or overwhelmed.
In this episode we cover:
Why taking care of yourself is essential to support your children through their own challenges.
How to stay grounded and keep your energy balanced as a parent.
Five simple but powerful ways you can fill your cup to leave you feeling refreshed, energised, and ready to handle all of life’s demands.
If you’re ready to recharge and become a more present, resilient parent, this podcast episode is for you!
Interested in more 1 on 1 help? Here’s how you can book a consultation with our team of Naturopaths.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the podcast, Jess is joined by Melanie Van Schelven, an Oral Health Therapist at her practice The Face Place. Mel specialises in children’s dental health issues, and takes a holistic approach to addressing the underlying cause of dental health problems. In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into mouth breathing, crowded teeth, tooth decay, airway health, and so much more.
In this episode, we cover:
What it means to take a holistic approach to children’s dental care, and how we need to be looking at more than just the teeth and gums when tackling any issues.
Why conventional dental appointments aren’t addressing the root cause of dental health problems.
The common causes of mouth breathing and why it is important to get your child assessed if you notice them consistently breathing through their mouth instead of their nose.
The relationship between enlarged tonsils and adenoids, lip and tongue ties, and dental development in children.
Mel is an incredible source of knowledge when it comes to oral health, so if you’re concerned your child may have some dental health problems and you want to learn more about a holistic approach to healing, this episode is the one for you!
Episode Links:Check out The Face Place Website Here
Follow Melanie Van Schelven on Instagram
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the podcast, our naturopath Laura takes over to introduce the Gut Ecology and Metabolic Modulation Protocol, also known as the G.E.M.M. Protocol. Developed by Christine Houghton—a respected clinician, researcher, and founding director of Cell-Logic—this transformative approach to gut health addresses a wide range of concerns, from allergies to chronic conditions, through a diet and lifestyle that focuses on inclusion over restriction.
In this episode, Laura breaks down how the G.E.M.M. Protocol can be the key to better health in your family by discussing:
What the G.E.M.M. Protocol is and how it balances the gut microbiome to restore harmony and improve overall well-being.
How this dietary approach helps with digestive issues, inflammation, infections, and even autoimmune and chronic diseases such as diabetes.
How our dietary approaches can directly influence how our genes function, and the critical connection between the gut and the immune system.
Practical ways to implement the G.E.M.M. Protocol into your family’s routine for lasting health benefits.
The G.E.M.M. Protocol is a game changer, not just for gut health, but for managing various chronic conditions. If you want to learn more about this holistic, effective, science-backed approach to better health in your children and family, make sure you tune in to this episode!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
In today’s podcast episode, we’re diving into the world of natural medicine and addressing some of the most common myths we come across. Many parents are sceptical when it comes to natural remedies, often questioning how effective they are and whether they’re scientifically backed. We’re here to clear up the misconceptions and explain how natural medicines are an amazing tool to support your child’s health.
In this episode we cover:
The effectiveness of natural medicine and whether it’s truly backed by science.
Debunking common myths such as “natural medicine is just a placebo” and “natural remedies take too long to work.”
How natural therapies focus on a preventative and supportive approach to health that addresses the root cause, as opposed to masking or “putting a bandaid” on the symptoms.
Why natural and modern medicine should complement each other, rather than being an either/or choice.
Tune in to learn more about the truth behind natural medicine and how it can be a powerful tool in your child’s health journey. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning the impact of natural medicine then this episode is for you!
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Are you tired of hearing about how strict elimination diets (that are almost always impossible to implement) are the only answer to your child’s health issues? You’re not alone. This week on the podcast we’re breaking down how to improve your child’s gut health without feeling overwhelmed by complicated protocols, conflicting advice, and the thought of restricting the few foods your child will eat. Instead, we’re here to offer a simple, effective approach that is easy for parents to implement.
In this episode we cover:
Why gut health is the foundation of your child’s health and how improving it has a flow on effect for every other system in their body.
How to cut through the confusion and avoid the overwhelm of restrictive diets and complex plans such as the GAPS Protocol.
Why kids respond best to simple, child-specific approaches that don’t involve strict elimination diets and lots of expensive supplements that they are resistant to taking.
Our two-step approach to improving gut health: a holistic yet simple strategy designed specifically for children.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to strict elimination diets and learn more about our hassle-free approach to gut health that focuses on easy, actionable steps for lasting results, this episode is for you!
Episode links:
Download our free Kids Gut Health e-book.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the podcast, we’re addressing a common problem for parents: when it comes to your child’s health symptoms and conditions, how do you navigate the overwhelming question of “where do I even start?” From eczema and sleep issues to ADHD and autism, the abundance of conflicting advice can leave you unsure and second guessing yourself. We’re here to help you cut through the noise and focus on the one area that has the potential to make the biggest difference.
In this episode, we cover:
Why parents often feel overwhelmed by the conflicting advice surrounding children’s health conditions.
How symptoms like constipation, eczema, ADHD, mood and behavior, and fussy eating can all be linked to one central area of the body.
How improving gut health leads to improvements in nutrient absorption, immune function, mood regulation, and even better sleep.
The critical role microbiome diversity plays in your child’s overall health and why gut repair should be your main focus.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, this episode is the perfect place to start. Tune in to learn more about how repairing and nourishing your child’s gut health can address a wide range of health issues and provide a clear path forward in your child’s health journey.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
At Natural Super Kids, we see our fair share of parasite infections, often associated with various symptoms, from digestive issues to mood disturbances and even sleep problems.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The less obvious signs and symptoms of parasite infections, including mood changes, irritability, anxiety, depression, and weight loss;
- How parasite infections can cause sleep-related issues such as restless sleep, night terrors, bed wetting, and teeth grinding;
- Why 1 in 3 people with pinworms may show no symptoms at all;
- Why repeating worming treatments two weeks after the initial treatment is crucial for effectiveness;
- The relationship between parasites and iron deficiency, and why addressing gut health is key for both treatment and prevention;
- How a diverse gut microbiome can help protect against future worm infections.
If you suspect that you or your family might be dealing with a parasite infection, or if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this episode, our team of naturopaths at Natural Super Kids is here to help. We offer 1:1 support to guide you through treatment options and develop a personalised plan to restore gut health and protect against future infections.
Episode Links:
Download our Kids Gut Health ebook
Book a consultation with our naturopaths
Our blog on a holistic approach to treating worms in kids
Podcast Episode 70: Treating Worms in Children
Podcast Episode 89: Parasites in Children
A study that explores the mental and behavioural effects of parasitic infections
A study that highlights the impact of parasite infection on mental illness
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
When it comes to iron deficiency, simply taking an iron supplement isn’t always the solution. One key piece of the puzzle that’s often overlooked is iron absorption. Without proper absorption, even the best iron-rich foods or supplements won’t have the desired impact on your iron levels.
In this episode, I dive into the importance of iron absorption and how you can improve your body’s ability to absorb this essential mineral.
In this episode, I discuss:
- How iron is absorbed in the body and the key factors that support optimal absorption.
- The importance of stomach acid in iron absorption and the common factors that can negatively impact stomach acid levels.
- Why taking iron every day may not be the best approach for everyone.
- The significance of choosing the right form of iron in a supplement and why more iron isn’t always better.
- Why individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more prone to iron deficiency and what to consider for proper management.
- The difference between haem and non-haem sources of iron, and how to make sure you’re getting enough from your diet.
If you’ve been struggling with low iron levels despite taking supplements or eating iron-rich foods, this episode will help you understand what might be going wrong and give you practical tips to support your body’s iron absorption.
Episode Links:
Download our free Kids Gut Health e-book
Book an appointment with one of our Naturopaths
Episode 113: Iron Deficiency in Children
Episode 141: Exploring the Connection Between Fussy Eating, Constipation, and Iron Deficiency in Children
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
In this week's episode, I share the naturopathic approach to coeliac disease in children.
In last week's episode, we covered the importance of accuratetesting and diagnosis of coeliac disease. If you missed it, be sure to check it out for crucial insights on how to get a proper diagnosis.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Why immune regulation is crucial in coeliac disease;
- The connection between the gut microbiome, immune regulation, and inflammation in coeliac disease.
- How to improve gut diversity and the role of pre-and probiotics in gut healing.
- Why nutrient absorption is often compromised in people with coeliac disease and how you can screen for common deficiencies.
- Strategies for healing and repairing the gut lining to restore gut health.
Coeliac disease affects everyone differently, and your body’s needs may be unique. That’s why it’s so important to work with a qualified practitioner who can guide you through personalised testing and create a tailored plan for your specific health needs.
If you're managing coeliac disease or suspect you may have it, our practitioners can ensure you're on the right track to healing and long-term wellness.
Episode Links:
Download our free Kids Gut Health e-book
Book an appointment with one of our Naturopaths
A study that highlights the association between nutritional deficiencies and coeliac disease
A study that outlines why decreased butyrate production can lead to coeliac disease
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Did you know that coeliac disease affects 1 in 100 people worldwide, yet only 30% are properly diagnosed? In this episode, I'll explain what coeliac disease is, who is at risk, and why thorough testing and diagnosis are so important.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Common signs and symptoms and why many are not related to the gut;
- The prevalence of coeliac disease;
- Three important tests for coeliac disease;
- Why an accurate diagnosis is crucial;
- Why symptoms in children are different from adults;
- The link between autoimmune conditions and coeliac disease;
- Why testing in children under 3 is not recommended;
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this episode, it might be time to get tested for coeliac disease. And if you found this episode helpful, please share it with others who might benefit!
Episode Links:
Download our free Kids Gut Health e-book
Book an appointment with one of our Naturopaths
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Send us a text
Spring is almost here, bringing relief after a long winter season. As the weather warms up, we'll be spending more time outdoors, but that also means dealing with the pesky hay fever season!
Hay fever is more than just sneezing and nasal congestion—it can be incredibly irritating and impact your child's mood and overall well-being. It can also worsen asthma and eczema in children, making it even more challenging to manage.
In this episode, I'll focus on three essential things you need to know if your child struggles with hay fever.
In this episode, I cover:
- Why antihistamines might not be the best long-term solution
- The importance of microbiome diversity.
- The benefits of outdoor play and exposure to microbes for immune system development.
- The specific probiotic strains that are effective for hay fever.
- How gut health might predict the likelihood of developing allergies.
- The critical role of vitamin D in immune strength and regulation.
- My favorite herbs to alleviate hay fever symptoms.
Ready to take control of your family's seasonal allergies?
Episode Links:
Download our FREE Gut Health eBook to improve your child’s microbiome
If you'd like 1:1 support in helping your family manage seasonal allergies, book a consultation with one of our expert naturopaths today!
Listen to Episode 6 'The Hygiene Hypothesis and Allergies in Kids' here
Check out this study outlining how our gut bacteria may predict the likelihood of developing allergies
Check out this study that shows the link between low vitamin D and allergies
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Send us a text
In this week's episode, Jess is joined by Laura, the new Naturopath at Natural Super Kids, for Part 2 of their discussion on food and chemical sensitivities.
If you missed last week's episode, where Laura explored histamine intolerance and the differences between food allergies and intolerances, you can click here to listen.
In this episode, Jess and Laura cover:
- What salicylates are and where they can be found;
- How a salicylate sensitivity occurs and conditions that may predispose you to it;
- Laura's dietary and lifestyle advice for managing salicylate sensitivity;
- Indicators of a salicylate sensitivity;
- How to support liver detoxification pathways;
- What oxalates are and how they can cause issues;
- Symptoms and underlying causes of an oxalate sensitivity;
- Foods that are high in oxalates;
- Laura's advice for managing oxalate sensitivity and why she doesn't recommend a low oxalate diet.
Understanding salicylates and oxalates can be crucial for improving your health. By supporting liver detoxification, making informed choices about the foods you consume, and understanding the root cause of a sensitivity, you can manage symptoms and enhance your wellbeing.
Episode Links:
Find out more about booking a consultation with Laura here
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Send us a Text Message.
In this week’s podcast episode, Jess is joined by Laura, the new Naturopath at Natural Super Kids. Together, they delve into the topic of histamine intolerance, drawing on Laura’s personal and clinical experiences.
Throughout the episode, Laura and Jess explore:
- Laura's journey to becoming a Naturopath;
- The difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance;
- An overview of histamine and the symptoms of histamine intolerance;
- How histamine intolerance occurs;
- Conditions that can cause a buildup of histamine in the body;
- Foods that are high in histamine;
- Laura's approach to managing histamine intolerance.
Whether you're experiencing symptoms of histamine intolerance or are simply curious about how it works, Laura’s expert advice and practical approach provide actionable steps for improving well-being. For those interested in learning more or seeking personalised guidance, a consultation with Laura could be the next step toward better health.
Episode Links:Click here to find out more about booking a consultation with Laura
Check out Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises here
Click here to learn more about EMDR Therapy
Send us a Text Message.
In this week's episode, Jess is joined by Natural Super Kids Naturopath Sarah Worboys to dive into the topic of microbiome testing and address questions from Natural Super Kids members. Sarah has been a frequent guest on the podcast and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this discussion.
In last week's episode, Jess welcomed Dr. Brad Leech, a PhD-qualified Clinical Nutritionist and Herbalist and Lead Clinical Educator at Co-Biome by Microba, to the podcast to explore gut microbiome testing. If you haven't listened to this episode yet, be sure to check it out here.
Throughout this episode, Sarah and Jess share:
- How microbiome testing has evolved;
- Research on cohabitation and the gut microbiome;
- Testing the gut microbiome in children;
- When Sarah considers microbiome testing;
- A case study where Sarah utilised microbiome testing and gained valuable insights;
- Questions surrounding microbiome testing from Natural Super Kids members and their recommendations;
- Microbiome testing options and pricing;
- Testing for food intolerances and leaky gut.
This episode explored the latest research and practical applications of microbiome testing, particularly for children. We hope this episode has answered your questions and provided a deeper understanding of how microbiome testing can be a powerful tool for optimising health.
Episode Links:Listen to Episode 33 'Meet our new Naturopath, Sarab Worboys' here
Listen to Episode 66 'Common poop signs in children with Naturopath Sarah Worboys' here
Listen to Episode 123 'A case study on resolving enlarged adenoids and tonsils in children naturally with Sarah Worboys' here
Listen to Episode 139 'Navigating perimenopause with Natural Super Kids Naturopath, Sarah Worboys' here
Listen to Episode 157 'How naturopathy can support sleep issues in children' with Sarah Worboys here
Listen to Episode 158 'Melatonin to support children's sleep' with Sarah Worboys here
Check out the Co-Biome website here
Book a consultation with Sarah here
Send us a Text Message.
In this weeks episode, Jess is joined by Dr. Brad Leech, PhD-qualified Clinical Nutritionist and Herbalist Dr. Brad Leech, to discuss gut microbiome testing. Dr. Brad Leech specialises in complex gastrointestinal disorders and chronic autoimmune conditions, offering personalised care to his patients through functional nutrition, integrative medicine, and holistic wellness.
As the Lead Clinical Educator at Co-Biome by Microba, Dr. Brad Leech uses his expertise in gastrointestinal healthcare to translate the latest gut microbiome research into practical clinical applications.
In this episode, Jess and Brad discuss:
- Dr. Brach Leech's journey to specialising in gut and autoimmune conditions;
- Key markers and bacteria analysed in gut microbiome tests and their impact on symptoms;
- How comprehensive microbiome testing is identifying potential issues;
- How gut microbiome test results can explain children's symptoms;
- Symptoms or conditions that strongly indicate the need for gut testing;
- The accuracy of gut microbiome tests and Dr. Brad Leech's testing recommendations;
- The best course of action once you have identified any issues;
- Dr. Brad Leech's number one intervention for children's microbiome health.
Dr. Leech's extensive knowledge and practical approach offers valuable insights into understanding and addressing gut health issues in children. This episode will give listeners a clearer understanding of the markers and bacteria analysed in gut microbiome tests, the accuracy of these tests, and actionable steps to improve gut health.
Episode Links:Check out Dr. Brad Leech's Website Here
Follow Dr. Brad Leech on Instagram
Send us a Text Message.
In this weeks episode, Jess is joined by Clinical Psychologist Brita List to chat about the psychological approach to PANS and PANDAS in children. Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) occur after an infection, most commonly a strep infection. In PANS and PANDAS, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells, leading to autoimmune processes that affect central nervous system function.
In this episode, Jess and Brita will discuss the following:
- What is PANS and PANDAS from a psychologists perspective;
- How to differentiate between PANS, OCD, and anxiety;
- Brita's journey to working with PANS;
- Barriers PANS families face in seeking support and reasons behind them;
- Comparing psychological interventions for PANS with other conditions;
- Healthcare professionals who can support PANS families.
Through the expertise of Clinical Psychologist Brita List, listeners gain a deeper understanding of PANS and PANDAS and the unique challenges faced by families seeking support. This discussion emphasises the need for a comprehensive support team, including professionals beyond just the medical field. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand PANS and PANDAS.
Episode Links:Click here to listen to Episode 167: All About PANS and PANDAS in Children With Dr Leila Masson
Follow Brita on Instagram
Check out Brita's website here
Click here to connect with Brita on FacebookCome along to my free Masterclass to dramatically improve your Kids Mood, Sleep and Behaviour, Save your Seat here
Say goodbye to sick, snotty, grizzly, grumpy kids who won’t eat their dinner...
Access the expert support you need to raise healthy, happy, thriving Kids in the Natural Super Kids KLUB.
Come and join us here
Send us a Text Message.
In this week's episode, Jess explores the naturopathic approach to managing behavioural difficulties in children. Although naturopathic support is not often considered for issues like tantrums, mood swings, angry outbursts, and defiance, Jess shares how it can be highly beneficial.
In this episode, Jess covers:
- The importance of not blaming yourself for your child's behavioural difficulties;
- Factors contributing to behavioural issues in children in modern-day children;
- The role of medications and the impact of dietary, lifestyle, and environmental changes on behavior and mood;
- The naturopathic approach to managing behavioural difficulties in kids;
- Contributors to neuroinflammation and its significance in brain diseases and mental health issues.
By highlighting these points, Jess explains how naturopathic support can address underlying factors, boost brain function, and reduce neuroinflammation. With these insights, you can feel more confident and better equipped to support your kid's behaviour.
Episode Links:Click here for access to '3 Breakfast Recipes to Improve Your Kids Mood, Sleep, and Behaviour'
Sign up to my brand-new masterclass 'Four Simple Adjustments to Dramatically Improve Your Kid’s Mood, Sleep, and Behaviour' here
Come along to my free Masterclass to dramatically improve your Kids Mood, Sleep and Behaviour, Save your Seat here https://www.naturalsuperkids.com/msb-masterclass
In this week's podcast episode, Jess is talking about whether your child's behavioural challenges could be attributed to the state of their gut. At Natural Super Kids, it's observed that tummy pain, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, and fussy eating often impact behavior negatively. Often, when addressing digestive concerns parents notice an improvement in their children's behaviour.
In today's episode, Jess will cover:
- The difficulty of identifying digestive issues in children;
- Having open conversations around bowel motions and keeping track of how often children are going to the toilet;
- Questions to ask your kids to determine if they are having digestive issues and empower your children to be more in tune with their body;
- How the diversity of your gut microbiome influences neurotransmitter production;
- The link between neurodiversity and the gut microbiome.
The insights Jess shares in today's episode highlight the importance of gut microbiome diversity and its influence on neurotransmitter production, emphasizing the connection between the gut and the brain.
Episode Links:
Click here to access our eBook featuring three delicious and simple breakfast recipes to improve your kids, mood, sleep, and behaviour
Book a 1:1 consultation with a Natural Super Kids practitioner here
Click here to join the Natural Super Kids Klub waitlist
The Kid's Bristol Stool Chart - a great tool to support kids in understanding their stools
Listen to Episode 151 'What is the gut-brain connection and why does it matter for our kids?" here
Check out this study surrounding how the microbiome of a toddler's gut may influence their behavior
This study demonstrates how Autism symptoms reduced by nearly 50 percent two years after a fecal transplant
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
After getting back into the groove of work, life, and adjusting to the cold I am back to share our travels with you.
In this week’s podcast episode I am letting you in on the realities of our family’s overseas adventure in Canada.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Canada’s natural beauty and our itinerary during our time here;
- Travelling at this stage of our life;
- The family dynamic during our trip and the challenges we experienced;
- Our encounters with the wildlife;
- The mental load of planning meals for a family while overseas.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
We have recently returned from a 4 week family holiday to Canada, travelling with our two teenagers, so in this week's episode, I am sharing the process we took to plan this overseas family adventure. Taking our kids to Canada has been on our bucket list for a while, as my husband and I have spent a lot of time backpacking through Canada in our early 20s (our son is even named after one of our favourite towns in Canada.. that's how much we love the country.)
We have spent time travelling around Australia as a family when the kids were younger, however, we were yet to do a long-haul overseas trip as a family of four! Next week I'll be sharing all the lessons we learned travelling together and travelling with teenagers.. so stay tuned for Part 2!
In this episode, I cover:
- How we have been able to budget for this trip;
- Why we decided to go to Canada;
- My tips for planning a family holiday;
- Making compromises when travelling with family and adjusting your itinerary to suit your family;
- How to involve your kids in the planning of your holiday;
- Staying in tune with your body while travelling;
- My strategies to support jet lag with long-haul flights;
- How to boost your kids' immune system to avoid flight germs.
- Sign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.
Today, on the podcast Jess shares the two most important dietary changes to support ADHD kids. These dietary shifts will be relevant for people whose kids are presenting with symptoms that are common in ADHD, as well as supporting behaviour, mood and sleep in general.
In this episode, Jess discusses:
- The two most important dietary tweaks to consider implementing in ADHD;
- How to balance macronutrients in the diet;
- The importance of different macronutrients for brain health;
- Prioritising healthy fats and what fats to avoid;
- Why additives can be harmful to children;
- What additives are and tips to reduce your child's intake of additives.
Episode Links:
- Click here to access our Brain Bundle, featuring recipes and dietary support to support mood, sleep and behaviour in your kids.
- Sign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.
Last week on the podcast, we talked about two of the key dietary changes I recommend for kids with ADHD (LINK). And the week before I interviewed Dr. Robert Melillo about the Melillo method when it comes to balancing the brain in kids with Autism, ADHD, OCD, and Tourette Syndrome (LINK).
Today on the podcast, I am talking about the key nutrients to support kids that are neurodiverse. Nutrition can offer a lot, when it comes to support neurological health and minimising challenges associated with neurodiversity.
Throughout this episode, I discuss:
- The function of Omega-3 and the difference between EPA and DHA;
- What to look for in a DHA supplement;
- The different forms of magnesium and how this nutrient can support neurodiverse children;
- The signs and symptoms of low GABA;
- The Gut-Brain Axis and how the use of specific probiotic strains can support neurological health
- The function of B vitamins and what to look for in a supplement;
- Vitamin D for neurological health and testing your kids Vitamin D status.
Episode Links:
- Click here to find out more about booking a consultation with our team at Natural Super Kids
- naturalsuperkids.com/brainbundle (Click here for access to our Brain Bundle) - LINK.
- Sign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.
On this week's podcast episode, Jess is joined by a specialist in child neurological health and neurological disorders, Dr. Robert Melillo. Dr. Melillo is a clinician, professor, brain researcher, and best-selling author. Dr. Melillo has been supporting children with Autism, ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia, Tourette's, Bipolar as well as many other mental, attention and behavioural learning disorders for over 30 years.
In this episode, Jess and Dr. Melillo will discuss:
- Dr. Melillo's previous clinical experience and education;
- What is going on in the brain in neurological disorders;
- The importance of developmental milestones and how you can pick up brain imbalances as a parent;
- Dr. Melillo's approach to treating functional disconnections or brain imbalances in children;
- Diet and nutrition for brain health;
- How lifestyle factors affect brain health.
Episode Links
- Check out Dr. Robert Melillo's Website
- Preorder Dr. Robert Melillo's Book 'Disconnected Kids'
- Click here to access Dr. Robert Melillo's resource papers
- Follow Dr. Robert Melillo on Instagram
- Like Dr. Robert Melillo's Facebook page
- Watch 'Disconnected Kids, Reconnected Families' with Dr. Robert and Carolyn Melillo
- Book a virtual consultation with Dr. Robert Melillo
- Sign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.
On this week's podcast episode, Jess is speaking with integrative paediatrician Dr Leila Masson all about PANS and PANDAS in children. Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) occur after an infection, most commonly a strep infection. In PANS and PANDAS, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells, leading to autoimmune processes that affect central nervous system function.
Dr Leila Masson underwent her paediatric training at the University of California in San Francisco and has a Master in Public Health from Harvard University. She treats children with autism, ADHD, PANS, allergies, and other chronic issues by addressing the underlying causes, such as nutritional deficiencies, unhealthy gut flora, or inflammation.
Dr Masson has written a guidebook for parents "A-Z Children's Health" packed with practical advice on treating common childhood illnesses. Dr Masson offers webinars and online courses on a wide range of health issues, to support children and their families on their path to better health.
During this episode, Jess and Dr Leila Masson will share:
- How PANS occurs and the symptoms associated with PANS;
- The difference between PANS and PANDAS;
- How to reduce toxin exposure;
- Diagnostic testing for PANS;
- Treatment for PANS and how to reduce the risk of flares in the future;
- How gut health is associated with PANS;
- Supplement recommendations to support gut health for kids with PANS;
- Why a nutritious diet is essential for treating PANS;
- The long-term effects of PANS.
Episode Links:
- Check out Dr Leila Masson's website here
- Purchase a copy of Dr Leila Masson's Book - 'The Essential Guide To A Healthy Child' here
- Click here to check out Dr Leila Masson's Webinars
- Follow Dr Leila Masson on Facebook
- Follow Dr Leila Masson on Instagram
- Book a 1:1 consultation with the Natural Super Kids team here
- Sign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.
If you missed last weeks podcast, Jess spoke to relationship coach Aston Simmonds about how to recreate your relationship after kids. Here is the link to listen to this episode.
This week on the podcast we have Nate Kemp, best-selling author of the book '80/80 Marriage' and formally trained philosopher. Nate and his wife Kaley, developed the idea of 'The 80/80 Marriage', a relationship model for balancing career, family and love. Their 80/80 model of marriage provides practical, powerful solutions to transform your relationship and open up space for greater love and connection.
In this episode, Jess and Nate go over:
- Nates journey and how he came to write the book '80/80 marriage';
- How a 50/50 marriage model makes a relationship less equal;
- The availability bias and the overestimation bias;
- The theory behind the 80/80 marriage model;
- How to implement radical generosity into your relationship;
- Navigating under contributing and over contributing in a relationship.
Episode Links:
- Check out the 80/80 marriage website
- Click here to sign up to the 80/80 marriage FREE newsletter
- Buy the 80/80 marriage book in Australia
- Follow 80/80 marriage on Instagram
- Sign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.
Today we have relationship coach Aston Simmonds on the podcast to discuss recreating your relationship after kids and keeping the spark alive. Aston is not only a relationship coach, but a retreat facilitator, podcast host, writer and married mum of two. Aston helps women and couples to communicate, connect and recreate their relationship after having kids.
In this episode, Aston and I go over:
- Astons journey and how she began working in this role;
- Understanding what your relationship vision is;
- How to shift your expectations in a relationship to stay connected through the chaos;
- Recreating your relationship to keep the spark alive;
- Questions to ask to increase connection in your relationship;
- Redefining what it means to be a mother;
- How to shift parenting expectations and work together with your partner.
Episode Links:
- Get Your Copy Of The 5 Minute Coffee Check-In
- Join Aston's 'Recreate Your Relationship' 4 week online program and discover how you can Recreate Your Relationship in less than 4 weeks!
- Check out Aston's Website here
- Follow Aston on Instagram
- Watch Aston on Youtube
- Sign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.
Our guest on the podcast this week is Emily Lo, a Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Sensory Expert, mother, and caregiver to her autistic brother.
Emily has worked for the Department of Education, in International Schools, for not-for-profit organisations, and in private practice in Sydney via her clinic 'Child-Led Therapies'. Emily is certified in AYRES Sensory Integration, DIRFloor time, SOS feeding, Handwriting Without Tears and Therapeutic Listening.
Emily shares her knowledge on social media about child development, play sensory, and therapy activities. Emily's goal is to empower caregivers through education on how to support their children.
In this episode, Emily and I discuss:
- Signs of a sensory challenge in your kids;
- The do's and don'ts of fussy eating;
- The difference between sensory-avoidant kids and sensory-seeking kids;
- The theory behind occupational therapy and sensory challenges in kids;
- How to distinguish between over-responsive and under-responsive kids ;
- Emily's calming sensory activity recommendations.
Episode Links:
- Follow Emily on Instagram here
- Check out 'OT with Emily' Website here
- Check out Emily's Private Practice - Child Led Therapies
- Sign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.
Last week on the podcast, Jess spoke about the importance of building a healthy winter immune system in autumn. If you have not checked this episode yet, click here to listen.
Today, on the podcast Jess is talking about the antibiotic cycle, how to break this cycle and help your child's immune system recover this winter.
Nearly every child we see with immune issues or recurrent infections has had either a heavy use of antibiotics overall or exposure to antibiotics when very young. Although antibiotics have their place, they are often overused and can cause long-term effects on our health.
In this episode, Jess discusses:
- The overuse of antibiotics and the negative long-term effects of antibiotics;
- Studies demonstrating the impact antibiotics have on the microbiome, atopic conditions, and metabolic disorders;
- The antibiotic cycle and how this cycle makes children more susceptible to infections;
- The effects of antibiotics on immune function;
- How to strengthen our children's ability to fight infections without the use of antibiotics.
Episode Links:
- Study on the impact of early life antibiotic use on atopic and metabolic disorders;
- Research discussing the impact of antibiotics on the microbiome of children;
- Save your seat to our FREE on-demand Immunity Masterclass: 3 Simple Ways to Naturally Boost Your Kids Immunity to Avoid a Winter Full of Sickness. Click here to join us.
- Book a 1:1 consultation with our team.
Today Jess is talking about immunity, and why it is important to support your child's immune system before winter.
Parents generally focus on building their children's immunity during winter. However, focusing on supporting your children's (and your) immune system in autumn gives you the best chance of fighting off colds, and flu when winter time approaches.
In this episode, Jess will discuss:
- How the immune system develops as a child ages;
- The different parts of the immune system;
- How innate immunity and adaptive immunity work together;
- The normal symptoms of illness and how often it is normal to be sick;
- How to determine if your child has a healthy immune system
Stay tuned for next week's episode where Jess dives into antibiotics, the antibiotic cycle, and how we can avoid overuse of medications in our kids over the winter.
Episode links:
Immune Support Masterclass
In our last episode, I had an insightful discussion with Paediatric Neurologist Dr Steve Hodges from the United States. Dr. Hodges shared his unique approach to toileting issues, explaining how chronic constipation may be the underlying cause of toileting issues in your children. If you haven't listened to this episode yet, click here to listen.
Today we are diving into bedwetting - a challenging issue for many families. Bedwetting can be inconvenient, and embarrassing as children get older, with little information surrounding alternative treatments for bedwetting.
Join me as I break down a topic that can be a struggle for many children. In this episode, I discuss:
- How constipation can be an underlying cause of bedwetting;
- Imbalances in the gut microbiome and how this can contribute to bedwetting, chronic cystitis, and thrush;
- Symptoms of worms and how worms can be a cause of bedwetting;
- The link between allergies (food and environmental), and increased risk of bedwetting;
- How controlling asthma can reduce the incidence of bedwetting;
- The role stress plays in bedwetting, and how wetting the bed can affect a child's mental health;
- The association between bedwetting and behavioural problems, and how bedwetting is more common in neurodiverse kids;
- The link between sleep-disordered breathing and bedwetting.
Episode Links:
- Constipation in children - A Natural Approach
- The connection between the Bladder and the Brain-Gut Axis in treating Functional Bladder Disorders
- Treating Worms in Children
- Allergic Rhinitis and the Associated Risk of Bedwetting Study
- The association between Asthma and Bedwetting Study
- Behavioural Problems and Bedwetting Study
- The link between Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Bedwetting Study
- Assessment of oral function
Today we have Dr. Steve Hodges on the podcast. Dr. Hodges is a Professor of Pediatric Urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and is a leading authority on childhood toileting issues. In this episode, Dr Hodges and I discuss enuresis (bedtime and daytime wetting) and encopresis (poop accidents). Dr Hodges is dedicated to debunking common myths surrounding enuresis (bedtime and daytime wetting) and encopresis (poop accidents), emphasizing that these issues are never a child's fault.
Dr. Hodges has authored eight books for parents and children, including "The M.O.P. Anthology" and "Bedwetting and Accidents Aren't Your Fault."
In this episode, Dr. Hodges and I go over:
- The common misconceptions he has encountered when it comes to enuresis and encopresis;
- Why it is important to emphasize that accidents are never a child's fault;
- The key differences between enuresis and encopresis;
- The motivation behind Dr Hodges's writing "The M.O.P. Anthology" and "Bedwetting and Accidents Aren’t Your Fault"? and what these books offer to parents and children;
- The main challenges parents face when dealing with bedwetting and accidents in their children, and how you can work to help them overcome these challenges;
- Plus Dr. Hodges shares his insights on the prevalence of bedwetting and daytime wetting issues in children.
Episode Links:
- For more information on Dr Hodges, plus access to his resources - click here.
This week on the Natural Super Kids podcast we are talking about risk-taking, risky play, and risky activities in kids. Back in January, I shared some stories on Instagram about my children jetty jumping, and it led to a conversation about how parents feel about risky activities such as jetty jumping, most parents said risky activities made them very nervous.
So I thought I would touch on this topic of conversation further, and dive deeper on the benefits of risky play. In this episode, I share:
- What is risky play;
- The big reason I prefer my children to take risks when I am around;
- I dive deeper into the 6 categories of risky play which include:
- Great heights;
- Rapid speeds;
- Dangerous tools;
- Dangerous elements;
- Rough and tumble;
- Disappearing or getting lost;
- The benefits of risky play;
- The teenage brain when it comes to seeking out risky behaviour.
Episode links:
- Ellen Sandseter's 6 Categories of Risky Play
In our last episode we talked about sleep in general, the underlying causes of sleep issues in kids, diet and lifestyle factors that impact sleep and some practical tips to improve sleep for families. If you haven't listened to that episode yet - click here.
Today we are zooming in to focus specifically on melatonin, its role in sleep, how we can support healthy melatonin production and using melatonin to support sleep in children.
Join me for this informative chat with our practising naturopath, Sarah Worboys as we discuss:
- The circadian rhythm and melatonin’s role in the circadian rhythm;
- The reasons melatonin is important for children (besides sleep);
- The importance of light for natural melatonin production and what parents can do in their homes to reduce light and support melatonin production;
- The specific nutrients your child needs to produce melatonin;
- Sarah and I discuss melatonin supplements and when parents may want to consider trying melatonin;
- We also touch on synthetic vs natural melatonin, plus the safety around long-term use.
Episode Links:
- Book a consultation with our team to get your child's sleep sorted today;
- The short-term and long-term adverse effects of melatonin treatment in children and adolescents Study;
- Is Phytomelatonin Complex Better Than Synthetic Melatonin Study;
- Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin Study.
Sleep is an essential component of overall good human health. Good sleep supports children's physiological and mental health, cognitive development, and behaviour. At Natural Super Kids we see sleep issues in children frequently, and in this week's podcast episode, I sat down with our practising Naturopath, Sarah Worboys to discuss how naturopathy can support sleep issues in children.
In this episode, you will discover:
- Why sleep is important and how much sleep children require;
- The common causes of sleep issues in children;
- The importance of neurotransmitters when it comes to sleep and some of the signs these may be out of balance;
- The impact diet and lifestyle have on sleep;
- Plus Sarah shares some general tips for better sleep.
Episode Links:
- Is sleep an issue for your child? Book a consultation with our team here.
- The Effects of Dietary Nutrition on Sleep and Sleep Disorders Study.
- Plasma DHA Is Related to Sleep Timing and Duration Study.
Heavy metal toxicity in the body can cause symptoms such as brain fog, poor concentration, mood swings, headaches, food allergies, and more. The term ‘heavy metals’ is related to elements found on the periodic table. These elements include mercury, copper, iron, and zinc. So how do you determine whether your child has heavy metals circulating their body? Join me for this informative chat with our Clinical Nutritionist, Mel Kirkwood to learn more about how heavy metals can impact your child's health.
In this episode, Mel shares with us:
- What are heavy metals;
- How do they impact children, and the symptoms correlated with heavy metal toxicity;
- Testing options available and our preferred method for children;
- What parents do to reduce their children's exposure to heavy metals;
- Mel also shares with us a case study about her client Billy - an 8-year-old boy who was experiencing silent seizures, learning difficulties, and fussy eating, and how a particular heavy metal was impacting him.
Episode Links:
- Book a 1:1 consultation with our team.
Ever wondered why your child is always picky about certain foods? Ever battled with recurrent infections, allergies, or even challenging behavior? It all could be tied to something as simple as gut health.
I'm excited to announce that I've put together a brand new kids' gut health assessment. This assessment will help you determine just how healthy your child's gut is, and give you guidance on what next steps you need to take.
In this episode we will go through a series of questions to determine if your child falls under three categories:
1. Gut Repair;
2. Gut Nourish;
3. Gut Maintain;
The information in this podcast episode, together with the gut health assessment will help you make the most of the information I share in my upcoming Free Gut Health Masterclass that I will be hosting next week.
Have you registered? If not, check out the information below to save your seat, and together we can work to improve your child's behaviour, fussy eating, allergies, and so much more..
Today we're talking about fussy eaters and food intolerances - two very common complaints we see in the Natural Super Kids Clinic. Specifically what you might be missing if you're dealing with a child who is a fussy eater, or one who has a food intolerance.. or maybe you're dealing with both concerns.
In this episode, Jess will share:
- A personal client of Jess's who had multiple food intolerances, low immunity, fussy with food, and Mum was struggling to find foods that were safe for her to eat;
- Jess shares what approach she took with this client including focusing on the gut;
- What you might be missing when it comes to fussy eating and food intolerances;
- Information on what gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability are, how this can impact your child & how this relates to fussy eating and food intolerances.
Episode Links:
Download your copy of our free Kids Gut Health eBook here.
If you are a parent of a child who has been diagnosed with a lung condition such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or acute respiratory infections such as influenza, RSV, or the common cold then this episode is valuable for you. Research tells us that there is promise for these chronic lung conditions and that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in improving lung function.
In this episode Jess shares:
- How dysbiosis in gut microbiota is associated with lung disorders and respiratory infections;
- More information on the lung-gut axis and how gut health is connected to lung function;
- Jess shares research from studies focusing on the gut-lung connection;
- Plus, the importance of short-chain fatty acids when it comes to nourishing the gut, lung health, immunity and more;
- Some of the specific respiratory and lung conditions we see in children and our strategies for improving symptoms including:
- Hayfever and environmental allergies;
- Asthma;
- Cystic Fibrosis;
- The benefits of a fibre-rich diet for influencing the lungs;
- Specific strains of probiotic strains play a beneficial role in improving the gut-lung axis.
Episode Links:
- Episode 6: The Hygiene Hypothesis and Allergies in Kids;
- Research Paper: The lung–gut axis during viral respiratory infections: the impact of gut dysbiosis on secondary disease outcomes
- Research Paper: Diet, Microbiota and Gut-Lung Connection
- Research Paper: The Role of the Microbiome in Asthma: The Gut–Lung Axis
If you are a parent of a child who struggles with sensitive skin, eczema, rashes, hives, keratosis pilaris (chicken skin) psoriasis, acne, chronic skin infections such as molluscum, Impetigo, hand, foot, and mouth, cradle cap this episode is going to interest you. Let us dive into the fascinating connection between the gut and the skin. In this episode we will zoom out and look at skin health in general and how the gut is involved with our skin health.
In this episode, I will share:
- My own story with acne struggles, and how it lead me to study naturopathy;
- The various reasons why the gut is so important for skin conditions, including:
- Both the gut and the skin are elimination channels for the body;
- Inflammation from the gut can lead to inflammation of the skin;
- Why the gut and the immune system go hand-in-hand, and how this impact the skin (ie: skin infections, molluscum);
- The nutrients that are important for gut and skin integrity;
- When it comes to hormonal skin conditions such as acne we need to also consider the role of the gut.
- I share more on the specific strains of probiotics that are beneficial for certain skin conditions
Episode Links:
- Episode 38: Eczema: Causes and Natural Solutions
- Episode 39: The link between eczema and gut health
- Episode 49: Preventing and treating acne in teens
- Episode 71: Treating Molluscum Contagiosum
The rise in mental health issues among children is concerning, but did you know that it's tightly woven with changes in their gut microbiome? In this episode, I will share with you how nurturing a diverse microbiome can balance neurotransmitters and enhance mental well-being to improve mood, sleep, behaviour, and more.
In this episode, we will delve into:
- Understanding what the gut-brain connection is;
- What the gut-brain connection means for our children's overall health and well-being;
- Steps we can take to improve our children's mental health through the gut-brain connection, including dietary, lifestyle, and nutrient suggestions;
- I will share more information on the gut and why our microbes are so important for brain health;
- What affects microbiome diversity in our children;
- The link between gastrointestinal complaints & mental health disorders;
- I share more information on neuroinflammation and what we can do to reduce this;
- I delve into the topic of psychobiotics and what specific strains have been researched in connection to improving mood, sleep, and mental health outcomes.
- Plus my favourite herb & nutrient for gut-brain connection.
Episode Links:
- Download our free Kids Gut Health eBook to start improving your kid's gut health here;
- Book an express consultation with our practitioners to receive supplement advice.
- Reach out to us on Instagram here.
Join me for this conversational episode where I chat about the concept of orchid and dandelion children. I spoke about this over on our Instagram page in December 2023 and it resonated with a lot of parents, so I thought I would expand upon it today on the podcast.
The concept of orchid and dandelion children was created by pediatrician and Professor emeritus of paediatrics and psychiatry, W. Thomas Boyce. Dr Boyce shares that children have two very different responses to their environments. While some children are like dandelions and can thrive in almost any environment, there are others who, like orchids, are much more reactive and susceptible to their surroundings.
In this episode I will be sharing more about this concept, including:
- Why some children are much more affected by their circumstances and their environment, compared to others;
- I share the statistics of how many children are known as dandelion children, what this means, and what personality traits they have;
- I share how many children identify as orchid children and their personality traits;
- Plus, how we can support our orchid children.
Episode links:
- Follow us on Instagram here.
- Watch the TedTalk on this concept here.
- Purchase The Orchid and the Dandelion - Why Some Children Struggle and How All Can Thrive on Amazon.
Packing school lunch boxes every day can be such a chore, especially when your kid comes home and you realise they haven't eaten a thing you've prepared. When it comes to packing school lunchboxes, it's important to focus on building a nutritionally balanced lunchbox that balances your children's blood sugar levels, but we also need to find foods our kids want to eat (which is the tricky part!)
In this episode, I will be sharing my time-saving hacks for packing a healthy lunchbox. For more insights on packing a healthy lunchbox, be sure to listen to Episode 53 of the Natural Super Kids podcast.
Let's dive into:
- Why packing a healthy lunchbox is such a significant part of our kid's overall wellbeing;
- Tips for packing a lunchbox for a fussy eater;
- How to improve nutrition throughout the day, if they won't eat it out of their lunchbox;
- Why healthy lunchbox options are so beneficial for our kids.. (hint: it involves balancing blood sugar levels..);
- We dive into some of my time-saving hacks including:
- Batch cooking recipes that freeze well and are made to last (hint: sweet snack options);
- How having a schedule or a plan to "prep ahead" is a game-changer;
- Why I love to have the lunchboxes cleaned and ready to go when I'm cooking dinner;
- The key macronutrient you should include, and how to make it easier for you to include it in the lunchbox;
- How to get the kids involved and put them in charge, plus tips for all ages;
- Quick, easy supermarket options to have on hand.
Episode Links:
- Join us for the Natural Super Kids Lunchbox Challenge in February. Click here to have access to recipes, masterclasses, community, prizes, and more.
- Listen to Episode 53: Packing a healthy lunchbox
- Not ready to join us? Join the KLUB waitlist here.
This week I'm thrilled to have Kirsten Cobabe on the podcast. I've had the pleasure of chatting with Kirsten before for our membership program, the Natural Super Kids Klub, and it was such an insightful chat on supporting our teens.
Kirsten is a family coach and teen whisperer who specialises in supporting both teens and parents in navigating the waves of adolescence. Her intentional approach focuses on creating lasting connections through curiosity, presence, authenticity, and awareness. Kirsten supports parents in learning how to listen to and talk with their teens. She engages parents in personal reflection, embracing their new role, cultivating rapport, understanding the teen brain, transforming obstacles, and restoring harmony in the home
In this episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast, Kirsten and I discuss:
- More details about this age and stage of life for our teens;
- Understanding counter-will;
- Why we should look to the environment rather than blaming the teen;
- How to listen, really listen, without an agenda to better connect;
- How to shift from conflict to connection, and ways to navigate this differently.
Episode Links:
- Follow Kirsten on Instagram for more insights;
- Check out Kirsten's website here.
- Kirsten is offering one FREE 30-minute call per family. Book in your time here.
In this week's episode of the podcast, I sat down with special guest, Sarah R. Moore, who is the author of Peaceful Discipline: Story Teaching, Brain Science & Better Behavior and founder of Dandelion Seeds Positive Parenting. Sarah is a certified Master Trainer in conscious parenting and a Board Member of the American Society for the Positive Care of Children, she’s also a public speaker, armchair neuroscientist, and most importantly, a Mum/Mom. With training in child development, trauma recovery, interpersonal neurobiology, improv comedy, and play, her work supports parents and caregivers around the globe.
In this episode, Sarah and I discuss:
- Why Peaceful Discipline?
- Why, from a brain science perspective, do so many punishments end up failing or even backfiring;
- Is peaceful discipline for all kids, or just sensitive ones? What about strong-willed children?
- Why do we need to be parent-centric in how we approach behavior, rather than trying to modify our children's behavior? What does that look like?
- What about when peaceful discipline is hard for us? Do we have to parent this way ALL the time?
- What if parenting this way doesn't come naturally?
- What is story teaching? Does it work for all ages? What if I'm not creative? When do we use it?
Episode Links:
- Purchase Sarah's book Peaceful Discipline from Booktopia here.
- Sarah will be offering parent support sessions soon - join her mailing list to be included and get a discount.
- Follow Sarah on Instagram here.
Welcome to our final episode of 2023. We want to thank you for listening to our weekly podcast, we appreciate our podcast community so much.
In this conversational-style podcast episode, I will be sharing:
- A quick overview of what's been happening at Natural Super Kids this year;
- Sharing more information about the Natural Super Kids KLUB and our incredible team;
- Personal and professional shares from my life;
- Our most popular podcast episodes that you are loving;
Episode Links:
- Join the Natural Super Kids Klub waitlist here;
- Follow Natural Super Kids on Instagram here;
- Follow Jess's business mentoring page/practitioner support page here.
I am joined again this week by building biologist, Nicole Bijlsma. In case you missed last week’s episode, Nicole joined me to chat about creating a healthy low-tox home. You can listen to that episode here.
Nicole is a building biologist based in Australia and the bestselling author of one of my favourite resource books Healthy Home Healthy Family. Nicole is also the founder of the Healthy Home (Building Biology) movement in Australia and CEO of the Australian College of Environmental Studies.
In this episode, Nicole and I will be chatting about electromagnetic fields (EMFs), where we discuss:
- What EMFs (electromagnetic fields) are and how they impact our children;
- The first thing Nicole looks at in a home when it comes to where beds are positioned in the home;
- How Wi-Fi affects our children;
- How EMFs alter melatonin production;
- The truth about baby monitors;
- Ways to reduce EMF exposure include:
- The benefits of texting over phone calls;
- Turning off Wi-Fi at night via a timer;
- Nicole shares a little more information about her best-selling book Healthy Home Healthy Family.
Episode Links:
- Purchase Nicole's book Healthy Home, Happy Family on Booktopia.
- Check out Nicole's website here.
- Learn from Nicole over on Instagram here.
- Listen to Episode 144: Creating a healthy, low-tox home with Nicole Bijlsma
This week on the Natural Super Kids podcast I am joined by building biologist, Nicole Bijlsma. Not only is Nicole a building biologist, but she is a bestselling author (Healthy Home Healthy Family), founder of the Healthy Home (Building Biology) movement in Australia, and CEO of the Australian College of Environmental Studies.
In this episode Nicole and I will be talking about the impacts of toxins and chemicals in the family home. Nicole will also be joining me next week to chat about EMFs (electromagnetic fields) and their impact on our children's health.
Nicole shares with us:
- The main toxins and chemicals that parents need to be aware of in the family home;
- The impact of trans-generational exposure to chemicals especially pesticides on our children;
- The steps you can take to reduce your toxic load in the home including the importance of not wearing shoes in the house, the reality of having a carpeted home, and why it's crucial that you invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner;
- The truth about our water quality, and what chemicals to be mindful of;
- The importance of using an air purifier in inner-city built-up areas;
- The four important household items to invest in to create a healthy home;
Episode Links:
- Purchase Nicole's book Healthy Home, Happy Family on Booktopia.
- Check out Nicole's website here.
- Learn from Nicole over on Instagram here.
Welcome to Part Two of my chat with Dr. Elisa Song. If you missed Part One, be sure to listen to that episode first - click here to listen.
Dr. Elisa Song, MD is a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and mum to two children. In her integrative pediatric practice, Whole Family Wellness, Dr. Song's approach is to get to the root cause of pediatric health concerns and empower parents to help their children thrive by integrating conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils.
Today we are continuing the conversation on children's mental health:
- We chat further about the "microbiome mischief makers", focusing on diet and nutrition;
- We talk about the negative impacts processed foods have on the microbiome;
- The importance of being able to read food labels and ingredient lists;
- The impacts that sugar, artificial sugars, and pesticides have on our children's microbiome;
- Why fibre is vital, and how much our children should be eating daily;
- The alarming statistics surrounding fruit and vegetable consumption;
- The lifestyle factors that will improve the gut microbiome and mental health outcomes:
- How exercise and movement change the microbiome;
- The importance of proper hydration;
- The impacts of not getting enough sleep;
- Learning how to improve our vagus nerve function.
- Lastly, Dr. Song gives us insights into her favourite supplements and treatments to consider for children with anxiety.
Episode Links:
- Listen to Part 1 here: Episode 142 - An Integrative Approach to Anxiety and Mental Health in Children and Teens with Dr. Elisa Song
- Check out Dr. Elisa Song's website here.
- Follow Dr. Elisa Song on Instagram here.
- Download Food As Medicine for Kid's Mental Health here.
In this podcast episode, I am thrilled to be joined by Dr. Elisa Song to discuss children's mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and the huge role of the gut microbiome when it comes to supporting our children's mental health.
Dr. Elisa Song, MD is a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and mum to two children. In her integrative pediatric practice, Whole Family Wellness, Dr. Song's approach is to get to the root cause of pediatric health concerns and empower parents to help their children thrive by integrating conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils.
Dr Song and I had so much to discuss on this topic, so we have split this topic into two parts. In Part One you will learn:
- The alarming mental health statistics for children through to adolescence;
- The consequences that the pandemic had on mental health outcomes for youth;
- We chatted about the conventional treatment for anxiety and depression and why it's not working;
- Dr. Song shares her insights on the root cause or functional medicine approach to managing mental health in youth;
- The importance of the gut microbiome and the factors that are disrupting our kid's gut microbiome;
- Incredible information about the gut's nervous system and how 80-90% of the gut-brain connection stems from the gut, not the brain;
- We delve into the modern-day factors that are disrupting the gut microbiome, which Dr. Song refers to as the "microbiome mischief makers";
- How medications such as antacids, and antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome and the impact this has on mental health outcomes.
Episode Links:
Check out Dr. Elisa Song's website here.
Follow Dr. Elisa Song on Instagram here.
Listen to Part 2 of this conversation here.
A common theme we have been seeing in our Natural Super Kids KLUB lately is the number of children dealing with fussy eating, iron deficiency and constipation. So in today's episode I am going to discuss the link between the three.
In this episode, we will touch on:
- How it is common for fussy eaters to become iron deficient due to lack of iron-rich foods in the diet, as well as the link to constipation due to lack of dietary fibre.
- How a lack of dietary fibre can cause gut dysbiosis which contributes to poor appetite, fussy eating, constipation and iron absorbability;
- The link all three conditions have with the gut and the link between inflammation, short-chain fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics.
- How iron deficiency can lead to poor appetite;
- Why iron deficiency isn't just about iron intake, and why we should focus on absorbability.
- How fussy eating and constipation affect iron absorption;
- The importance of choosing a well-absorbed iron;
- Plus so much more.
Episode Links:
- Check out the podcast episodes Jess mentioned here. Or subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify.
- Book a consultation with our qualified team.
- Download our free Gut Health eBook.
- Join the Natural Super Kids Klub Waitlist.
In this week's podcast episode, I am joined by our practicing Clinical Nutritionist, Melissa Kirkwood to discuss the importance of personal well-being as a parent/carer. In our online clinic, we often see a lot of children with complex health issues, children who aren't sleeping, or those who are unwell a lot, which puts a lot of pressure on the parent or carer of that child. Too often parents are so busy caring for their children, that they forget about their own wellbeing. So in this episode, Mel and I will share some practical changes you can make to support yourself.
You can look forward to learning about:
- The three categories to focus on when things seem overwhelming, are Nutrition, Movement & Mind;
- For diet & nutrition, we will focus on:
- The importance of protein & balancing the macros in your meals;
- Reducing caffeine to support your nervous system;
- Ensuring you are focusing on adequate hydration;
- For movement, we will focus on:
- Why it might be time to quit doing HIIT workouts, and how this can impact your stress levels;
- Alternative exercise options that will support you during this season of life;
- For mind, we will focus on:
- How to incorporate small pockets of mindfulness into your day;
- The importance of nature, and morning sunlight;
- Our favourite yoga pose that settles a heightened nervous system;
- Sleep, and why you should make it a priority (if possible)
- Mel also discusses some case studies of two recent clients:
- Mother of two under 3 years old, who has sleep deprivation, brain fog, low energy;
- Mother of two who is experiencing burnout, digestive complaints, brain fog, anxiety, and poor sleep.
Episode Links:
- Needing extra support? Mel would love to assist you in clinic. Check her availability here.
After receiving such a great response to our Perimenopause Masterclass that we created for our Natural Super Kids KLUB members, we have decided to share this topic with our wider community. In this week's podcast, I'm joined by our Natural Super Kids consulting naturopath, Sarah Worboys to discuss the physical and emotional shifts of perimenopause. As Sarah and I are both in our perimenopausal years, we will be giving first-hand experience in this conversational episode.
In this episode, Sarah and I will be sharing:
- Sarah shares her journey to becoming a naturopath, and how her Mum was her first perimenopausal client;
- The facts about perimenopause including information about what hormones are affected, and potential signs and symptoms such as moodiness and sleeplessness, low mood, brain fog, fatigue, weight gain, shorter/heavier/painful periods, and insulin resistance;
- The benefits of functional testing and Sarah's favourite hormonal testing;
- Unpacking stress during perimenopause, including how stress, parenting and lifestyle can impact the health of our HPA axis;
- The benefits of self-care in the management of perimenopause;
- Discover how exposure to morning light and limiting evening light can help regulate your sleep cycle and support overall well-being;
- The importance of sleep during this stage of life and some manageable tips for improving sleep during the disruptive sleep phase perimenopause brings;
- Jess and Sarah touch on alcohol and how it can disrupt perimenopause;
- We encourage rewarding oneself in wholesome ways, such as enjoying a hot bath or a walk in nature.
Join us in this enlightening conversation and make your perimenopause journey healthier and more manageable.
Episode Links:
- Book a consultation with Sarah here to manage your perimenopause.
Ever wondered why your child is always picky about certain foods? Ever battled with recurrent infections, allergies, or even challenging behavior? It all could be tied to something as simple as gut health.
I'm excited to announce that I've put together a brand new kids' gut health assessment. This assessment will help you determine just how healthy your child's gut is, and give you guidance on what next steps you need to take.
In this episode we will go through a series of questions to determine if your child falls under three categories:
1. Gut Repair;
2. Gut Nourish;
3. Gut Maintain;
The information in this podcast episode, together with the gut health assessment will help you make the most of the information I share in my upcoming Free Gut Health Masterclass that I will be hosting next week.
Have you registered? If not, check out the information below to save your seat, and together we can work to improve your child's behaviour, fussy eating, allergies, and so much more..
Discover the amazing world of the gut microbiome and why it's so important for your kid's health. Journey with us as we navigate the bustling cityscape of the gut, home to trillions of microbes that crucially influence your child's growth, development, and overall well-being. This episode is Part 3 of our gut health podcast series, if you missed Parts 1 & 2, be sure to check out the links below.
This episode covers:
- What is the gut microbiome and why it is important when it comes to our children's health & well-being;
- Why the gut microbiome is often referred to as the "second brain";
- How the gut microbiome alters your child's growth, development, and their immune system;
- The impact of the gut microbiome on your child's mood, behavior, sleep, appetite, and digestion;
- Plus, learn how nurturing the gut microbiome can alleviate common issues such as irritability, sleep disorders, and digestive problems in your young ones.
Ready to optimise your kid's microbiome? Click here to download your copy of our FREE Kids Gut Health eBook.
Episode Links:Listen to Episode 135: Uncovering The Cause of Your Kids Tummy Troubles
Listen to Episode 136: A Holistic Approach to Managing Allergies & Intolerances in Children.
Have you ever wondered why allergies and intolerances, especially in children, are skyrocketing in Australia? Or if our medical system's approach to these conditions is falling short? Join us as we delve deep into the perplexing issue of food allergies and intolerances in children in Part 2 of our Gut Health Podcast Series.If you missed Part 1, click here to learn more about the underlying causes of tummy issues such as constipation, reflux, and tummy aches (plus many more).
In today's episode, I will be sharing insights on:
- The rise of allergic diseases, and the statistics behind this;
- The complexities of the hygiene hypothesis;
- Allergies vs. intolerances, including information on IgE and IgG reactions;
- We'll question the traditional medical approach which focuses on relieving symptoms, rather than underlying causes;
- The dangers of cutting out many food groups long term;
- I will discuss the crucial role diet and holistic strategies play in managing these conditions.
- The importance of improving gut function and immune tolerance, focusing on four main areas including:
- Enzyme production;
- The role of bacteria in the gut, including diversity and balancing bacterial strains;
- The integrity of the gut wall;
- The role the immune system plays, and how to improve immune tolerance.
Episode Links:
- Listen to Episode 6: The Hygiene Hypothesis & Allergies in Kids
- Listen to Episode 127: Navigating Food Intolerances in Kids: Insights from Clinical Nutritionist Melissa Kirkwood
We are starting a new gut health podcast series this week, which is my favourite topic to share with you all. Over the next four weeks, we will be diving into uncovering the cause of your kid's digestive symptoms or tummy troubles.
As an experienced naturopath, I am here to help you unravel the root cause of gut issues rather than simply treating the symptoms. We will start this episode by discussing the contrast between the Western Medical approach and the naturopathic approach when it comes to digestive issues.
We will then move on to discussing the following:
- Examining some specific digestive ailments such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux/GERD, abdominal cramping, and gastrointestinal infections that are common in children;
- We'll discuss the underlying causes of these digestive issues;
- The diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors that affect your child's gut microbiome;
- The role of food sensitivities and weakened immune systems in recurrent infections.
I'm excited for you to dive into this episode and explore the underlying causes of your kids' tummy troubles and the natural ways you can treat them. And, remember, this is just the beginning of our gut health series - so stay tuned for more educational episodes.
Episode Links:
- Looking for personalised support? Book a consultation with our online clinic here.
Are you wondering why you or your child can't seem to shake off those allergy or asthma symptoms? It's time to consider the possible role of an unseen culprit - mould. In this revealing discussion, I will be unraveling how mould could be igniting allergic and inflammatory reactions in many of us.
In the final episode of our environmental allergies series, we will be diving deep into mould, and touching on:
- What is mould, where it can be found, and why mould is a bigger issue now than ever before;
- Why some people aren't affected by mould while others are significantly affected;
- Symptoms and potentially misdiagnosed conditions related to mould exposure including:
- Fatigue;
- Respiratory issues: recurrent colds/flu, asthma, bronchitis and more;
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome;
- Brain fog, headaches, cognitive delay;
- Fibromyalgia, and muscle inflammation;
- CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome;
- The cause of mould, and how to determine if your house or a building you attend is affected by mould;
- What leads to mould in a building, and common sources of water damage in a home;
- Navigating the complexities of mould testing in a home, and why it's essential to hire a building biologist or an IICRC Accredited Mould Remediator;
- Why we shouldn't use bleach on mould, and how to safely remove mould.
Episode Links:
- Listen to Episode 131: Does Your Child Have A Dust Mite Allergy?
- Listen to Episode 132: Environmental Allergies: A discussion on hay fever and pollens.
- Listen to Episode 134: Breathe Easy: Controlling Asthma the Natural Way.
- Check out Nicole Bijlsma website here.
- Purchase Healthy Home, Healthy Families book here.
Welcome back to our environmental allergies series. In this week's podcast episode we are focusing on asthma. If you missed previous episodes on dust mite allergies, and managing hayfever, grasses and pollens be sure to check out the links below.
I start this episode with a personal story of a previous client of mine, a teenage footballer who showed a lot of promise but his asthma was holding him back. This client had been managing asthma since he was young and relied on medications and inhalers for relief. We made some big shifts with his diet, focused on environmental triggers and gut microbiome, and popped him on a personalised supplement regime. The result? He was no longer reliant on his medications and his inhalers, even his doctor was impressed.
In this episode, we will be taking a deeper look at asthma, as well as:
- Key points when it comes to asthma;
- Addressing underlying inflammation;
- Dietary changes;
- Improving the gut microbiome;
- Improving immune regulation;
- The modern medical approach and what we can do alongside medications;
- How genetics plays a big role including information about the "allergic march";
- Identifying and addressing dietary & environmental triggers that exacerbate asthma;
- Including dust mites, grasses, pollens and mould;
- Dairy, especially A1 casein protein, sulfites & additives;
- The beneficial supplements to include to reduce inflammation and asthma:
- Omega 3;
- Quercetin;
- Bromelain;
- Plus dietary changes you can make to reduce inflammation in kids;
- The impacts the gut has on respiratory symptoms, including the link between the gut-lung axis;
- Gut healing foods you can incorporate to improve gut function;
- The benefits of Vitamin D, and the link between Vitamin D levels and asthma in children.
Episode Links:
- Want to manage your child's asthma? Book a consultation with one of our qualified practitioners here.
- Improve your child's gut health with our free downloadable Gut Health eBook;
- Listen to Episode 131 - Does Your Child Have a Dust Mite Allergy?
- Listen to Episode 132 - Environmental Allergies: A Discussion on Hay Fever & Pollens
Today we are continuing our conversation on environmental allergies, with our focus this week being on hayfever, pollens, and grasses. If you missed last week's episode we chatted about dust mite allergies and our naturopathic approach to treatment.
In Episode 132, I will be discussing:
- My personal story of how I dealt with a grass allergy and hayfever symptoms through my travels in California in my early 20's and how these symptoms still impact me;
- The symptoms of a grass and/or pollen allergy:
- Sneezing;
- Nasal congestion/runny nose;
- Itchy, watery eyes and itchy throat;
- Asthma exacerbation;
- Sinus headaches;
- Eczema.
- The seasons that exacerbate and weather conditions that reduce the impact of hayfever symptoms;
- My tips on how you can reduce your child's exposure to grasses and/or pollens;
- Our naturopathic approach to hayfever, and allergies to grasses/pollens, and what to focus on, including:
- Importance of microbiome diversity through outdoor play and diet;
- Specific strains of probiotics that will improve symptoms;
- The benefits of Vitamin D for allergy maintenance;
- Symptomatic relief, and what herbs we recommend to reduce symptoms.
Episode Links:
Listen to Episode 131 - Does your child have a dust mite allergy?
Download our FREE Gut Health eBook to improve your child's microbiome.
Love our episodes? We would be so grateful if you could rate & review our podcast so our free educational content can get into the ears of more families.
As always, if you have a friend or family member that you believe would benefit from this episode, please share with them.
For more educational content, come and hang out with us on Instagram by following @naturalsuperkids
Welcome to the first episode of our brand new environmental allergies podcast series. We will be diving into the most common allergies we see in our Natural Super Kids community and with our members in the Natural Super Kids Klub. This podcast series will include episodes on pollens, grasses, mould, and then we will move on to asthma and how this fits in with environmental allergies.
In this week's episode, we will be discussing a very common environmental allergy, which is dust mites, andwill be sharing the following insights with you:
- What an allergy is, and the concerning statistics we see here in Australia and in the Western World when it comes to allergies;
- How the hygiene hypothesis could explain some of the underlying causes of an increase in allergies;
- The signs and symptoms of a dust mite allergy;
- The red flag symptoms that will help you determine whether a dust mite allergy is present, including:
- Symptoms improve when away from the source (ie: when you're on holiday);
- Symptoms appear all year round (not seasonal like pollens);
- Symptoms are worse overnight and in the morning;
- I will share the #1 action step you can implement as a parent to improve dust mite allergies and my top tips to reduce dust exposure;
- We will chat about the link between humidity and dust mites;
- The number one room in the house that breeds dust mites;
- Plus, our naturopathic approach to supporting kids with dust mite allergies, including the link to the gut microbiome, the specific probiotic strains to use, and our favourite nutrients to incorporate.
Episode Links:
Episode 6: The hygiene hypothesis and allergies in children;
Episode 78: Vitamin D for Immunity, Allergies and Brain Health;
Download our FREE Gut Health eBook here.
Love our episodes? We would be so grateful if you could rate & review our podcast so our free educational content can get into the ears of more families.
As always, if you have a friend or family member that you believe would benefit from this episode, please share with them.
For more educational content, come and hang out with us on Instagram by following @naturalsuperkids
This week's podcast episode is a little different from our usual episodes. It is more personal and conversational than our regular educational episodes. As a parent of teenagers, I am sharing my personal experience and insights on my teen parenting journey.
In today’s episode, I will discuss:
- The transition in parenting, moving from raising younger children to navigating the teenage years;
- The noticeable shifts in children's behaviours as they enter their teenage years;
- The emotional "grief" associated with:
- Saying goodbye to the days of your little kids;
- The process of letting go as your children gain independence;
- Adjusting to a changed family dynamic compared to earlier years;
- Witnessing your kids shed their sweet innocence.
- The reasons why the challenges that arise in parenting teenagers can be described as "next-level";
- Exploring the positive aspects of having teenagers in your family.
We understand that parenting is challenging in all chapters, and we want to give you the support you need, especially when your kids are not little anymore but not big enough to be entirely on their own. Tune in NOW, and get ready to open your eyes to the realities of parenting teenagers.
For more guidance on parenting children and teens, follow Kirsten Cobabe on Instagram. Get tailored support for your family to stay connected through adolescence.
A balanced breakfast is a great way to set teenagers up for a stable mood and energy throughout the day. Download our free breakfast recipes here.
Episode Links:
- Podcast - Episode 110: Managing Anxiety In Children
- Further Reading - Dealing With Teenage Anger? How To Support a Moody Teen
Welcome to another episode of the Natural Super Kids Podcast! Today's topic is a continuation of last week's discussion on the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children. If you missed that episode, be sure to check it out because it sets the stage for today's conversation.
We’re talking about another tool provided by the Australian government for parents seeking to make healthier food choices for their children: the Health Star Rating. It aims to rate similar food products’ overall nutritional profiles, to help parents determine the best food options. This system is designed to simplify the process of choosing nutritious foods by assigning a rating from half a star to five stars, with five stars indicating a very healthy choice. It's like a nutritional compass for busy parents.
In today’s episode, I will discuss:
- What the Health Star Rating is;
- The 4 main nutritional factors considered by the Health Star Rating when rating products;
- Why the Health Star rating is flawed:
- It often ranks processed foods above wholefood options;
- It doesn’t distinguish between natural and added sugars;
- Manufacturers can tweak their scores by adding ingredients;
- It is not mandatory to have a rating on food products.
- The most common food labelling tricks that can mislead us;
- Practical tips for ensuring your kids get the best nutrition possible.
We understand that parenting is a challenge, and we're here to support you in making those healthy choices. Tune in NOW — this episode is packed with vital information that can have a big impact on your family’s health.
Don't miss our FREE ebook — 15 Quick and Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids. In just a few minutes, you can whip up delicious snacks with no baking required!
Episode Links:
- Podcast - Episode 128:Filling the Gaps in the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children
- Further Reading - Why the Health Star Rating Doesn’t Help You Choose Healthier Foods
Welcome to the Natural Super Kids Podcast! In today's episode, we're diving deep into a controversial topic – Australian Dietary Guidelines. For this episode, we will be looking at three specific guidelines: The National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, Nutrition Guidelines for School Tuck Shops, and Health Direct’s Healthy Eating for Kids.
Australian Dietary Guidelines are once again sparking discussion because one of our members in the Natural Super Kids Klub encountered a surprising roadblock when submitting a Bliss Balls recipe to her child's school tuck shop. The recipe, which included coconut oil, was deemed a "red food" and rejected due to school canteen guidelines favouring vegetable oils over natural, solid oils like coconut oil.
In this episode, I will discuss:
- The challenges faced by parents when it comes to meeting their kids’ nutritional needs;
- Flaws in Health Direct's Guide on Healthy Eating for Kids:
- Emphasis on a large amount of cereal and grain foods;
- Does not consider adequately consider new research on saturated fats;
- Preference for processed vegetable oils over healthy natural oils;
- The misinformation around coconut oil and its surprising benefits on HDL cholesterol.
- Specific issues identified with the Guidelines for Healthy Foods and Drinks Supplied in School Canteens;
- Perplexing categories used: green, amber, and red;
- The use of intense sweeteners in “green” drinks;
- Preference for vegetable oils rich in Omega-6 fatty acids and the implications on children’s health;
- Omission of essential fat-soluble nutrients when opting for low-fat dairy;
- Banning salt in school lunches, despite its necessity in nutrient balance.
- What’s missing in Australian Dietary Guidelines, and where the focus should be redirected;
- Her recommendations for healthy feeding practices for kids;
As parents, it's our responsibility to question and explore dietary recommendations to ensure our kids get the best nutrition possible. If you're passionate about providing optimal nutrition for your kids and want practical tips to overcome challenges, this episode is a must-listen.
Episode Links:
- Podcast - Episode 3:Our Unique Approach to Kids’ Health and Nutrition
- Further Reading - How Diet Diversity Supports Gut Health Naturally
Welcome to the Natural Super Kids Podcast! In today’s episode, we welcome back Melissa Kirkwood, our clinical nutritionist, who sheds light on the often confusing topic of food intolerances and the challenges they present to parents. We began to explore food intolerances in Episode 9: Addressing Food Intolerances and Sensitivities in Kids and today’s discussion perfectly complements what was covered in that episode.
In today’s episode, Mel and I discuss:
- The major difference between a food allergy and food intolerance;
- How food allergies manifest in the body;
- The 8 most common allergens responsible for food allergy cases;
- The various ways food intolerance can present itself in the body, causing discomfort and other symptoms;
- The most significant determining factor differentiating a food allergy from food intolerance;
- The most frequently encountered types of food intolerance at the Natural Super Kids Clinic;
- The most prevalent signs and symptoms of food intolerance in children;
- Mel’s approach to managing food intolerances in her young clients:
- Keeping a food diary;
- Elimination and reintroduction;
- Supplementation.
- Mel’s client success stories:
- Alice, an 18-month-old girl with various symptoms ranging from poor sleep to abdominal pain, irritability, and pale, mucousy stools;
- Ted, a 2-year-old suffering from chronic constipation, poor sleep, and mood issues.
Take the proactive step to address your child's symptoms possibly linked to food intolerances. Book a consultation with Melissa Kirkwood today! As an experienced practitioner, Mel offers valuable insights into the connection between food and symptoms, providing an external perspective that can make a significant difference. Consultations are available on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Episode Links:
- Podcast - Episode 9: Addressing Food Intolerance and Sensitivities in Kids
- Further Reading - Food Allergies and Intolerances: What the Medical Approach Is Missing
Welcome to a special episode of our podcast, in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, which falls on August 1 - August 7, 2023. Joining us on the podcast is Amberley Harris of Maternal Instincts. Amberley Harris is a certified and endorsed midwife working in private practice, offering breastfeeding support in Melbourne's eastern suburbs and through virtual consultations.
In today’s episode, Amberley and I will talk about:
- Some eye-opening statistics about breastfeeding rates in Australia and their impact on the health of babies;
- The biggest challenges faced by mothers when learning how to breastfeed;
- Valuable tips to increase the chances of successful breastfeeding;
- The numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother, including:
- Nutritional;
- Immune;
- Intellectual;
- Maternal;
- Emotional and Social.
- The various reasons why some mothers find it difficult to breastfeed, such as:
- Conflicting advice;
- Generational barriers;
- Sexualisation of women's breasts;
- Inflexible workplace policies;
- Cultural influences.
- How pregnant individuals can prepare themselves for a successful breastfeeding journey;
- Her inspiring 662 movement;
- The importance of the breast crawl;
- Amberley’s membership program for breastfeeding support and her much-awaited documentary.
We hope this episode has shed light on the incredible benefits of breastfeeding and the challenges mothers may face. Whether you're a mother, a partner, a friend, or a healthcare professional, let's spread awareness and create an environment that encourages and normalises breastfeeding. Don't forget to check out Amberley's membership program and documentary for more valuable insights and support. Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
Episode Links:
- Podcast - Episode 7: A Simple Way to Improve Your Kid’ Gut and Immune Health
- Further Reading - The 5 Foods You’re Feeding Your Child That Trigger Eczema
Welcome to another episode of the Natural Super Kids podcast! In this episode, we tackle the sensitive topic of weight concerns in children. As busy parents, we want the best for our kids, and their health is a top priority. We delve into this conversation with care, recognising the importance of positive language and avoiding food restrictions.
While we don't want our children to become overly focused on their appearance, it's crucial to address the potential health consequences associated with weight gain in overweight and obese children. Puberty brings changes, and as parents, we can guide our children towards a healthier lifestyle without fixating on their weight.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Why we should focus on our child’s overall health rather than just their weight;
- The importance of developing healthy habits to improve their weight instead of resorting to medications or surgery;
- How we can become positive role models for our children;
- The important lifestyle changes we can make as a family:
- Prioritising sleep;
- Encouraging activity and movement;
- Addressing low vitamin D levels;
- Supporting your kids’ mental health;
- Ensuring optimal food intake and hydration;
- Teaching your child to listen to the body’s hunger and fullness cues.
- The role probiotics play in your child’s digestive, immune, and brain health;
- Supplements that can help support your child’s metabolic health, reduce sugar cravings, and maintain blood sugar balance.
Episode Links:
- Podcast - Episode 114: Does My Child Need Magnesium?
- Further Reading - Kids Gut Health: 4 Reasons Why Gut Health Is So Important
If you're interested in recommendations for probiotics and other supplements, consider booking an express or full online consultation with one of our practitioners. They can provide personalised advice tailored to your child's specific needs. Guide your kids towards a balanced and fulfilling life, visit Natural Super Kids to book an appointment.
Welcome to the Natural Super Kids Podcast! Today, we will tackle a much-anticipated topic that has been highly requested by our Klub members: feeding sporty and active kids. We recognise the difficulties in providing optimal nutrition to support your child's active lifestyle. Whether they're passionate about soccer, swimming, dance, or any other physical activity, it's crucial to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients to fuel their bodies, boost performance, and promote muscle recovery.
In today’s episode, I discuss:
- The importance of meeting the unique nutritional needs of active and sporty children;
- Essential macronutrients in an active child's diet, their impact on performance and health, and some food examples:
- Carbohydrates;
- Proteins;
- Fats.
- The micronutrients that active kids may be more prone to deficiencies in:
- Iron;
- Calcium and Vitamin D;
- B Vitamins;
- Electrolytes;
- Antioxidants.
- Healthy, wholefood breakfast ideas to help your active kids start their day;
- Healthy but simple snack ideas for sporty kids.
Episode Links:
- Further Reading - Feeding Picky Eaters? Ways to Sneak Extra Nutrition In
- Recipe - Carrot Cake Bliss Balls
Take charge of your child's nutrition to fuel their active and sporty lifestyle. Book a consultation with our practitioners for personalised guidance and support in meeting your kids’ nutrient needs. Don't forget to check out our FREE 15 Quick and Easy Healthy Snack Ideas ebook, filled with creative and nutritious snack options. Nourish their bodies well to enhance performance, promote health, and ensure overall well-being.
Welcome back to the Natural Super Kids podcast! In this episode, we have a special guest, Sarah Worboys, a naturopath from the NSK team. Sarah has previously appeared in Episode 33 and Episode 66, sharing her insights and expertise.
Today, she presents a fascinating case study of a client dealing with enlarged tonsils and adenoids. We thought the case study is a good follow-up to our podcast episode on tonsils and adenoids as it will give you insights and information on results and treatment time.
In this podcast episode, Sarah highlights the importance of understanding the underlying causes of chronic inflammation and its impact on children's health and well-being.
During the chat, Sarah and I discussed:
- The relationship between chronic inflammation and enlarged tonsils and adenoids;
- The drivers of chronic inflammation:
- Environmental factors;
- Diet;
- Gut issues;
- History of antibiotic use;
- Imbalance of omega-6s to omega-3s;
- Poor sleep;
- Sleep apnea.
- The effects of chronic congestion;
- The case of “Anna”, a 10-year-old girl from Tasmania, with the following signs and symptoms:
- Monthly sore throats and colds;
- Nasal congestion and bloody noses;
- Picky eating;
- Low ferritin levels;
- Mouth breathing;
- Daytime fatigue;
- Dark circles under the eyes;
- The treatment plan Sarah developed for Anna and its treatment goals:
- Dietary modifications;
- Specific herbs;
- Nutrients;
- Probiotics.
- The results six weeks after implementing the treatment plan;
- The benefits of working with a practitioner towards improving your child’s health;
- The realistic expectations for parents looking to have their kids treated for chronic inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids.
For concerned mums seeking alternatives to surgery for their child's enlarged tonsils and adenoids, a consultation with Sarah can be the ideal solution. With personalised care as her priority, Sarah is dedicated to helping children thrive naturally. Book a consultation with Sarah TODAY!
Episode Links:
- Podcast - Episode 33: Meet Our New Naturopath, Sarah Worboys
- Podcast - Episode 66: Common Poop Signs in Children with Sarah Worboys
- Podcast - Episode 115: An Alternative Approach to Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids in Children
We are thrilled to have Kasey Edwards back on our podcast for this episode. Kasey is widely recognised for her best-selling books, including the highly acclaimed Raising Girls Who Like Themselves. She is a regular contributor to prestigious publications such as The Huffington Post, the Telegraph, the Daily Mail, The Herald Sun, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Guardian, among others.
In this episode, Kasey joins us to discuss her latest co-authored book with her husband Christopher, titled Bringing Up Boys Who Like Themselves. Drawing from their experiences as both authors and parents, Kasey Edwards and Christopher Scanlon dive deep into the challenge of fostering boys' self-esteem.
In this chat, Kasey and I talked about the seven pillars that parents can focus on to support their sons' journey to self-acceptance:
- Strength of Character;
- Power of Perspective;
- Body Confidence;
- Balance;
- Mastery and Independence;
- Strong Relationships;
- Freedom to be themselves.
To learn more about Kasey Edwards and purchase your copy of Bringing Up Boys Who Like Themselves, visit her website.
Additionally, we have prepared a selection of free resources to assist you in building your boy’s foundation. Get your free resources to help you in bringing up your boy to like himself HERE.
Episode Links:
- Podcast - Episode 63: Raising Girls Who Like Themselves With Kasey Edwards
- Further Reading - Why Are Our Kids So Anxious? Exploring Anxiety in Kids
Karly is an accomplished gut health naturopath, nutritionist, and mentor with extensive clinical experience in treating complex gut health issues, specialising in IBS, SIBO, IBD, and food intolerances. Drawing from her personal experience with gut issues and a family history of Crohn's disease and autoimmune disorders, she is dedicated to helping individuals overcome chronic gut issues. Her ultimate goal is to empower people to lead fulfilling lives without symptoms or food-related anxieties. Karly offers evidence-based advice and unwavering support on the journey to optimal gut health.
In this episode, Karly will talk about:
- What SIBO is and how it affects the body;
- The role of carbohydrates in SIBO and how they contribute to the condition;
- The various factors that can lead to the development of SIBO:
- Infections;
- Exposure to mold;
- Ongoing stress;
- Poor diet;
- Structural issues;
- Prolonged use of certain medications.
- How SIBO is diagnosed;
- How SIBO is often misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS);
- The most common symptoms associated with SIBO:
- Constipation;
- Diarrhea;
- Bloating.
- The dietary approaches to managing SIBO and their benefits and considerations
- Low FODMAP Diet;
- Low-Carbohydrate Diet;
- Elemental Diet;
- Biphasic Diet;
- 6-stage SIBO Food Road Map.
- The importance of nourishing and rebuilding the microbiome during SIBO treatment;
- The Implications of SIBO on Children’s Health;
- Her Nourished Gut Program and how it can help manage SIBO effectively through diet therapy.
Episode Links:
- Food as Medicine for SIBO- A free live masterclass designed to empower healthcare professionals with effective strategies for treating SIBO without excessive food restrictions.
- Want to know more about the SIBO Food Roadmap? Join the waitlist now to stay informed and receive updates as soon as it's launched. Don't miss out on this game-changing resource—we can't wait to share it with you!
Do our children need supplements for a healthy immune system? This is a complex question with no black-or-white answer. The answer depends on many factors influenced by the Western lifestyle, which determine the need for supplements so that the immune system functions well.
In this episode, we'll explore various factors that can be detrimental to our children's immune health and discuss the potential benefits of incorporating supplements into their diet.
I will discuss:
- How specific contributing factors negatively impact our children's immune system:
- Poor dietary choices;
- Lack of diversity in the diet;
- Low intake of fruits and vegetables;
- Reduced exposure to natural environment;
- Increased stress levels;
- Environmental toxins.
- The implications of modern farming techniques on our children's immune health:
- Pesticide exposure;
- Reduction in the diversity of food available;
- Soil depletion and nutrient loss;
- Antibiotic use in livestock.
- The specific nutrients that may be beneficial for your little one’s immune system and discuss the potential benefits of supplementing these nutrients.
Episode Links:
- Podcast - Episode 111: How Nature Deficit Disorder Is Affecting Our Kids
- Further Reading -Why We Love Zinc for Kids
Say goodbye to sick, snotty, grizzly, grumpy kids who won’t eat their dinner...
Access the expert support you need to raise healthy, happy, thriving Kids in the Natural Super Kids KLUB.
Come and join us here
With the cold weather setting in, you might have noticed that your children fall sick far more frequently. But the good news is that this is perfectly normal and even healthy!
The immune system, with all its complexity, plays a crucial role in protecting our children from infections and fostering their well-being. It's important to recognise that there are differences between our immunity as adults and the immune system of our children. By gaining a deeper understanding of how their immune system works and what is realistic in terms of their health, we can better support their overall well-being.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The immune system and how it works differently in children compared to adults;
- How understanding the young immune system is key to supporting our children's health:
- Innate immune system vs adaptive immune system;
- Why children get sick more frequently and its impact on your child’s immune system.
- The role of inflammation in your child’s health;
- The factors that optimise immune function in kids:
- Breast milk;
- Natural birth;
- Immune system nutrients;
- A healthy gut.
- The factors that negatively impact your childrens’ immune function:
- Modern diet and lifestyle;
- Poor sleep habits;
- Stress;
- Environmental toxins;
- Poor gut health.
- The best indicator of a robust immune system in children;
- The modern medical approach to infection and immunity and its potential downsides;
- How embracing a natural approach to immunity and infections supports long-term immune development in children.
Episode Links:
- Podcast - Episode 22:Foods to Boost Your Kids’ Immunity
- Further Reading - How to Boost Your Kids’ Immune System Naturally
FREE IMMUNITY MASTERCLASS - If you've ever wondered how to take a natural approach to boost your child's immunity and navigate the challenges of raising healthy and resilient kids, we have a FREE masterclass on Tuesday 20th June 10:30am Sydney (AEST) or Wednesday 21st June 8pm Sydney time (AEST).
Don't miss this opportunity, take control of your child's immune health TODAY!
When our children fall sick, as parents we will often rely on medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen for fever relief. But did you know that these medications don’t need to be your first port of call? In many cases, these medications may be doing more harm than good when it comes to illness and recovery for your children.
While it's important to be cautious, it's equally vital to recognize that fever is not an enemy to be fought off. In fact, fever is a natural health response that can benefit our kids in several ways when they are unwell.
Throughout this episode, we will explore the topic of fever in children, shedding light on its positive aspects, the potential risks associated with common fever medications, and effective natural ways to reduce fever without relying solely on medication.
In this podcast episode, I will discuss:
- Why a fever is beneficial to our kids when they are sick;
- Febrile convulsions: What they are and when to seek immediate medical attention, plus:
- Understanding febrile convulsions and their symptoms;
- Recognizing danger signs and ensuring child safety;
- Prompt medical attention and guidance;
- Potential risks of common fever medications:
- Paracetamol:
- Links to asthma and allergic reactions;
- How it affects the body’s glutathione levels in the body; Impact on immunisations;
- Safe usage guidelines for children.
- Ibuprofen:
- Links to gut issues and safe administration to children;
- Possible links to increased respiratory infections;
- Why you can’t give Ibuprofen to dehydrated children.
- Paracetamol:
- The most effective ways to reduce fever naturally, including immune-boosting nutrients and fever-reducing herbal teas.
Episode Links:
● Blog post: The Holistic Approach to Treating Fever in Children;
● Health Direct Infographic: Fever in Children
Don't miss our on-demand masterclass: "3 Simple Ways to Naturally Boost Your Kids' Immunity to Avoid a Winter Full of Sickness." Watch at your convenience and learn valuable tips to keep your children healthy during the winter season.
Sign up HERE.
Download our Foods to Boost Immunity cheat sheet here
We've all been there - the cold weather arrives, and suddenly, little ones are plagued with painful ear infections. It's a situation that sends parents rushing to the doctor's office, hoping for a quick fix in the form of antibiotics. But what if we told you there might be a healthier, holistic approach to infections in children?
While we believe that antibiotics are effective in certain situations, they often won’t help in ear infections. Most ear infections are viral in origin, so these medications are usually unnecessary and are not the first step for ear infections. In fact, Australian guidelines advise against immediate antibiotic use. It’s recommended to observe and explore alternative solutions while waiting for the infection to go away on its own.
In today’s podcast, I will shed light on the most common causes of ear infections and empower you with tips on how to manage them naturally.
I will discuss:
- The #1 allergenic food associated with recurrent ear infections;
- Specific vitamin and nutrient deficiencies that predispose children to ear infections;
- Three home remedies for your child’s ear infections.
Episode Links:
- Looking for ways to boost your child’s immune system? Download our Foods That Boost Immunity Cheat Sheet.
- Grab your copy of our Kids’ Gut Health Ebook here to learn more about how to improve and support your child's gut and immune health.
- If you want to learn about how you can manage ear infections without antibiotics, book a consultation with our team here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know the ways you incorporate rest into your routine by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Download our Foods to Boost Immunity cheat sheet here
Welcome to Part 2 of our Enlarged Tonsils and Adenoids series in which we will be answering all your questions about this very popular topic. If you missed Part 1, be sure to listen to it first as it contains a lot of information, including our holistic approach on how to treat enlarged tonsils and adenoids - click here to listen.
In today's episode, I'm answering some of the questions that came through from our Instagram community including:
- Do probiotics help reduce enlarged tonsils and adenoids?
- Is there a link to food intolerances?
- How can the diet help?
- Does my child mouth breathe because of enlarged tonsils and adenoids?
- Natural remedies to reduce the size of the tonsils and adenoids.
- Is there a link to strep throat?
- What causes tonsils and adenoids to become enlarged?
- What are some post-surgery nat remedies?
- When should I stop trying to shrink naturally and opt for surgery?
- Is surgery really necessary?
Episode Links:
- Episode 115: An alternative approach to enlarged tonsils and adenoids.
- Episode 10: Probiotics for kids - Do we need them?
- Episode 18: All about dairy - Is dairy a problem for your child.
- Do you have a child that needs help with enlarged tonsils and adenoids - Book an appointment here.
Download our Foods to Boost Immunity cheat sheet here
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids are common problems for kids to experience, which can also have some long-term health implications. The good news is that there are steps you can take to relieve enlarged tonsils and adenoids naturally.
In this episode, I will be sharing:
- What exactly are the tonsils and adenoids and where they are found in the body;
- What causes the tonsils and adenoids to become enlarged;
- The health issues linked to enlarged tonsils and adenoids, including mouth breathing, snoring, ADHD, ear infections and more.
- The pros and cons of removing the tonsils and adenoids;
- Our alternative approach to treating enlarged tonsils and adenoids;
- The benefits of oral myofunctional therapy and how it can reduce the severity of symptoms (difficulty breathing and snoring) and address the underlying structural cause, plus reduce the need for surgery.
Episode Links:
- Listen to Episode 78 - Vitamin D for Immunity, Allergies & Brain Health
- Download our Gut Health eBook here.
- Study: Association of Long-Term Risk of Respiratory, Allergic, and Infectious Diseases With Removal of Adenoids and Tonsils in Childhood
- Study: Tonsil volume and allergic rhinitis in children
- Need further support? Book a 1:1 consultation with our online clinic here.
Download our Foods to Boost Immunity cheat sheet here
Could your child be low in magnesium? When it comes to magnesium for kids, there are so many benefits – particularly for their sleep and mood. But when magnesium levels are low, symptoms can start to pop up.
Magnesium is needed for over 300 chemical reactions in the body. This affects countless functions and systems, including:
- Muscle function
- Nerve function
- Blood sugar regulation
- The production of energy in the cells
- Protein synthesis
- DNA & RNA synthesis
- Bone growth and development
In this podcast episode, I share information on:
- Some of the health concerns associated with low magnesium;
- Signs & symptoms of low magnesium in children;
- The benefits of taking magnesium;
- The two ways you can increase your child's magnesium levels;
- The best form of magnesium;
- The benefits of topical magnesium.
Episode Links:
- Book an appointment with our Online Clinic here.
Low iron in children is more common than you might think. Many kids have low iron stores, or they may struggle to build their iron levels up.
Iron deficiency is something we see a lot here at Natural Super Kids – whether we spot it in their presenting symptoms, or it’s the primary reason that their parents seek our advice.
For many kids, boosting up iron levels is not as simple as taking a supplement. It’s important to address the underlying causes to see significant improvements.
In this podcast episode, I will be sharing:
- The signs and symptoms of low iron in children;
- Causes of low iron in children including how maternal iron deficiency can affect children, plus much more.
- How to check iron levels in children, including testing;
- Food sources of iron, and what you need to know about heme vs non-heme sources plus information regarding how they are absorbed differently in the body;
- What you can do to improve absorbability, and what inhibits iron absorption.
- Which supplements are best for your child, as well as dosage, best forms of iron and why it's not a good idea to supplement if you don't have a deficiency.
Episode Links: * Blog post - Low Iron In Children - How To Boost Their Levels * Book an appointment with our team at the Natural Super Kids Online Clinic. * Download your copy of our free Gut Health eBook.
Carolyn Ledowsky is the queen of MTHFR in Australia. She is the founder of MTHFR Support Australia, a Health Scientist, Researcher, naturopath, herbalist, and nutritionist. Carolyn has many areas of study under her belt, including a Bachelor of Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine, and additional diplomas in naturopathy and nutrition. Carolyn is currently doing her Ph.D. at the University of Technology Sydney to study the effect of different forms of folate on fertility in those with MTHFR polymorphisms.
In this episode, Carolyn shares her knowledge of MTHFR including:
- The three different forms of folate and the one she prefers to use with her patients;
- What is a "MTHFR polymorphism", and how it affects your health;
- Common signs and symptoms of MTHFR polymorphisms;
- The importance of preconception care and how many generations are affected by preconception care;
- When we should be thinking about testing for MTHFR polymorphisms in children;
- The biggest environmental triggers that are altering children's methylation pathways;
- The common foods that our kids should be avoiding or limiting, and why it's a problem to consume these products;
- Plus SO much more.
Episode Links:
- Check out the MTHFR Support Australia website here.
- Learning and memberships with MTHFR Support Australia.
- Listen to Episode 105: MTHFR, methylation, and histamine intolerance with Joanne Kennedy.
Say goodbye to sick, snotty, grizzly, grumpy kids who won’t eat their dinner...
Access the expert support you need to raise healthy, happy, thriving Kids in the Natural Super Kids KLUB with Naturopath Jessica Donovan.Come and join us here
Nature deficit disorder is a term coined by author Richard Louv to describe the phenomenon of children spending less time in nature and the resulting negative impacts on their health and well-being. The term does not refer to a formal medical diagnosis, but rather a growing concern among health professionals and educators about the impact of decreased exposure to nature on children's physical and mental health.
Studies indicate that only 19% of children aged 5-11 years met the national physical activity guidelines of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. Additionally, children aged 5-17 years spend an average of 2.6 hours per day on screens, such as TV, computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Several factors contribute to the development of nature deficit disorder in children, including increased urbanisation, a shift towards sedentary activities such as screen time, and changes in parental attitudes and practices around outdoor play.
In this podcast episode, I will go over:
- How nature deficit disorder is leading to more mood, sleep, and behavioural challenges in our kids;
- The positive effects of nature on children's mood and emotional well-being including improved cognitive functioning, reduced symptoms of ADHD and reduced stress levels (to name a few);
- The benefits that time in nature has on our neurotransmitters or brain chemicals;
- I discuss the research surrounding the positive impact spending time outdoors has on the symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder);
- How outdoor play benefits sensory integration including exposure to sensory stimuli, physical movement, the calming effect of nature, and multisensory play;
- Plus, the ways we can encourage our kids to get outside, and I share some tips on how to get them outdoors.
Enjoy this episode? Come along to my brand new masterclass: 4 simple adjustments you can make to your child's morning routine to drastically improve their Mood, Sleep & Behaviour.Click here to choose your session & save your seat
Our kids are living in an anxiety-promoting world. There is so much stimulation out there thanks to modern technology, which gives their brains a lot to process. Some even say that anxiety is a normal and rational reaction to the modern world.
Anxiety is the second most common mental health disorder among children in Australia. It is more common in girls than boys, but boys can still have a hard time with anxiety. As a Mum of a child who experiences anxiety, I know firsthand how tricky it can be to manage, which is why I love helping as many parents as possible in this area.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The difference between feeling anxious vs having anxiety;
- Common signs and symptoms of anxiety in children;
- The most common contributors including:
- Gut-brain connection;
- Screen time
- Lack of physical activity
- Quality of sleep
- Diet and nutrition
- The Natural Super Kids naturopathic approach to managing anxiety in children which involves:
- Validating the child's fears and emotions;
- Addressing underlying triggers;
- Dietary factors that contribute to anxiety in children
- Particular dietary changes that can benefit anxiety in children;
- Nutritional supplements that can be beneficial in supporting children with anxiety.
Episode Links:
- Screen time linked to psychological problems in children - research study.
- Changes in screen time and mental health outcomes - research study.
- Blog post: Exploring anxiety in children.
You've invited to my brand new masterclass: 4 simple adjustments you can make to your child's morning routine to drastically improve their Mood, Sleep & Behaviour.Click here to choose your session & save your seat
It’s estimated that around 1 in 20 kids in Australia have ADHD. It is a complex condition, and symptoms can vary from child to child. Hyperactivity, inattention, impulsive behaviour, and behavioural challenges tend to be the common symptoms across the board.
In this podcast episode, I will be discussing the natural remedies that will support your child with ADHD with a big focus on food and nutrition. This includes:
- Why a wholefoods diet is a great place to start;
- The importance of incorporating the Additive-Flavour-Colour Free diet (AFC-Free) for kids with ADHD;
- How salicylates could be causing issues;
- How a gluten-free, dairy-free diet benefits some kids with ADHD (not essential for all kids with ADHD);
- Plus, the nutrients I recommend for kids with ADHD.
Episode links:
- If you would love assistance managing ADHD in your house, click here to book a consultation.
- Blog post: Natural Remedies for ADHD - How diet and supplements can help.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
So, the question is.. is your kids current diet impacting their mood, behaviour and mental health? The answer is YES! The relationship between food and mood is a two-way street. What you eat affects your mood, and your mood can affect your food choices.
In this episode I will be discussing:
- The research studies that confirm the impact food plays on managing moods, plus the diet that is seeing positive results in managing mood disorders;
- Brain nutrition and the vital micronutrients you need to be getting into your kids to support their brain and help manage their moods;
- The impacts of inflammation;
- The gut-brain connection, and the implications that poor gut health can have on your kids mood;
- How breakfast can improve your kids mood & behaviour.
Episode Links:
- Check out the research papers via our blog post here.
- Get on top of your kids mood and behaviour via a 1:1 consultation with our practitioners. Click here to book.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
Children not sleeping well is a big issue that many parents will face. Even one night of poor sleep can have a negative impact on the whole family – parents will be cranky, and the kids will be tired and moody.
In this episode I will be discussing the five common sleep issues in kids:
- The impacts diet has on our sleep patterns, and quality of sleep. Including how food additives can cause a lot of disruption;
- Food intolerances and their impact on conditions such as insomnia, congestion, reflux, constipation, abdominal pain, snoring and sleep apnoea.
- Why gut health is such an important factor when it comes to good quality sleep, and the impact worms, parasites, dysbiosis and the gut-brain connection plays;
- Which nutrient deficiencies are linked to poor sleep;
- Plus, how the nervous system plays a huge role in managing sleep in kids.
Episode Links:
- Join the Natural Super Kids Klub waitlist today!
- Blog post: Low Iron In Kids - How to boost their levels.
- Blog post: Food Additives - Can they affect your kid's health?
- Podcast: Episode 70 - Treating Worms In Children
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
In this podcast episode, we are chatting about quite a complex disorder called Pyrrole Disorder. It is a condition that isn't that well-known in mainstream medicine, but we are seeing more and more of it in clinical practice. Pyrrole disorder is an imbalance in the body that affects the synthesis of haemoglobin and causes the body to overproduce a substance called HPL. HPL goes on to deplete the body of crucial nutrients, primarily zinc, B6, and magnesium. We often see Pyrrole Disorder linked to conditions such as anxiety, OCD, ADHD and many mental health conditions.
For this episode, I am joined by naturopath, nutritionist, and herbalist Ross Walter, who specialises in complex cases and is passionate about helping people with their health through nutrition, lifestyle advice, and the use of holistic modalities, and education.
In this episode, Ross and I dive deeper into pyrrole disorder and we discuss:
- More about pyrrole disorder and its causes;
- What happens to the body of someone with Pyrrole Disorder;
- We discuss the symptoms and range of conditions associated with pyrrole disorder and what to look out for;
- How to test for pyrrole disorder, and what the tests can tell us;
- What the key treatment considerations are for pyrrole disorder;
- Plus much more.
Episode Links:
- Check out Ross Walter's website here.
- Read our blog post on pyrrole disorder on the Natural Super Kids podcast here.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
This episode is a bit different from our regular episodes as we are deep diving into the complexities of MTHFR gene mutations, methylation, and histamine intolerance. So make sure you've had a coffee, the brain is switched on and you're ready to learn from our experienced, and highly-qualified guest naturopath Joanne Kennedy in this episode.
Through Joanne's extensive knowledge of methylation and other biochemical pathways, Joanne has helped hundreds of patients with chronic health issues finally heal. Joanne also specialises in digestion & gut health, women’s hormones, and chronic skin conditions.
In this episode, you can look forward to learning:
- What is the MTHFR gene mutation;
- How the MTHFR gene mutation affects our health;
- How the MTHFR mutation affects children;
- The link between allergies and intolerances in children with an MTHFR mutation;
- How MTHFR mutations are linked with ASD and mood disorders;
- Joanne dives deeper into her specialty area of women's hormones and shares why women with MTHFR mutations are more likely to experience problems with hormone imbalances;
Episode Links:
- Check out Joanne Kennedy's website here.
- Follow Joanne Kennedy on Instagram here.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
Emily Hanlon from The Playful Psychologist is a child and adolescent psychologist with experience providing individual and group therapy for children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of difficulties including ASD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mood-related disorders, anxiety, poor social skills, and other behavioural concerns.
In this podcast episode, Emily and I are discussing separation anxiety & difficulty separating and how this affects our children. We also chat about:
- How separation anxiety can be a big challenge for families during back-to-school time, and the difference between separation anxiety and difficulty separating;
- How can we prepare our kids for fewer separation difficulties as they start school or head back to school after the long summer break;
- What parents can do during their morning routine to help their children feel more at ease;
- Where we can turn to for support and help if we have a child who is experiencing separation anxiety;
- Tips for Mums or Dads on coping with these challenges;
- Plus Emily shares more about The Playful Psychologist and her online offerings.
Episode Links:
- Follow Emily on Instagram here - @theplayfulpsychologist
- The Playful Psychologist website.
- Check out Emily's Instagram highlight - Psychologists without waiting lists
- My Big Moments are personalised books for big moments (such as starting school). Use mybigmoments15 at the checkout to receive 15% off your purchase.
- Purchase the Ready for School book from My Big Moments here.
- The Invisible String book.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
When it comes to disciplining our kids, we often lean on the ways we were disciplined as a child. But is this really the best way going forward? In Episode 103, I sat down with Sarah Bolitho from Secure Foundations to discuss reimagining discipline.
Sarah Bolitho is a Master's Qualified Child and Filial Play Therapist and an Early Years Consultant. With over a decade of experience working in mental health and child protection, Sarah founded her business Secure Foundations to deliver practical and professional support, online resources, and in-person workshops to parents, agencies, and other professionals.
Sarah is especially passionate about understanding the needs and functions of child behaviour through the lens of relationships. In this episode we discuss:
- Why it's important to break generational patterns of parenting, and how we can begin to break the patterns that are often so deeply ingrained in us from our own childhood;
- Sarah shares her thoughts, approaches and tips for disciplining children;
- Plus what we can do when we react to our kids in a way that we might later regret?
- Plus, much more..
Episode Links:
- Check out Sarah's website and offerings here.
- Follow Secure Foundations on Instagram.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
With school heading back in a few short weeks, we thought it would be a great time to introduce you to our podcast guest Danielle Murray. Danielle is a teacher, mother, and author of two books, who is currently studying a Masters of Child Play Therapy.
Danielle spent a decade working in primary school classrooms teaching prep/preschool to year three, as well as working in a kindergarten setting. Early childhood is truly her area of passion. Throughout Danielle's time teaching Prep, she came across parents who felt overwhelmed by the start of school. They had concerns about their child’s readiness, doubts over whether they should send them early or repeat another year of kindergarten, and were unsure how to best prepare their child at home. So with that, Danielle created her own resources to guide parents through this transition.
During this podcast, Danielle shares with us:
- How can we help our kids manage their nerves when beginning, or returning to school;
- Why resilience is so important for our kids and how can we help build resilience in our kids;
- How we can start to build our kid's independence and organisation skills before they head off to school;
- Plus, we fast forward to the first week of school and chat about how we can prepare when it comes to establishing a routine, separation anxiety, and the inevitable after-school meltdowns.
Episode Links:
- Purchase your copy of Before Big School here;
- Check out Danielle's online offerings, including her online course here.
- Follow Danielle on Instagram.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
In this episode, I am chatting with Occupation Therapist Natasha Duffin. Tash is an Occupational Therapist trained in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, paediatric feeding, sleep quality and infant reflux and a mother of three.
Tash is passionate about sleep quality for our children during periods of early growth and critical brain development. She believes the wait-and-see approach does an injustice to the developing child and the family unit, viewing good quality sleep as a pillar of health and a foundation for growth and development.
She is passionate about early intervention in the sleep, airway, and oral function space to prevent the snowballing of issues that can arise, experiencing this firsthand with two of her children. Her dream is that sleep quality and airway development become part of mainstream healthcare advice and intervention to truly set up our children for the best start in life. An incredible combination of training, and I cannot wait to learn from her.
In this episode, Tash shares with us:
- A little bit about herself and what she focuses on as an Occupational Therapist;
- We dive into sleep and talk about the common causes of sleep issues for babies, toddlers, and kids.
- We talk about sleep quality, and the signs parents can look out for to rate their kid's sleep quality;
- Tash shares with us her approach to reflux and the common feeding issues she sees in babies.
Episode Links:
- Check out Tash's offerings on her website here.
- Follow Tash on Instagram here.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
Today we are celebrating our 100th episode - which is really exciting. We are really proud to have reached 100 episodes over the last two years, releasing a new episode each week on a wide range of topics.
For this episode, Jess will be sitting on the other side of the microphone, and our Clinical Nutritionist Mel will be asking her the following questions:
- What is your favourite kind of holiday?
- What’s your favourite memory?
- One piece of parenting advice you would give to your listeners.
- If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
- What’s your greatest achievement?
- Have your family and yourself always lived this lifestyle or was there a “before NSK” life
- What’s next for Natural Super Kids?
We are really excited to be back in 2023 with a wide range of topics, and lots of amazing guests. As always, we would love your feedback on what you love about the podcast, and what topics you would like to hear from us. You can email us at Jessica@naturalsuperkids.com to share your thoughts.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
In today's podcast episode I am joined by my friend and fellow naturopath Georgie Stephen. Georgie is a naturopath and a mama to one spirited little girl and runs an online clinic dedicated to supporting tired, sleep-deprived mamas through the early years of motherhood.
It was through her own experience of sleep deprivation that she became passionate about helping other mothers to survive this stormy season, after seeing firsthand how little support and information is available for mums when it comes to supporting their own health and energy through broken sleep.
She wants all mothers to feel nourished, energised, and able to enjoy the wild ride of motherhood without having to compromise on their values when it comes to sleep and responding to their baby through the night.
In this episode Georgie and I discuss:
- The biggest challenges mothers face when it comes to sleep in the early years of motherhood;
- Potential long-term concerns Georgie sees for mothers who face chronic broken sleep without any extra support;
- How parents tell the difference between normal night wakings and something more problematic with their babies/kid's sleep patterns;
- Her top tips for sleep-deprived mums;
- Plus, Georgie shares the one thing she wants every tired mum to know.
Episode Links:
- Check out Georgie's free offer: 7 Steps for Tired Mamas;
- The link to Georgie's website can be found here;
- Follow Georgie over on Instagram for more insights.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
I am thrilled to be sharing the calming wisdom of our podcast guest, my beautiful friend and yoga teacher Kristin Nelson today. I have been attending Kristin's yoga classes for close to a decade and I just love her style of yoga, and how her classes allow me space to go inward and connect to my intuition.
Kristin is a devoted mama and a perfectly, imperfect dedicated yogi. She is the happiest living the simple life grounded in nature, with time for yogic and meditation practises and spending time with her family and friends. She is passionate about sharing what works for her, with her community. What she is reading and contemplating and most importantly – what she practises.
In this episode, we will be chatting about:
- Kristin's approach to yoga;
- The nervous system and why it's important for parents to take care of their nervous systems;
- Practical ways we can regulate our nervous system in our busy lives;
- Kristin's favourite teachings from yogic philosophy;
- Plus, Kristin shares an exciting free online event that she will be running called Pockets of Peace.
Episode Links:
- Sign up for Pockets of Peace - A 3 Part Mini REST Series here.
- Follow Kristin on Instagram here.
Grab your copy ' 3 Breakfast recipes to improve your kids Mood and Behaviour'
Laura Trotta is an experienced environmental engineer and award-winning sustainability educator. Laura is a passionate believer in addressing the small things to achieve big change and protecting the planet in practical ways. She has inspired and educated tens of thousands of people globally to adopt a greener lifestyle through her popular ‘Eco Chat’ podcast and award-winning sustainable living programs Home Detox Boot Camp and Sustainability in the Suburbs.
In this podcast episode Laura and I chat about:
- What started Laura on the zero-waste journey;
- What does a "zero-waste home" actually mean and what does it look like;
- How to adopt a zero-waste mentality;
- The benefits of a zero-waste home;
- We chat about an interesting concept of moving away from a linear to a circular household;
- Plus the main waste streams in a typical household and how can we reduce these;
Laura has just released her new book Sustainability in the Suburbs, a green living guide for modern families. It tackles topical issues like climate change, eco-anxiety, and climate grief and breaks down a series of simple actions even the busiest person can take to reduce their environmental footprint (improve their health and save money too!).
If you'd love to be one of the first to receive a copy (in time for Christmas too!), hard copy pre-orders are available at the special pre-launch price here.
Prefer a Kindle version? You can now pre-order your digital copy for just $7.99 here.
Sustainability in the Suburbs is printed by a carbon-neutral, zero-waste Adelaide printer, using sustainability-produced paper and vegetable-based inks.
Episode Links:
- Follow Laura on Instagram here.
- Visit Laura's website for more information on International book orders, plus much more here.
It is estimated that 35% of Australian families at any one time will be experiencing some behavioural sleep issues that will be affecting family well-being.
Based on over two decades of research, the Sleep with Kip™ stories are a fun and friendly way to learn to manage common sleep problems in children. The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute prides itself on generating and sharing evidence-based advice for baby and child sleep. In this series of 6 books, MCRI shares their knowledge about common sleep problems in children and how to manage them. The books have been created for the 3-8 year old age bracket with behavioural sleep issues (not physical sleep problems).
In this podcast episode, I am chatting with Sam Holt from Sleep with Kip:
- Sam explains how the Sleep with Kip range of storybooks came about and the different sleep problems that they can help with;
- We discuss 3 main problems when it comes to kids' sleep:
- Kids who have trouble falling asleep;
- Kids that wake up at night and can't settle themselves back to sleep;
- Kids waking really early in the morning;
- Sam talks us through a couple of strategies including tips for kids who get up from bed multiple times in the evening asking for things (food, water, cuddles etc) and those who are early risers;
- Finally, Sam shares with us how we can access the books.
Episode Links:
- Purchase the Sleep with Kip books here.
- Watch the series for free, with dynamic storytellers Tamala Shelton and Roby Favretto bringing the stories of Kip and their friends to life.
Today on the podcast we are chatting with Fiona from Mama Matters. Fiona is a social worker by trade and has worked in perinatal mental health and parenting for most of her career, and with that experience, she has developed a signature style of honest parenting support.
Fiona's approach is to empower parents to shift from the traditional sleep training culture and honour their babies as little individuals.
In this episode Fiona shares with us:
- The most common issues she sees when it comes to baby's sleep;
- The mistruths that we see mainstream sleep industry and why she believes this needs to be shaken up;
- Her advice for parents who are currently in the trenches of broken sleep?
- We talk about the Circle of Security approach to parenting, and how this approach supports both parents and children.
Episode Links:
- Find out how to work with Fiona, and her incredible offerings on the Mama Matters website here.
- Listen to Fiona's podcast Mama Chatters here.
On this week's episode, I am joined by a fellow naturopath, Carla Wrenn. Carla is such an inspiration in the naturopathic world. She is an integrative naturopath and nutritionist, a passionate learner, and has undergone post-graduate studies in integrative oncology, autoimmune diseases, and functional medicine within Australia and USA.
In September 2022, Carla launched Long Covid Care which is a virtual clinic created to support people with long COVID conditions.
In this episode, Carla shares with us her knowledge of long COVID and we discuss:
- What long COVID is;
- What some of the most common symptoms of long COVID are, and whether it presents the same in adults and children;
- What the research tells us about long COVID and children;
- Whether there is a link between COVID and the increased frequency and duration of winter illnesses we have had this year;
- Carla touches on why kids haven't been 100% healthy since having COVID;
- The link between the microbiome and long COVID;
- Plus Carla shares with us some practical tips for recovering from long COVID.
Episode Links:
- Check out Long COVID Care clinic here.
- Follow Long COVID Care on Instagram here.
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On this podcast episode, I am chatting with Eugenie Kruger, an Australian homeopath. When I was in college I also studied homeopathy, but have found that I haven't used it much since being in clinic. This chat with Eugenie has really inspired me to start prescribing homeopathics more as they are such an incredible, and holistic tool to have - especially when it comes to managing ailments in children.
In this episode Eugenie and I discuss:
- What led Eugenie to homeopathy;
- Eugenie explains what homeopathy is and how it works;
- Why is homeopathy so great for children;
- Eugenie talks us through the common remedies she uses on children including
insect bites, stings, allergies, fever, molluscum, skin conditions, and digestive issues.
Episode Links:
- If this episode has inspired you to want to learn more about homeopathy, here is the link to Homeopathy@Home 30 minute Intro Course.
- Upon completion of the course, you can join Eugenie's Facebook group here (Australian residents only)
- Check out Eugenie's podcast Homeopathy Hangout – on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast
At Natural Super Kids we encourage Mums to have a balanced view and approach to their family's health and wellbeing. This means taking responsibility for the health and nutrition of your family and taking one step at a time, because you understand that the small steps add up to results over time.
We aim to encourage Mums to prioritise the health of their family (because what's more important) and always be inspired to learn more, but also want you to know that you don't have to be perfect for your family to be healthy.
In this podcast episode, we are doing something different and a bit of fun. I am going to go over six different Mum personality types so you can see where you're at. Once you've found the personality that resonates with you most - we'd love to hear which one of these resonates with you over on our Instagram page.
So, which Mum personality type are you?
- Head in the sand Sophie: it's unlikely that anyone listening to this podcast is a Head in the sand Sophie. You wouldn't be listening to this podcast as you wouldn't be aware there was even a problem and you wouldn't be interested to learn more and make changes.
- Curious Chloe: You are new to the world of natural medicine. Maybe because you're curious to know how nutrition may be contributing to your child's health conditions (eczema, behaviour, etc)
- Overwhelmed Olivia: You’ve been reading articles, listening to podcasts, and signing up for masterclasses to learn as much as you can but feel overwhelmed with all of the conflicting information out there and now you are feeling frozen in overwhelm.
- Lonely Lucy: You are very interested in all things gut health, nutrition, and natural medicines, but your partner, extended family, and/or social circles are not on the same page and can make you feel like you are ruining your children's childhood by being health conscious.
- Perfectionist Piper: You are obsessed with health and nutrition. You are a fastidious label reader and everything you buy is free of additives, lox tox and organic. But the downside is you are too busy making everything from scratch to relax and have fun with your kids.
- Natural Super Mama: You are taking responsibility for the health and nutrition of your family and taking action one step at a time. A balanced approach is important to you and you understand that you don't have to be perfect to make a change.
Episode Links:
- The Natural Super Kids Klub doors are now OPEN, and we are welcoming all personality types to come over and join our community. There is something for everyone in the Klub, and the qualified team is here to encourage and support you.
Click here to join us this October, 2022. - Listening to this after October 2022? Click here to be notified of when the doors open again in 2023.
Say goodbye to sick, snotty, grizzly, grumpy kids who won’t eat their dinner...
Access the expert support you need to raise healthy, happy, thriving Kids in the Natural Super Kids KLUB with Naturopath Jessica Donovan.Come and join us here
I often get asked whether having a sensitive child is linked to having a sensitive gut, and the answer is yes! The gut controls so much when it comes to mood and mental health through the gut-brain axis.
The gut-brain axis is a two-way connection between the gut and the brain. Your brain can affect your gut, and your gut can affect your brain.
In this podcast episode I will be sharing knowledge on:
- What exactly is the gut-brain axis;
- The essential brain chemicals that are affected by the health of our gut;
- Key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin and why microbiome diversity is vital for balancing these neurotransmitters which assist with mood, sleep, and behaviour;
- I discuss why mental health isn't just related to neurotransmitters, and the link between dysbiosis and pathogens and its effect on mental health outcomes;
- The link between gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, and inflammation, and how inflammation is a huge driving factor for mental health and mood disorders;
- I discuss the research behind gut health and mood disorders including:
- Studies have shown people who repeatedly use antibiotics are more likely to experience anxiety and depression;
- An animal study linking the state of gut bacteria can have a significant influence on the brain;
- Plus another study that shows adding a good strain of bacteria to the guts of mice reduced their anxiety levels;
I hope this helps you better understand the link between gut health and mood. If you're dealing with mental health and mood disorders in your home, gut health should always be a consideration.
Episode Notes:
- Download our FREE Gut Health eBook here.
Come along to our FREE ONLINE MASTERCLASS: 3 Surprisingly Simple ways to transform your Kid's Gut Health to improve Behaviour, Immunity, Allergies, and Fussy eating.
Save your Seat here
This is an important episode, as your child's gut health impacts so much of their overall well-being. This includes their immune system, allergies, atopic conditions such as eczema, and asthma, plus mood and behaviour, and sleep.
But how do you know if your child has an imbalance in their gut? In this episode, I will discuss the signs and symptoms that highlight an imbalance in your kid's gut.
Some of the digestive symptoms linked to a gut imbalance in kids include:
- Tummy pain, excess wind, offensive-smelling bowel movements & toileting accidents;
- Constipation, loose stools, irregular bowels;
- Reflux
- Food intolerances and sensitivities
- Fussy or picky eating – particularly those with a preference for starchy, bland and sugary foods
- Appetite issues such as lack of appetite or a tendency to overeat
Some of the immune symptoms linked to a gut imbalance include:
- Frequent and recurrent infections & slow recovery;
- Allergies – food and/or environmental
- Intolerances and sensitivities
- Atopic conditions such as hayfever, eczema and asthma
The skin is a reflection of what occurs in the gut. Some of the skin symptoms linked to a gut imbalance include:
- Eczema;
- Psoriasis;
- Rashes;
- Bumpy skin;
- Sensitive skin;
- Itchy skin;
- Fungal infections such as ringworm;
- Dark circles under the eyes;
Some of the nervous system symptoms and conditions linked to a gut imbalance include:
- Mood imbalances such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings;
- Ongoing behavioural challenges;
- Learning and concentration issues;
- Learning disabilities and dyslexia;
- Sleep issues such as waking throughout the night, bedwetting, and trouble falling asleep;
- Neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders;
Episode Links:
- Episode 62: Three Chemicals Your Kids Are Exposed to That Are Ruining Their Gut Health;
- Episode 61: Four Things In Your Childs's Diet That Are Depleting Their Gut Health;
- Download our FREE Gut health eBook.
Download our Kids Gut Health ebook here
In this podcast episode, we are discussing a very common issue - parasites in children. Specifically the gastrointestinal parasites blastocystis hominis and dientamoeba fragilis, which are the most common parasites we see at Natural Super Kids in kids, and in the community as a whole.
In this episode we discuss:
- The symptoms of parasites, including:
- Digestive symptoms: abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, alternating bowel symptoms.
- Nausea;
- Fatigue
- Headaches;
- Loss of appetite;
- Halitosis;
- Iron & other nutrient deficiency.
- The link between parasites and mood, irritability and behaviour changes in kids;
- I discuss the age groups that are most at risk of infection from blastocystis hominis and dientamoeba fragilis;
- How we become infected by parasites;
- Why it's essential to listen to this episode if your family home runs on tank water (your risk of infection is much, much higher)
- Our Natural Super Kids approach to treatment and eliminating parasites including why we take such a detailed case history with clients;
- Why the gut terrain is so important for treating and protecting your family from a parasite infection;
- The use of antimicrobial herbs;
- The role antibiotics play in treating parasites;
- Information on testing for parasites;
- Specific probiotics and prebiotics we love to use for treatment;
- Red flags in terms of when you need to seek medical attention.
Episode Links:
- Blog post: Holistic approach to treating worms in kids.
- Blog post: Low iron in children - How to boost their levels.
- Links to research:
- Mental and behavioural effects of parasitic infections.
- Intestinal parasites may be associated with later behavioural problems in internationally adopted children.
Download our Kids Gut Health ebook here
In this episode, we discuss histamine intolerance, which occurs when our body has difficulty managing and metabolising histamine due to insufficient levels of diamine oxidase (DAO) enzyme which helps the body break down histamine.
In this episode, you will learn:
- What you need to know about histamine intolerance;
- The symptoms of histamine intolerance including hayfever symptoms, rashes, headaches, digestive symptoms, and fatigue;
- We talk about the similarities and differences between hayfever and histamine intolerance;
- Foods that are high in histamine including aged meats and cheeses, fermented foods, berries, citrus fruits, eggs, and spices;
- The causes of histamine intolerance including gut inflammation, gut dysbiosis, inflammation stress, and certain medications;
- Our NSK approach to treating histamine intolerance which includes:
- Removing histamine foods from the diet, which should provide quick, symptomatic relief;
- Addressing the cause of the histamine intolerance;
- Restoring the body's natural ability to break down histamine by restoring gut health;
- Reintroduction phase.
Episode Links:
- Listen to Episode 40 - Hayfever and Environmental Allergies in Kids
- Book an appointment with our practitioners here.
- Get your hands on our FREE Gut Health eBook here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
Download our Kids Gut Health ebook here
This week on the podcast I sat down with Rebecca Edwards, who is a qualified Naturopath and the Director of Education at Activated Probiotics, with more than 18 years of experience lecturing, teaching, and sharing her wealth of knowledge of complementary medicine.
Our team of practitioners at Natural Super Kids absolutely love the Activated Probiotics range and are seeing amazing results with their clients, so I'm excited to share more about this great company.
In this episode, Rebecca shares with us her wisdom about the gut microbiome and why it's so important to choose a probiotic product that contains specific strains and species to treat the issue, rather than choosing any probiotic product you see at the store. If you take a daily probiotic, this episode is for you!
In this podcast episode Rebecca and I chat about:
- What exactly is a "microbiome";
- The importance of the gut microbiome in babies and children & what the latest research tells us.
- Rebecca shares what makes Activated Probiotics different from others on the market;
- Plus examples of specific species and strains that are beneficial for conditions such as immunity, eczema, mood, and more;
- How probiotics can assist with hayfever, asthma, and environmental allergies including sharing the specific species and strain that will reduce symptoms;
- Rebecca explains the difference between adult and baby microbiomes, and why it's important to focus less on diversity and more on increasing one dominant genus in the babies' microbiomes.
We hope you enjoyed this chat with Rebecca and found the episode educational.
Episode Links:
- Download your FREE Gut Health eBook here.
- Want to get your hands on these amazing probiotics? Book a consultation with one of our practitioners here.
- Follow Activated Probiotics on Instagram.
- Check out the Activated Probiotics website here.
This week I sat down with Morgan Hammond, a speech and language pathologist and early intervention and feeding therapist. We are talking to Morgan today about how oral dysfunction can lead to fussy eating behaviour in children, and its impact on breathing, sleep, behaviour & nutrition.
In this episode, Morgan & I chat about:
- What encouraged Morgan to get into early intervention and feeding therapy;
- The issues Morgan sees in private practice;
- Morgan shares how feeding difficulties can relate to breathing, sleep, behaviour & nutrition;
- The components of feeding therapy;
- We touch on what oral dysfunction is & how this impacts food choices;
- Causes of oral dysfunction, including Ear, Nose & Throat complaints, gut health issues, allergies & sensory needs;
- The impacts oral dysfunction can have on negative associations with food;
- Things to look out for when it comes to oral dysfunction including:
- Persistent gut issues;
- Mouth breathing and snoring;
- Nightmares and waking often;
- Restricted diet and what their food choices can tell you;
- Duration of meal times;
- Advice on finding the right speech pathologist for you.
We are thrilled to have Eleanor from The Reconnected back on the podcast, joined by Emma from The Reconnected to talk to us today about authentic parenting. If you missed our previous episode with Eleanor about parenting strong-willed children - you can listen here.
In this conversation, we talk to Eleanor and Emma about the concept of authentic over calm when it comes to parenting, and how this will completely change the way you look at calm parenting techniques you may have come across and tried to implement in the past.
This conversation is going to be really helpful for parents of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. We discuss the challenging years of parenting and the triggers our kids set off in us, which can lead to a deeper exploration within ourselves as parents, and humans.
We also delve into:
- Emotional regulation for both children and parents;
- The myths and facts about emotional regulation;
- Specific ways adults and children can regulate in an authentic way;
- Why play is so important for kids when it comes to emotional regulation;
- How you can utilise play even if this doesn't come naturally to you as a parent;
Eleanor & Emma have just released their new workshop; a FREE 3 Day Nervous System Reset For Kids: An Online Retreat for Parents.
In this workshop you will learn how to help your kids regulate, have tools to handle the things that happen in life, and to think about themselves and their world in a positive way
The three day workshop starts Friday 16th September - Sunday 18th of September 2022, at 8am AEST daily via their private Instagram group. Instant replays are available.
Click here to register.
Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems for babies. Constipation can look different for every baby but generally presents as infrequent bowel movements, bowel movements that are hard, dry and/or dark in colour, and difficulty passing bowel movements.
Constipation is more common in formula-fed babies and babies born via C-section. It can also occur when you first introduce solids into a baby’s diet.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The common causes of constipation in babies including:
- Dietary links;
- Genetics;
- Behavioural connection.
- The link between gut dysbiosis and constipation;
- Natural ways to relieve constipation in babies, with different approaches for formula-fed versus breastfed babies, and babies on solids;
- Information on prebiotics including our favourite and highly recommended prebiotic supplement;
- Plus the specific probiotic strain you want to include if your baby is experiencing constipation.
When it comes to constipation in babies, gut health is key.
Episode Links:
Blog Post - How To Relieve Constipation in Babies Naturally.
Book a consultation with our infant nutritionist Mel here.
Following on from our series on infant health, this episode will focus on reflux in babies. Reflux, sometimes referred to as GORD – Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease is a common concern for new parents.
For some babies, reflux doesn’t bother them at all. But for others, it can be uncomfortable or even painful. The good news is that there are natural approaches that can help to relieve the symptoms of reflux.
In this podcast episode we will be discussing:
- What is reflux;
- Why reflux is more common in babies than adults & children;
- The most common symptoms of reflux in babies - including obvious symptoms, and symptoms of 'silent reflux;
- Medications to treat reflux, and why you want to rethink jumping straight to medication due to it's impact on gut health and immunity.
- Why feed thickeners are often recommended for babies who are failing to thrive, and why I would avoid them if possible.
- I chat about a piece of advice that drives me crazy;
- The natural solutions for treating your babys reflux including:
- Addressing feeding issues including tongue and lip tie;
- The link between reflux and allergies and intolerences;
- Why it's important for breastfeeding mothers to look into their diet & what we recommend removing.
- How body work options such as chiropractor/osteopath can be beneficial;
- Other natural remedies such as herbs can be useful, but why it's important to work 1:1 for individualised care.
Episode Links:
- Blog post: Reflux in Babies - The Natural Approach
- Download your copy of our gut health eBook here.
- Book an appointment with our infant nutritionist Mel here.
We understand how confusing and somewhat daunting starting solids can be for families. When do you start? What foods do you being with? Is your baby getting all their required nutrients for growth & development?
That's why this week I sat down with our infant nutritionist Mel to discuss introducing solids.
In this podcast episode, Mel and I discuss:
- How do parents know when their baby is ready to start solids including how to look for the signs of readiness;
- The difference between spoon vs baby led weaning;
- We delve into the top 9 allergenic foods, and when and how to introduce them to your baby;
- Plus the essential nutrients you need to consider when starting solids;
- What foods we suggest you begin with (and guess what? It's not rice cereal!).
If you are wanting a little more guidance when it comes to starting solids, Mel has Starting Solids consultations available which include an in-depth plan for you to reference back to. Click here to book a Starting Solids consultation.
This week I'm joined by our Natural Super Kids Clinical Nutritionist Mel to chat all things infantile colic. Colic is a common condition we see in clinic that affects 1 in 5 babies. It is still quite poorly understood and occurs irrespective of breastfeeding or formula feeding in infants up to 5 months of age.
In this episode Mel shares with us:
- How to know if you have a baby with colic including the most common symptoms;
- Causes of colic including maternal diet, breastfeeding red flags, and imbalances of gut bacteria;
- Why it's important to seek medical advice for colic, and to rule out other gastrointestinal conditions;
- How to treat colic in infants through maternal dietary or formula changes;
- The specific supplements you want to ensure your baby is having;
- The benefits of probiotics including two specific strains that have shown to decrease crying time by 50%, and improve sleep patterns;
- Plus the importance of supporting the caregivers during this period, and tips on how to support your mental health if you have a colicky baby.
Episode Links:
- If you would like personalised assistance in treating colic, you can book a consultation with our infant nutritionist Mel here.
- Check out our blog post - Is your baby experiencing infantile colic?
- Episode 80: Meet our Nutritionist Mel Kirkwood
This week I'm excited to introduce you all to our team member, Mel. Mel wears many hats here at Natural Super Kids - not only is she our qualified nutritionist on the team, but she also helps me behind the scenes as our Customer Engagement & Social Media Manager.
Mel is a qualified clinical nutritionist (Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Nutritional & Dietetic Medicine) and postpartum doula who enjoys working with families from the preconception phase through to infant nutrition.
In this episode Mel shares with us:
- What her role looks like at Natural Super Kids;
- What inspired her to study to become a nutritionist;
- What attracted her to working for Natural Super Kids & working with children and Mums;
- Plus what her area of focus is when it comes to family nutrition and how she can assist your family.
Episode Links:
- Mel is now offering 1:1 nutritional medicine consultations on Wednesday & Friday mornings. You can book a consultation here.
- If you're in South East Queensland and looking for postpartum doula offerings or you're interested in an online postpartum planning session, check out Mel's Instagram here to get in contact.
If we could pick one mineral that is important when it comes to children’s health, it would have to be zinc. It is one of my most prescribed nutrients for kids because it has so many benefits and is particularly important when it comes to immunity, gut health, mood, and behaviour.
Kids also have a higher demand for zinc compared to adults. They churn through a lot of zinc, particularly during periods of growth (toddler stage & puberty).
In this podcast episode, I discuss:
- The signs & symptoms of zinc deficiency, including:
- Low growth rate;
- Susceptibility to infections & impaired wound healing;
- Learning and cognitive issues;
- Eating preferences and fussy eating;
- The benefits of zinc for kids;
- The importance of zinc for the skin including wound healing, eczema & acne;
- The role zinc plays in gut health, including treatment of upper digestive issues such as reflux, healing the lining of the gut and the composition of the microbiome;
- The benefits zinc has on neurological health and its influence on brain chemicals which play a role in managing mood and behaviour;
- Why zinc is important through periods of growth and development including puberty. Plus how it can benefit those with acne, mood and hormonal shifts during puberty;
- How to test zinc levels;
- Dietary sources of zinc;
- Plus, our top tips when it comes to supplementing zinc.
Episode Links:
- Blog Post - Why we love zinc for kids & the best way to boost their levels.
Break the winter sickness cycle and learn how to keep your family healthy this winter.
Get access to our on-demand masterclass (to watch at your convenience) 3 SIMPLE Ways To NATURALLY BOOST Your Kids' IMMUNITY to Avoid A Winter Full Of Sickness.Sign up here
Many parents are aware that children need to eat a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients to support their growth and development. But one of the most essential nutrients for general wellbeing is something you can’t get through the diet, and that's Vitamin D.
The main way that our bodies access Vitamin D is the sun – the skin synthesises Vitamin D when exposed to UVB rays. Unfortunately, low Vitamin D levels are increasingly common, even in sunny countries like Australia. In this episode, I will be discussing the benefits Vitamin D has on the immune system, allergies, and brain health.
I will be going over:
- The importance of Vitamin D for our children's health;
- The two main reasons Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue in children;
- The 4 main factors that affect our Vitamin D levels, including:
- Skin pigmentation, weight, the season & your location;
- How Vitamin D supports the many roles of the immune system;
- The amazing effects Vitamin D has on the gut microbiome;
- The interesting research associated with Vitamin D and allergies and atopic conditions such as asthma and eczema;
- How supplementing with Vitamin D can reduce the rate of asthma attacks in children;
- The benefits for children who have eczema that worsens in winter;
- Vitamin D and the growing brain;
- The importance of Vitamin D for mental health & brain health;
- The importance of Vitamin D levels for children with ADHD and ASD;
- The link between Vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy, and autism.
- How to test Vitamin D levels;
- How to boost your children's Vitamin D levels through:
- Food and nutrition;
- Sun exposure, including the best time of day.
- Supplements.
Episode Links:
- Blog Post: The Importance of Vitamin D for Children.
- If you are concerned about your child's Vitamin D levels and would like more information on testing and supplementing. You can book a consultation here.
Break the winter sickness cycle and learn how to keep your family healthy this winter.
Get access to our on-demand masterclass (to watch at your convenience) 3 SIMPLE Ways To NATURALLY BOOST Your Kids' IMMUNITY to Avoid A Winter Full Of Sickness.Sign up here
Winter sickness - we see it a lot. But did you know it's the kids with allergies and atopic conditions who struggle with persistent or regular infections the most?
Kids with allergies are more prone to picking up infections, and it can take them longer to recover from a nasty bug. But there are steps we can take to give their immune system a little extra TLC and keep them healthier over the winter months.
In this episode, I am chatting about asthma, allergies, and other atopic issues such as eczema, hayfever, food, or environmental allergies. I will be discussing:
- Why kid's with asthma, allergies, and atopic conditions commonly pick up more of these conditions than other kids;
- My top three ways to support your kids with asthma and atopic conditions in the winter, including:
- Microbiome Health:
- Encouraging a healthy diverse gut and why it's important to expose our kids to everyday microbes and my #1 way to do that;
- Why it's not ideal to keep your home sanitised and sparkling clean when it comes to our kid's healthy immune development;
- How to replenish our kid's microbiome with good bacteria to support microbiome diversity including:
- A specific strain of probiotics;
- A variety of different fermented foods we can try;
- How we can feed the good bacteria so it thrives within our kid's digestive system.
- Vitamin D Levels:
- Ensuring our kids have optimal Vitamin D levels - which is really important for asthma, allergies, and other atopic conditions;
- The positive side effects Vitamin D has on gut diversity;
- Testing Vitamin D levels to ensure kids are getting enough;
- My fav immune support nutrient:
- Plus an extra immune support nutrient that is anti-viral and anti-microbial, which dampens eczema, allergies, and atopic conditions.
Episode Links:
- Book an appointment with our practitioners
- Blog post - Have kids with allergies? How to keep them healthy over winter.
Coughs are very common in kids and can cause significant interruptions in the home, especially at night when they often get worse due to laying down. The most common causes of coughs in children are respiratory tract infections which are very common in Winter, and can often be quite chronic and ongoing for weeks or months at a time.
Coughs are caused mainly by viruses, which means antibiotics are not usually very effective for treatment. Some children are more prone to post-viral coughs, with asthmatic children being the most affected.
In this week's podcast episode, I will be discussing:
- The different types of coughs including, wet coughs, croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, wheezy coughs, whooping cough, and asthma;
- I go into detail about which coughs we can treat at home, plus how to manage croup at home;
- I discuss the red flags when it comes to coughs and when to seek medical attention;
- Prevention and natural treatments when it comes to coughs, including:
- Supporting the immune systems, plus practical tips to keep kids' immune systems strong;
- Hydration and why this is important;
- My favourite herbs and aromatherapy to soothe coughs.
- I also chat about croup, and what we often see with recurrent croup in kids.
- What the research states about the connection between croup and the higher chance of developing atopic conditions and/or allergies.
- I talk about the importance of vitamin D in relation to croup;
- And, why you might look into allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances. Plus the most common intolerance we see in kids with croup.
- Ways you can build up a child's allergic tolerance when they have croup.
Episode Links:
- Book an Express Consultation with Sarah here.
- Check out my favourite Chesty Rub from 123 NourishMe.
- Related Blog: Natural Croup Treatment & Prevention Strategies
- Podcast Episode 18: All About Dairy - Is Dairy A Problem For Your Child?
Break the winter sickness cycle and learn how to keep your family healthy this winter.
Get access to our on-demand masterclass (to watch at your convenience) 3 SIMPLE Ways To NATURALLY BOOST Your Kids' IMMUNITY to Avoid A Winter Full Of Sickness.Sign up here
We have been receiving a lot of questions on social media and via our email in regards to winter illness this year. Especially because the last two winters have been spent mostly indoors thanks to the pandemic, parents are finding there is a dramatic increase in illness this season.
Popular questions from parents include what they can do to boost their child's immune system, but we also have to consider what we might be doing that is depleting their immune system as well. As parents, we can be providing our children with all the right nutrients to increase their immunity, but if they're still exposed to things that are weakening their immune system at the same time, it might not work in your favour.
In this podcast episode, I go over the 3 things that weaken your child's immune system, including:
- 1: Sugar: Studies show that a high sugar intake can suppress the immune system by up to 45% for up to 5 hours after consuming it. If your child is having big doses of sugar regularly, their immune system will keep getting suppressed. In this episode, I share the best ways to reduce sugar intake in your children's diet.
- 2: Stress: When we are stressed, there is a boost in cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol prepares the body for fight or flight. But the body only has limited resources and will prioritise where those go. So when stress hits, it will pull nutrients from the immune system and digestion. Find out the common causes of stress in children and what we can do to reduce our child's stress.
- 3: Too much time spent indoors: Kids are spending more time indoors than ever before, and it is having a negative impact on overall wellbeing. There are two major concerns with so much indoor time including reduced vitamin D exposure, and the lack of microbes generated from nature. In this episode, I give you some ideas and inspiration for getting your children outside during winter.
These three factors might just be the missing piece as to why your children can't fight off the winter illness.
Episode Links:
Check out this blog post - 3 Things That Weaken Your Child's Immune System.
Break the winter sickness cycle and learn how to keep your family healthy this winter.
Get access to our on-demand masterclass (to watch at your convenience) 3 SIMPLE Ways To NATURALLY BOOST Your Kids' IMMUNITY to Avoid A Winter Full Of Sickness.Sign up here
There seems to be a lot of sicknesses around at the moment from colds to influenza, to a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and we can't forget COVID. I want to give families the tools to combat these winter illnesses and I hope this podcast episode gives you the tools to get through the winter season.
In this podcast episode I chat about:
- The reason it feels like there are more illnesses going around this year;
- Including isolation, increased hygiene, and less exposure to infections.
- The fact that our immune systems haven't had to work as hard these last couple of years;
- I discuss why kids get sick more often than adults by discussing the adaptive and innate immune systems;
- I share some feedback from our Natural Super Kids Klub members who have been able to strengthen their kids' immune systems using the 4 pillars I discuss in this episode, so their kids get sick less often and bounce back faster;
- The 4 pillars are that are helping our Klub members include:
- Diet & Nutrition: Nutrients power our immune system, plus the ingredients in the standard western diet that are impacting our kids' immune systems;
- Toxins and Chemicals: How certain toxins have a direct negative impact on our immune system including hand sanitisers and antibacterials;
- Healthy Lifestyle: The importance of sleep, being outdoors, and managing stress levels;
- Natural Medicine: utilising naturopathy, nutritional medicine, and homeopathy to support our kids' immune systems so they are stronger, but also so we have tools in our toolbelt for when our kids get sick.
Episode links:
Listen to podcast Episode 21 - Understanding & Supporting Your Childs Immune System
Break the winter sickness cycle and learn how to keep your family healthy this winter.
Get access to our on-demand masterclass (to watch at your convenience) 3 SIMPLE Ways To NATURALLY BOOST Your Kids' IMMUNITY to Avoid A Winter Full Of Sickness.Sign up here
Kids get sick, and they run fevers. But as parents, we can be prone to a bit of fever phobia. Many parents believe that if a fever is not treated with medications, there are high risks of serious side effects. This simply is not true!
Treating fever in children doesn’t have to involve Panadol or Nurofen. In fact, there are a number of natural remedies that are far more gentle and supportive.
In this podcast episode I chat about:
- Health recommendations for managing fevers in different age groups, including:
- 0 - 3 months of age;
- 3 - 12 months of age;
- 12+ months of age;
- The warning signs to keep an eye on in the 12+-month-old age group to determine if you can monitor the fever at home.
- The three reasons a fever is beneficial to our kids when they're sick;
- Why we shouldn't jump straight to the paracetamol & ibuprofen;
- The risk of febrile convulsions & why the number on the thermometer is not the best indicator if your child's fever is becoming dangerous;
- What to look out for instead when it comes to febrile convulsions;
- The child-led approach when it comes to fever;
- Potential risks and side effects of using paracetamol and ibuprofen;
- In which I discuss that they are safe to use, but have downsides when it comes to gut issues, skin reactions, additives, and more.
- Natural solutions for reducing fever in children which include herbal teas and nutrients are beneficial, plus the benefits of rest.
Episode links:
- Health Direct - Fever In Children Infographic
- Blog post: Treating Fever in Children
Break the winter sickness cycle and learn how to keep your family healthy this winter.
Get access to our on-demand masterclass (to watch at your convenience) 3 SIMPLE Ways To NATURALLY BOOST Your Kids' IMMUNITY to Avoid A Winter Full Of Sickness.Sign up here
Another common skin complaint in kids is warts. Much like molluscum, these skin growths are not harmful but spread like wildfire if given the opportunity.
Because warts aren’t harmful, they can just be left alone if you prefer. In fact, 65% of warts resolve within 2 years with no treatment. But if you do want to treat or prevent warts naturally, there are several options to consider.
In this podcast episode I discuss:
- What are warts, and what causes them;
- The different types of warts & how they all have the same effective treatment;
- Common parts of the body where warts are found;
- How warts are spread;
- Why warts are more common in kids than in adults;
- The medical approach to treating warts;
- Topical treatment for warts including an effective essential oil that I've had personal success with;
- Internal treatments for warts that provide extra support for the immune system, including particular nutrients and herbal remedies.
Episode Links:
Read our blog post - Warts on Kids; How to treat and prevent them naturally.
Check out our Fussy Eating podcast bundle here.
Are you dealing with warts and seeking extra support? Book a consultation with our naturopath, Sarah here.
Download our FREE cheat sheet - Foods to Boost Immunity here.
Molluscum Contagiosum is a very common skin condition that is usually seen in kids. Most adults tend to have natural immunity, as they will have been exposed to the infection at a young age. It is a viral infection that presents as raised spots on the skin that doctors often misdiagnose as warts.
There are not many pharmaceutical options available for molluscum. Doctors will usually advise you to let the virus run its course because it will go away eventually. But it is an unsightly infection, and in some children, it could linger for many months.
In this podcast episode I discuss:
- External remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum including:
- Two essential oils that we have had success with;
- Natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar;
- The internal approach that we have had lots of success with to fight off the virus;
- The one thing you want to reduce in your child's diet;
- The particular foods you can include to help avoid and reduce symptoms of the infection;
- Two key supplements that can help support the immune system and help fight off Molluscum Contagiosum. including;
- Zinc - including correct form and dosage for adequate absorption;
- Four mushrooms we love dosing that boost immunity and are anti-viral;
- How to reduce the spread to other people, and other parts of the body.
This topic is something that we get emailed about a lot, so we hope you find this information educational.
Episode Links:
- If you would like further assistance with Molluscum Contagiosum, or a script for the products we mention in this episode - you can book an Express Consultation with our naturopath Sarah here.
- Download the Foods To Boost Immunity Cheat Sheet to assist your childs immune system.
- Check out the Dealing with Molluscum Contagiosum blog post here.
One of the joys of parenting is dealing with worms. Most kids will pick up worms from daycare or school at some point, which can often lead to infection of the whole family.
Worms are often fairly harmless for most people, other than causing some unpleasant symptoms. But others can experience chronic infections if they are vulnerable to worms.
In this episode of the podcast I will be discussing:
- The most common signs and symptoms of a worm infection, including:
- An itchy bottom
- Common signs of worms for females;
- Changes to mood, behaviour and sleep;
- Plus more.
- How worm infections are spread;
- How to treat a worm infection with:
- Standard pharmaceutical medication;
- Anti-parasitic herbs, and which herbs I like to use;
- A novel approach to treating a chronic worm infection;
- The role the gut bacteria plays in preventing worms.
- How to prevent recurrent infections;
- The benefits of having worms (which is barely spoken about)
Episode Links:
- If your child is dealing with recurrent worm infections - we are here to help. Book a consultation with Sarah here.
- Download our FREE Gut Health eBook to start building up your kids' gut.
- If you’re a Klub member - don’t forget to download our Elinimating Worms Cheat Sheet from the membership site.
- Not yet a Klub member, but curious to know what all the fuss is about? Click here to join our waitlist for when we open the doors later in the year.
- Read the full blog post - A Holistic Approach to Treating Worms here.
In this episode, I sit down and chat with Ashleigh Warner from Raising Humans Kind & Holistic Family Psychologist. Ashleigh is a mum, a gentle parenting advocate, and a passionate holistic family psychologist. Ashleigh’s work is about helping parents get to a place where parenting feels less stressful, and where the relationships in the family can be enjoyed and nourished.
In this episode Ashleigh shares with us:
- A little bit about her background and how she came to be doing what she is doing today;
- The #1 thing we need to understand about our kid's behaviour;
- Her approach to discipline that doesn't damage our attachment, and why this is important;
- She talks us through her 3 steps to managing tricky behaviour in kids which include:
- Holding the boundary in the here and now;
- Dealing with what is underneath the behaviour;
- Deciding whether there needs to be a lesson for you or your child from this behaviour.
You can find more information on Ashleigh through her website, socials & podcast. Ashleigh also offers workshops, consultations and a membership program if you would like to learn more from her teachings.
Episode links:
- Find Ashleigh's offerings including consultations & membership here.
- Follow Ashleigh on Instagram through her page Raising Humans Kind.
- Listen to the Raising Humans Kind Podcast here.
In this podcast episode, I sat down with Amanda Rootsey from Shine From Within. Amanda is a Hay House author, qualified life coach, and youth mentor. She has been teaching and presenting to teens since she was a teen herself and has supported thousands of youth since launching her holistic training school, Shine From Within in 2012. Shine From Within offers an online academy for teenagers as well as an award-winning online training program for those wanting to become Youth Mentors.
In this podcast episode, Amanda and I chat about:
- Some of the most common challenges teen girls face today;
- How we can support our teens better as parents;
- We touch on eating disorders, and disordered eating in teens;
- Amanda shares some helpful resources with us for preventing and addressing eating disorders in our teen girls;
- We also discuss anxiety & helpful actions to empower our teen girls to deal with anxiety.
Episode links:
- The Online Academy is a nurturing virtual space for your teen to be themselves, broaden their interests, expand their community and grow into who they want to be. Click here for a free 3-month trial;
- Purchase Amanda's book; Shine From Within;
- Sabine McKenzie is a great parent to follow on Instagram - talking about body image and eating disorder prevention;
- The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor;
- The Butterfly Foundation;
- Annual Mission Australia Youth Survey;
This week on the podcast I am chatting to Laini Oldfield from The Wholefood Collective. Today we are speaking about a topic I know will be popular - how to get your kids eating better (without them even knowing). Laini has such a great approach to this topic, gives so many great examples, and takes the parental pressure off when it comes to healthy eating and kids.
In this podcast episode Laini and I discuss:
- Laini's humble beginnings of starting a local co-op in her garage as a Mum of 5;
- Her radically different approach to changing family nutrition through whole-foods;
- Laini's approach to adding more nutrition to our kids' diets 'on the sly' so that they won't even notice the changes;
- Why this approach is an easy first step for parents;
- How to start making some momentum with diet changes, and using that momentum to keep you motivated;
- Laini's 4-step approach to introducing healthy foods to kids;
- Practical ways to start changing our diets with easy swap-outs, and easy add-ins to increase your children's nutritional intake;
- Laini shares a personal story about how she got her daughter to finally enjoy cauliflower;
- Plus examples of how to replace favourite foods such as vegemite, and how to increase nutritional intake through a mineral-rich sprinkle that you can add to your family meals.
- How to build a diverse gut microbiome;
- And, lastly, the benefits of taking a light-hearted approach to making dietary changes.
Episode Links:
- Join the waitlist for Laini's brand new upcoming group experience Nutrition On The Sly.
- BONUS ALERT! Special offer to the listeners of this podcast - order any 2 products, and get a free Boosted Spelt Pancake Mix worth $12.83. Using code JessFreePancakes
- You can follow Laini from The Wholefood Collective on Instagram here.
- Be sure to check out The Wholefood Collective website, and all their fantastic offerings.
(And what these poop signs can uncover about your kids' digestive health)
In this week's podcast episode, I chat to our Natural Super Kids Naturopath, Sarah Worboys all about one of our fav topics to chat about as Naturopaths - poop!
During our chat, Sarah and I discuss her role here at Natural Super Kids and some of the common conditions and symptoms that she is seeing during her Natural Super Kids 1:1 consultations.
The topic of this podcast is focused all on the most common poop signs we see at Natural Super Kids and what they can uncover. These include:
- Loose stools;
- Green poo;
- Mucous or blood;
- Constipation;
- Undigested food;
- Foul odour.
We also dive deeper into how the above relates to:
- Fructose and Lactose intolerance;
- Constipation;
- Gastrointestinal infections;
- Dairy and gluten intolerances;
- Coeliac disease;
- Bowel inflammation;
- Picky eating;
- Low muscle tone;
- Imbalances in gut flora;
- And much more.
As you can see from the above, this episode is packed full of juicy, important information, and we hope you find it valuable.
Episode Links:
- If you're wanting to investigate this further, Sarah is available for 1:1 consultations. Click here to book.
This week I am thrilled to chat all things stuttering with Lauren Brown from Stutter Free Kids. Lauren is a paediatric speech pathologist, childhood stuttering specialist, and the owner of Stutter Free Kids.
For over 12 years Lauren has supported families to help their children speak stutter-free using the highly effective Australian stuttering treatment, The Lidcombe Program. Throughout Lauren’s years in practice, she started to notice that the vast majority of children she saw for stuttering, were consistently impacted by their internal and external environment and it was negatively impacting the success of treatment.
In this episode, Lauren and I chat about:
- The key things parents need to know about stuttering include the sudden onset of stuttering in the preschool years;
- Lauren's unique approach to helping children to speak stutter-free;
- The interesting research on the link between highly sensitive children and stuttering;
- The importance of looking at stuttering from a holistic perspective and addressing the child's environment and sensory input
- How the overwhelm from environmental and sensory input can lead to increased stuttering;
- Lauren shares a helpful acronym to determine whether your child is highly sensitive;
- Some of the reasons parents want to reach out for support for stuttering including a family history of stuttering, and if stuttering has existed for over 6 months, plus more.
Find out more about Lauren's services here
I am thrilled to be chatting with Dr. Hilary-Claire Rowsell again on the podcast this week. Hilary-Claire and I spoke in Episode 50 of the Natural Super Kids podcast in which we discussed holistic brain health, and I enjoyed her approach so much that I was keen to have her back on the podcast. In this episode we are chatting about the launch of her new book The Motherhood Reset - A Clinical Psychologists Guide to Finding Calm, Confidence and Contentment in Motherhood. Using her own lived experience as a mother, the latest research, and her training as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Hilary Claire built a sustainable framework to support other Mums in moving out of the exhaustion and overwhelm that has been deemed 'normal' by modern-day society.
In this podcast episode Dr. Hilary-Claire explains the 3 main areas that motherhood so challenging today:
- Physical & nutritional challenges;
- Practical challenges and lack of support;
- Societal expectations, as well as the expectations we place on ourselves as mothers.
We also discuss the #1 thing you need to let go of as mothers, and Dr. Hilary-Claire shares her 5-step approach to finding calm, confidence, and contentment in Motherhood.
You can learn more about Dr. Hilary-Claire on her website, and purchase your copy of her latest book here.
Or follow her on her social media channels: Instagram & Facebook
Take the Vibrant Mama Quiz here.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
I am so excited to introduce you all to our podcast guest, Kasey Edwards. Kasey is an author, international bestseller, and regular columnist for Huffington Post, The Age, The Herald Sun, and The Sydney Morning Herald just to name a few.
In this chat, Kasey & I focus on the successful book that she co-wrote with her husband Christopher; Raising Girls Who Like Themselves. Raising Girls Who Like Themselves details the 7 qualities that enable girls to thrive and arm themselves against a world that tells them they are flawed. Packed with practical, evidence-based advice, it is the indispensable guide to raising a girl who is happy and confident in herself.
In this episode, Kasey and I delve deeper into these 7 essential parenting pillars which include:
- Power perspective;
- Body confidence;
- Raising girls who like themselves & own their own bodies;
- The importance of calm;
- Independence and mastery;
- Strong relationships;
- Being yourself;
You can find more information about Kasey on her website and purchase your own copy of Raising Girls Who Like Themselves here.
Does your home build your daughter's body confidence or chip away at it? Kasey has a Body Confidence Family Checklist that you can access here
We hope you enjoy this episode.
Unfortunately, our kids are exposed to more chemicals and toxins than ever before and many of these are having a detrimental effect on their microbiome diversity. Having a diverse microbiome is so important for their gut health and general wellbeing, which is why it is important to reduce or avoid the chemicals and toxins that I discuss in this episode.
These chemicals and toxins can have many different negative implications for our kid's health, but in this episode, we are going to be talking about three specific chemicals and toxins that are causing damage to your kid's gut.
The three chemicals are:
- Medications such as antibiotics: Firstly, we want to make it clear that this doesn't mean you shouldn't be giving your kids these medications because at times they can be beneficial for their health and wellbeing. However, in this episode, I talk about being aware of which medications can be depleting our kid's gut health and how we can assist and rebuild our kid's gut health if and when they have to take medications;
- Antibacterial chemicals: the use of antibacterial chemicals in cleaning and personal care products has increased significantly since the pandemic. Again, sometimes these products are necessary, but thanks to tricky marketing Mum's believe that if we are not cleaning our houses to be spotless with harsh antibacterial chemicals, we may not be keeping our kids safe. In this episode, I want to bring awareness of why this might not be the case and I discuss two of the specific nasty antibacterial chemicals that you want to avoid;
- Essential oils: I am a big fan of using essential oils safely, but we need to remember that essential oils come in a very concentrated form that has high antibacterial effects. The high concentration of essential oils can cause damaging effects to our kid's microbiome if ingested internally. I discuss the specific essential oils that are causing issues with the microbiome, why you should never use essential oils internally, and some of the ways you can use essential oils safely.
I hope you enjoy the podcast.
Diversity is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy microbiome and good gut health in our kids. Unfortunately, our modern diets provide our children with a lack of diversity within the microbiome which results in poor gut health.
In this episode, I discuss the four things in your child's diet that are depleting their microbiome and gut health. The reason I want to cover these factors in our kid's diet and lifestyle is that it's really important to reduce our kid's exposure to these factors before we start building up their gut health. Otherwise, it's like we are filling up from a leaking bucket.
The four things are:
- Processed foods: our modern diet consists of way too many processed foods which lack adequate fibre. When processed foods are eaten in excess this leads to a reduced intake of recommended fibre intake which has a negative effect on gut health.
- Sugar: affects the microbiome which disrupts and reduces beneficial bacteria. Sugar can also lead to an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and leads to inflammation in the gut. In this episode, I share two practical ways that you can easily reduce sugar in your kid's diet.
- Preservatives and additives: are added to food to prolong shelf life and inhibit the growth of bacteria. This plays a detrimental effect on beneficial bacteria in the gut when consumed in excess. I discuss the specific preservatives & additives that you want to focus on reducing to make it easy for you.
- Pesticides: Pesticides are designed to kill living organisms and when we consume food that has been sprayed this can damage the living organisms in our kid's gut. It is tricky to reduce or eliminate from your kid's diet completely but in this episode, I share some practical ways you can reduce your kid's pesticide exposure
Gut health is the foundation of our kid’s wellbeing and if we focus on gut health we can see improvements in our kid’s immunity, allergies, eczema, asthma, mood and behaviour, tummy troubles and fussy eating and so much more.
If you want to get to the bottom of your child’s tummy aches, REGISTER HERE for my upcoming free online masterclass – 3 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Transform Your Kids Gut Health to improve behaviour, immunity, allergies, and fussy eating.
The Masterclass will run via two live sessions:
Tuesday 29th of March– Morning Session
Wednesday 30th of March – Evening Session.
Click here to register.
Gut health is the foundation of health and wellbeing, especially when it comes to our kids. If digestion isn't working properly every other system of the body is affected. But if digestive issues are addressed, it can have a positive flow-on effect for mood, immunity, behaviour, and more.
In this episode, I discuss why we need to focus on our kids' gut health and the six main areas that are relevant to kids. They include:
- Absorption: to absorb the nutrients from the food they eat, kids need to
have a healthy digestive tract. - Elimination: if the gut isn’t working optimally, your kids will reabsorb the waste back into the body, increasing their toxic load.
- Appetite and food preference: bacteria in the gut can alter the signals that the gut sends to the brain, which can result in changing taste receptors to prefer processed and highly refined foods over whole foods.
- Immune function: 70-80% of the immune system is located in the gut, so it's important to improve gut function to reduce the risk of sickness and infection.
- Allergic tolerance: a lack of diversity in gut bacteria has been associated with issues
such as allergies, intolerances, and atopic conditions like eczema and asthma. - Mood behaviour and sleep: it’s been found that kids with more diverse microbiomes have more positive behavioural traits
If you're interested to learn more about gut health, and the six main areas mentioned above - Download our FREE Gut Health eBook here.
In this week's episode, we are continuing the conversation about the things you need to consider if your child is on a vegetarian diet or considering a vegetarian diet.
Last week in Episode 58 - Vegetarian Diets for Kids, I discussed the pros & cons of a vegetarian diet, and went over the important nutrients; Protein, Iron & Vitamin B12. If you haven't listened to Episode 58 - Part 1 of this vegetarian diet for kids series, you can listen here.
In this episode, we will be looking at some of the lesser-known minerals and nutrients that you need to consider on a vegetarian diet. Particularly for children who have an increased need for higher concentrations due to rapid growth and development.
These minerals and nutrients include:
Zinc:
- The role zinc plays;
- Why zinc is my favourite nutrient for kids as a naturopath;
- Some of the vegetarian sources of zinc;
- What to look for in a supplement.
Omega 3:
- The role Omega 3 plays;
- Its important role for the brain and nervous system;
- Why it’s important to be conscious of omega 3 when eating a plant-based diet;
- Plant sources of omega 3;
- The 3 sources of omega 3 - EPA, DHA, ALA.
Iodine:
- Importance for brain and cognitive function;
- Vegetarian sources of iodine;
- Practical ways to include more sea vegetables and seaweed in the diet.
Calcium:
- Why it’s important for those on a vegan diet, or those who are vegetarian and dairy-free (due to allergies and sensitivities);
- Importance of calcium not just for bone health - but for muscle health and nerve function;
- Best plant-based sources of calcium.
We hope you have found this podcast series on vegetarian diets for kids valuable. As always, we value your feedback and would love to know your key takeaways from the podcast. Head over to our Instagram page or send me an email and let me know your thoughts.
Episode Links:If your family is consuming a vegetarian diet and you suspect your child may be lacking the above nutrients, you may be interested in supplementing with nutrients. Our naturopath Sarah can assist with organising blood work pathology and prescribing the correct nutrients for your child’s needs.
To book an appointment – click here.
Today on the podcast we will be discussing vegetarian diets for children. Are they healthy? Can kids get all the nutrients they need? And how you can ensure your kids won’t become deficient in nutrients from a vegetarian diet.
The topic for this week’s episode was suggested by one of our listeners and we are always open to hearing your ideas for podcast topics, so get in touch with us via email or direct message on Instagram if you have any suggestions for podcast topics.
In this episode I will be discussing:
- The benefits of eating more plant foods;
- How all experts in the nutrition field agree on one thing and that is that consuming more plant foods will benefit your overall health and wellbeing by:
- Reducing inflammation,
- Reducing many risk chronic health conditions;
- Reducing our carbon footprint;
- Improve microbiome diversity and gut health.
- The potential downsides of a vegetarian diet and I share a personal story of becoming a vegetarian in my late teens;
During the next two podcast episodes we are bringing awareness to some of the things you need to think about for vegetarian diets for kids and in this episode we talk about 3 main nutrients:
- Protein
- The importance of protein;
- Animal vs plant sources;
- The importance of variety;
- Practical ways to increase protein in the diet.
- Iron
- The role of iron and why it's so important for children and women;
- Signs and symptoms of deficiencies;
- Iron testing;
- Best plant-based sources;
- The difference between Heme and nonheme iron;
- Plant-based sources of iron have a lower absorbability rate;
- Some nutrients and a specific probiotic for improving iron absorption.
- Vitamin B12
- The role B12 has in the body;
- Sources of B12;
- Why vegetarians and vegans need to be careful of their B12 levels & screen for B12 deficiencies regularly;
- Despite B12 being only naturally found in animal products - I discuss some of the ways vegetarians can increase their B12 levels.
We will be covering other important minerals to consider for a vegetarian diet in Part 2 which will be released next week.
Episode Links:If your family is consuming a vegetarian diet and you suspect your child may be lacking the above nutrients, you may be interested in supplementing with nutrients. Our naturopath Sarah can assist with organising blood work pathology and prescribing the correct nutrients for your child's needs.
To book an appointment - click here.
I'll be honest with you, if I wasn't a Naturopath and didn't live by the naturopathic principles we are taught, I would be an exhausted, burnt-out mess on the floor.
This is why I'm really excited to sit down and have this chat with you all about looking after ourselves as busy Mums, and how the Naturopathic principles I live by allow me to live a balanced life.
In this episode, I take it back to basics and the foundational practices that keep me sane and balanced as a busy mum and business owner, such as:
- The importance of sleep - not just the number of hours, but the quality of sleep;
- Moving my body regularly, and the positive effects of regular movement on energy levels.
- My weekly yoga practice, and how this allows me to tune inwards and have a dedicated spiritual practice. Plus how I take the learnings from my yoga class into my week;
- Eating a well-balanced diet that is full of whole foods, with minimal processed foods;
- The importance of hydration and how it makes a big difference to energy levels;
- Finding a work/life balance - as someone who is inclined to 'over work', this is a huge factor in my self-care.
I hope you find this conversational episode valuable. I would love to hear how you manage self-care as a busy Mum & what your favourite self-care practice is. Head over to our Instagram page and send me a direct message.
Episode links:
- Are you wanting support to incorporate these practices into your life? Our naturopath Sarah can guide you through this process. Sarah is known for her empathetic and gentle approach in terms of her treatment plans - which is perfect for busy Mums. Check out more about Sarah's consultations here.
The transition back to school is often a difficult one for kids who are hyperactive. Hyperactivity is often recognised when a child transitions into school because they are required to sit still, listen & concentrate.
In this episode, I discuss the common triggers for a hyperactive child, including:
- Dietary triggers, including food additives, food intolerances, food chemical sensitivities, and sugar intake;
- Lifestyle triggers that include inactivity in children and excess screen time;
- Mood disorders and how sensory processing disorder, especially sensory seeking children can exhibit hyperactive behaviours;
- Neuro-developmental conditions such as ADHD and ASD and the links to hyperactivity.
I also discuss how to manage hyperactivity naturally in children through:
- Dietary changes, and the specific food additives to reduce;
- Focusing on whole foods & reducing packaged foods;
- The impact the gut can have on kids mood and behaviour;
- The importance of sleep, plus my #1 tip when it comes to improving your child's sleep;
- The importance of balancing screen time and green time.
Episode Links:
- If you're wanting to support your child through a Naturopathic approach, you can book an appointment with the Natural Super Kids naturopath here.
- Boost your kid's gut health - download our free Gut Health eBook here.
- Many of the dietary triggers for a hyperactive child are consumed at snack time - download our Quick & Easy Snacks eBook here.
- Blog Post: How to manage hyperactivity naturally.
Back to school is a common time for kids to experience feelings of anxiety, or excacerbated anxiety. Anxiety is a multi-system response to a perceived threat or danger. It can affect any system in the body, which is why symptoms differ between people. The symptoms can vary, but some of the most common include:
- A racing heartbeat, palpitations, sweating, breathlessness, dizziness, excess worrying, feeling fatigued or weak, dry mouth, digestive disturbances, and disturbances to sleep patterns.
In this episode I discuss:
- Some of the most common causes and risk factors when it comes to anxiety in kids including:
- Genetic factors such as MTHFR gene mutation;
- Trauma;
- Gut health and the links between dysbiosis and anxiety, and the benefits of a balanced microbiome;
- Hormones, especially during puberty & pre-menstrual;
- Nutrient deficiences, and the importance of Magnesium and B-Vitamins;
- The impact stress plays on anxiety;
- Pyrroles disorder
I also discuss practical tips for addressing anxiety in children including:
- The benefits of a mindfulness practice & the breathing techniques we use personally as a family to manage when my children are anxious;
- The inclusion of nutrient-rich foods;
- Investigations into MTHFR & pyrrole disorder;
- Working with a counsellor or psychologist to assist children
Episode Links:
- If you would like to speak to a practitioner on how to manage your child's anxiety or to do further testing for MTHFR or pyrroles. You can book an appointment with our Naturopath here.
- Blog: How the MTHFR gene can affect your kids' health.
- Blog: Pyrolle Disorder in Kids - what you need to know.
- Learn the skills to manage your kids' anxiety with the help of counsellor Emma Holdsworth from Treehouse Counselling. You can check out Emma's website here.
In case you missed it, in January 2022 our entire family of four tested positive for COVID here in South Australia. I thought it would be helpful to share our experience with you all.
In this podcast, I talk you through all of the details, including:
- The symptoms that the kids experienced;
- The symptoms that the adults experienced;
- How receiving a positive COVID result affected me, both emotionally & mentally.
- How I dealt with the initial shock of the result, the guilt for potential close contact exposure, and our disappointment of being isolated during our annual holidays;
- How we managed and minimised our symptoms, including:
- The importance of rest;
- How we remained hydrated;
- What we ate & drank during this time;
- The supplements we took, including Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D & herbs for overall immunity and respiratory health;
- How we managed the kids' fever;
- Plus, the importance of not bringing down a fever too soon, and the benefits a fever has for fighting off an infection.
Episode Links:
- Download the Foods to Boost Immunity Cheat Sheet here.
- We are welcoming new Klub members soon - join the Klub waitlist here
- You can view our COVID journey over on our Instagram page.
- Including our COVID & COVID Kids Highlight. Click here to follow the Natural Super Kids Instagram page.
Packing a healthy lunchbox is important because it is a significant percentage of the food our kids eat overall. If they are missing out on wholesome, nutrient-rich food in their lunch box, their overall nutrition will be suffering - both their macronutrient balance and their micronutrients (the vitamins and minerals).
So it is really important that we make an effort to make sure that our kids' lunchboxes contain nutrient-rich foods to:
- Support sustained energy;
- Support their mood and behaviour;
- Support their learning and concentration;
- Support their immunity and gut health and;
- Their overall growth and development
In this episode, I talk about:
- What is typical in a standard Australian lunchbox (and we give examples), including things like:
- White bread sandwiches;
- Packaged food;
- And, only a little bit of fruit and veggies.
- The biggest mistake that I see parents make in terms of the food in they are putting in lunchboxes
- Plus, the first tweak you should think about that will improve the overall nutrition in a lunchbox.
Speaking of all things lunchboxes .. Are you ready to make lunchboxes that your kids will love? To prepare a lunchbox that nourishes them that they will actually eat?
Come and join us for our FREE LUNCHBOX CHALLENGE.
Set across 5 daily lessons, you will be given tips and inspiration so you can pack nutritious lunchboxes for your kids. Plus a repertoire of nutritious recipes, guides, cheat sheets & access to our team of Naturopaths and Nutritionists!
The challenge kicks off on Friday, January 28th & we would love to see you participate.
BONUS .. You will have the chance to win an Annual Natural Super Kids Klub membership, and our fav lunchbox (Yummbox) valued at $480.00.
Click here to join the challenge - we can't wait to create tasty lunchboxes with you.
Welcome to our last episode of 2021! The Natural Super Kids podcast will be taking a break for the next 4 weeks, and we won't be releasing new episodes until we are back in 2022.
But in the mean time we have something cool for you to check out (which we share below).
In this podcast episode, I will be chatting about:
- The year that was, and wrapping up 2021, including what happened at Natural Super Kids, the Klub and the podcast;
- How grateful we are for our amazing community of podcast listeners;
- Reaching a huge milestone as a business in October this year;
- Our Natural Super Kids team, and the changes we made this year;
- The wins our Klub members and their families have had this year;
- Our plans for 2022;
- How I have grown personally and professionally this year;
- The achievements we have reached as a business here at Natural Super Kids;
- My personal achievements;
- Our new podcast series;
As we mentioned above, we are having 4 weeks off to rest and rejuvenate before a busy year ahead, so in the meantime, you can check out our new podcast series & catch up on any missed episodes. We have bundled our podcasts into topics, which makes it easy for you to find something suitable for your needs.
You can check the series out here.
Topics include:
- Allergies;
- Boosting immunity;
- Eczema;
- Fussy Eating;
- Gut Health;
- Low Tox;
- Mums Well-Being;
- Parenting;
- Teen health.
We cant wait to be back in your ears in 2022.
Have a safe and festive holiday season, Jess & the team at Natural Super Kids x
I am so thrilled to be chatting to Eleanor Mann from The Reconnected on this week's podcast. Eleanor is a registered counsellor and co-founder of Reconnected Parenting and brings to the program a decade of working with parents as a counsellor, breath worker, and play therapist.
During this episode, Eleanor and I chat about:
- Eleanor's personal story with her strong-willed child;
- How to recognise if you have a strong-willed child;
- The fact that around 20% of children have a high need for autonomy and what this means for us as parents;
- The importance of the "perspective shift" of a parent of a strong-willed child;
- Practical tips on ways we can parent strong-willed children to meet their need for autonomy and independence;
- Why it's essential as a parent of a strong-willed child to be authentic and how this can help;
- How to fill up our own cup when we have a strong-willed child;
- How parents can build up their energy and patience to respond and be with their strong-willed children.
The Reconnected is a combination of a movement built around the Reconnected Parenting Program which focuses on play therapy, breathwork, and conscious parenting.
Eleanor from The Reconnected has two amazing offerings for listeners, the Reconnected Parenting Program, as well as the Strong-Willed Kids course. You can read more about these courses using the links below (as well as a lovely discount code for listeners)
Episode Links:
- Sign up for the Strong-Willed Kids Course here - enter SUPERKIDS at the checkout to receive 15% off the course.
- Visit the Reconnected Parenting website here - including the link to the 6-week online program.
- You can follow Eleanor from the Reconnected on Instagram here.
Holistic ways to support our kids' brains to have better attention, behaviour, mood, and set them up for better mental health.We're excited to bring you this episode with Dr Hilary Claire Rowsell who is a clinical psychologist with a holistic approach. Hilary Claire blends nutrition and environmental medicine with mindfulness, psychology and low tox living strategies to improve little ones’ brain health and Mum's mental well-being.
Hilary Claire's work helps to reduce the likelihood of children developing issues such as inattention, anxiety, tantrums, sensory overload, aggression, hyperactivity, or problems socializing, learning and communicating.
This conversation with Dr Hilary Claire covers:
- Holistic ways to support our kid's brain health;
- What parents need to know about kids mental health;
- How we can best support our kid's mental health;
- Why kids behaviour and learning challenges are on the rise;
- How we can support our kid's learning and behaviour as parents;
- The importance of looking after our own mental wellbeing, as Mums.
You can find out more about Dr Hilary Claire and her offerings on her website here.
Or follow her on her social media channels:
Instagram & Facebook
Is your teen struggling with acne? Acne can be a concern for many teenagers, impacting their self-esteem and moods.
Acne can be a big problem during puberty for both boys and girls. During puberty, there is an increase in androgens – the male sex hormones. Both boys and girls experience a surge of these hormones. This surge increases the amount of sebum produced on the skin. Until the hormone and sebum levels balance, it can lead to breakouts and acne.
In this podcast episode, I discuss:
- My own personal story with acne, and how it lead me to my passion in food, nutrition, naturopathy, and gut health;
- Why teenagers develop acne;
- How acne is a western problem and why teenagers in traditional populations don't experience acne, and what this tells us;
- The three most common medications prescribed to treat acne and why they offer a bandaid solution and do not address the root cause;
I also chat about how diet plays a huge role, including:
- The two foods to avoid or reduce in teens who have acne issues;
- How you can go about reducing these foods;
- The role gut health plays;
- The most important nutrients for teenagers who have acne;
- How these nutrients can support healthy hormone function, improve skin quality, reduce inflammation, and more.
If acne is a concern for your teen, why not book an Express Consultation with our Naturopath Sarah? Sarah can offer advice around nutrition, reducing inflammation, and personalised nutrients that your teen may need. You can book an express consultation here.
Episode Links:
Post-Pill Acne article by Lara Briden
Episode 45 - Feeding Teenagers
Episode 18 - All About Dairy - Is Dairy a Problem for your Child?
Unlike female puberty, initial signs for male puberty are more subtle. Puberty in boys generally starts later than girls, usually between 9-14 years old. Puberty is a time of growth, change and often less than pleasant symptoms.
The hormonal changes that occur during a boy’s puberty are completely normal. However, if your son is struggling with problems such as an insatiable appetite, skin issues, and mood swings, there are ways that you can help.
In this podcast episode, I discuss:
- The initial signs of puberty in boys and the most typical order of development;
- The average age puberty starts and hormonal changes that occur as boys go through puberty;
- How to support your child as he goes through growth spurts;
- What's considered normal as boys go through puberty and important conversations we can have with boys as they go through this transition;
- How to satisfy their insatiable appetite and some of the reasons behind this;
Plus I chat about how we can support your teenage boys through:
- Balancing macronutrient intake and ensuring they are getting adequate protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Plus the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to food choices;
- The three essential vitamins and minerals you will want to consider supplementing to support puberty in teen boys which help to calm the nervous system, support muscles growth, balance testosterone and support a healthy mood.
Episode Links:
- Our Quick and Healthy Snack Ideas eBook can give your teenage boys the nutrition they need to get them through puberty.
- Is your son struggling with the changes of puberty? We can offer personalised support and advice to help ease his transition. Click here to book an appointment.
- Episode 47 - Supporting Girls Through Puberty.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know the ways you incorporate rest into your routine by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Puberty can be a difficult time to navigate for any child. But when it comes to puberty in girls, the hormonal changes can lead to a variety of unpleasant and even embarrassing symptoms. Because these hormonal changes are normal, they aren’t something we can really ‘fix’. But there are still ways you can support your daughter to ease the transition and keep her as healthy as possible.
In this week’s podcast episode I aim to help you understand what is normal as girls go through puberty. I will be discussing:
- When puberty commences in girls and the most typical order of development;
- How you can recognise puberty in your daughter;
- What's normal in the first two years of a girl's menstrual cycle;
- The hormone changes that occur during puberty, and the result of these changes on the body;
I also discuss how to support your daughter through puberty by:
- What to expect during puberty for girls, including cycles, moods, and feelings;
- Supporting their liver and gut health and why it plays an important role;
- The three essential nutrients to help support the transition through puberty; which calm the nervous system, support happy and healthy brain chemicals, reduce period pain and support hormone balance;
- Lastly, what period symptoms warrant the elimination of dairy.
This week's podcast is the first of a two-part series on supporting your child through puberty. Next week I will be discussing supporting boys during puberty.
Episode Links:
Our Gut health ebook is a great place to start to get extra information to nourish your teens gut to support healthy liver detoxification.
Is your teen is struggling with the changes of puberty? We can offer personalised support and advice to help ease the changes with a consultation with our naturopath Sarah.
Click here to book an appointment.
Podcast Episode 18 - Is Dairy a problem for your child?
This week's podcast focuses on understanding and supporting your teenagers' mood. Whether that's expressed as anger, sadness, frustration, or even aggression - as parents it's important to understand that mood issues are a normal part of teen development.
In this podcast episode, I discuss the causes of imbalances related to mood changes, including
- Changes that occur in the teenage brain and how that affects their mood and behaviour;
- Neurotransmitters and why teenagers are seeking out dopamine rewarding experiences such as eating too much junk food, excessive social media use, gaming, alcohol, drug use.
- The role of social development on a teenager's mood.
I also go over how you can support your teenagers to have a healthy, balanced mood by focusing on:
- The importance of sleep, and what role sleep plays in mood changes;
- Stress and how that affects mood and behaviour. Plus how we can support our teen's stress response;
- The role food has on mood and the changes we can make to nourish our teenagers well to support their mood;
- The role the gut plays, and the 4 most important nutrients that you might consider supplementing in your teenage children.
This episode is part two of our podcast series focusing on teenagers. Next week I will be chatting about supporting puberty in girls and the following week will be all about supporting puberty in boys.
Episode Links:
Our Gut health ebook is a great place to start to get extra information to nourish your teens gut to support a healthy mood.
Is your teenager feeling frustrated, angry, sad, or irritable?We can offer personalised support and advice to support a healthy mood.
Click here to book an appointment.
Feeding a teenager can be a real challenge at the best of times. There is an increased need for optimal nutrition for teenagers, but they just want to eat junk food with their friends! This can make it tough to find a balance that everyone is happy with.
If this is something you’ve been struggling with, don’t worry. There are plenty of small tweaks you can make to the family’s diet to feed your teenager and help them thrive during their adolescent years.
In this episode I chat about:
- Challenges of feeding teenagers and what you should focus on as a parent;
- Brain development and why teens are attracted to refined processed foods at this age;
- The main things to focus on in their diet including protein, fibre, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats;
- The most important minerals for teens including calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc and how to increase these in the diet.
And my final tip is, focus on what you can. When it comes to nutrition for your teen, do the best with what you can do at home. Don’t worry too much about what they eat when they’re around their friends or go out for social occasions.
Stay aware of what they eat, and educate them about why they might want to make healthier choices. That’s all we can really do!
If you're concerned about your teenagers' nutrition, you can book an initial or express consultation with us to discuss tips and tricks on improving their diet, and our recommendations of suitable high-quality supplements to fill in the gaps, if needed.
You can book a consultation here.
Episode Links:
- Blog - Nutrition for teenagers; tips & tricks
- Protein Powders we recommend
- Superfood Protein Blend - Whey
- Superfood Protein Blend - Vegan
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know the ways you incorporate rest into your routine by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE OUR PODCAST!
This week on the podcast we are doing something a little different, I am chatting to two valued members of the KLUB, Sarah and Morgan about their experience since being a member of the Natural Super Kids Klub.
If you're unfamiliar with the Klub, it is my online membership program that is full of inspiration and support for busy mums to assist them in raising healthy & happy kids.
In this podcast the three of us chat about:
- Life before joining the NSK Klub, and what influenced them to join as a member;
- The challenges within their families health and nutrition;
- How the Klub has helped them feel empowered when it comes to their kids health and nutrition;
- What they have found helpful about being a Klub member, including their feedback on the recipes they love, what they love about the Klub community, and the benefits of the weekly Ask A Naturopath session.
- Hear how Morgan’s 2.5-year-old was experiencing frequent illness from daycare, and how she has improved since being a Klub member. (a very common complaint amongst Mums)
We are excited to announce that we will be welcoming new members into the Natural Super Kids Klub for the LAST TIME this year. The doors are now open to new members, and they will close on Sunday, 31st of October at midnight. This will be your last chance to become a member at our current pricing schedule, as fees will be increasing in 2022.
The NSK Klub is all about encouraging families to make small steps to improve their kids' nutrition, inspire families to use natural medicine to support kids health, reduce toxins in the home and create healthy changes to their families' lifestyle.
As an NSK KLUB member, you get access to:
- Monthly Wholefood Recipes
- Monthly Meal plans
- Monthly Kid's health video
- Monthly Cheat Sheet
- Weekly Ask the Naturopath sessions
- Support from our team of qualified professionals
- Access to KLUB Facebook community
- Access to all previous content
- Exclusive discounts and perks
- No contracts, cancel ANYTIME
We would love to see you inside the Klub. To sign up, click here.
In this week's podcast episode I teach you how to become a poo detective. Yes, you read that right. A Poo Detective. You might be thinking, ‘Why would I want to do that?’. Well, inspecting your kids' poop is a great way of uncovering what's going on internally for your child.
As a naturopath, I love the subject of poo because it offers a glimpse into the inner workings of our kid's bodies and empowers us to learn more about what's going on within our bodies.
In this episode I will be:
- Walking you through the Bristol Stool Chart; a medical tool used to assess our stool).
- Explaining how the Bristol Stool Chart is a great tool to talk to your kids about so they can learn to recognise early symptoms by inspecting their poo. Symptoms such as dehydration, lack of fibre, gastrointestinal infection/imbalance.
We will also talk through the different “Types” on the Bristol Stool Chart:
- Type 4 being the ideal type of poo.
- Type 1 - Type 3 helps us recognise dehydration or lack of fibre, and potentially a lack of elimination which may be indicating that toxins are being reabsorbed in the body.
- Types 5 - 7 indicate that the bowel is moving too quickly, which results in poor nutrient absorption. It may also indicate an infection, imbalance, or intolerance.
- I also chat about what your kids poo colour means, including undigested food, dark stool, green or yellow stool or if your child’s poo contains blood or mucus.
No matter what you detect in your child's poo, our upcoming free online masterclass – 3 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Transform Your Kids Gut Health to improve behaviour, immunity, allergies, and fussy eatingwill be able to guide you.
The Masterclass will run via two live sessions:
Tuesday 26th Oct – Morning Session
Wednesday 27th October – Evening Session.
Click here to register.
Episode Links:
- Bristol Stool Chart Infographic
Tummy aches are a frequent complaint of children and they are one of the most common reasons parents take their kids to the doctor or naturopath. Tummy aches can be a bit confusing to figure out when it comes to kids, as kids often complain of tummy aches when they're generally feeling unwell, or anxious, and nervous or if they're feeling a bit nauseous. It can be broad, and difficult for a kid to express exactly what is going on.
In this podcast episode, I discuss the common causes of tummy aches in kids, including constipation, food sensitivities, coeliac disease, and much more..
In this episode I delve into why it's important to do some detective work when your kid has regular tummy aches and to look into things such as:
Other symptoms they may be presenting with
Their daily bowel habits
What's going on with their diet and appetite
Your family health history
I also talk about what you can do as a parent to get on top of your child's tummy aches, including:
Why it is important and helpful to keep a diet diary
Two specific things we focus on when it comes to our child's diet
The food intolerances and sensitivities to consider
Why it's important to focus on building up your child's gut health if they are having regular tummy aches.
Gut health is the foundation of our kid's wellbeing and if we focus on gut health we can see improvements in our kid's immunity, allergies, eczema, asthma, mood and behaviour, tummy troubles and fussy eating and so much more.
If you want to get to the bottom of your child's tummy aches, REGISTER HERE for my upcoming free online masterclass - 3 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Transform Your Kids Gut Health to improve behaviour, immunity, allergies, and fussy eating.
The Masterclass will run via two live sessions;
Tuesday 26th Oct - Morning Session
Wednesday 27th October - Evening Session.
Click here to register.
Episode Links:
Episode 41 - Constipation
Episode 9 - Addressing Food Intolerances & Sensitivities in Kids
Episode 10 - Probiotics for Kids - Do Kids Need Them?
Many people think that constipation is just hard, difficult-to-pass stools. But constipation can be more than just those pebbly poos. It is any time that passing a bowel movement is difficult, painful, incomplete, or too infrequent.
Even if you feel your kid's stool movement is normal, if they are only going a few times a week, this would be classified as constipation.
In this podcast episode, I discuss the main causes of constipation in children. Including:
Dehydration
Dietary factors
Gut bacteria balance
Lack of physical activity
Through years of naturopathic practice, I have seen many children with constipation. In this podcast episode, I share the most effective, natural ways to improve constipation in kids including:
How to help your child recognise the signs of dehydration
The most important dietary change to make to prevent constipation in your kids
Foods to increase to relieve constipation
How to promote a healthy gut to reduce constipation
The most important mineral supplement that you can take to avoid constipation in kids.
**Episode Links:
** Download our free Kids Gut Health eBook for more tips on how to improve your kids gut health.
Read more about constipation in kids here
Listen to Episode 10 - Probiotics for Kids - Do kids need them?
The doors to the Natural Super Kids Klub open next month. Join our waitlist now.
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know the ways you incorporate rest into your routine by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
Spring is finally here after what feels like a long winter season. Although the warmer weather of spring can lift our spirits and get us outside enjoying some Vitamin D, with that comes those pesky seasonal allergies.
Today's episode is dedicated to our naturopathic approach to reduce and treat hay fever & environmental allergies and the practical ways in which you can reduce your kid's exposure to main environmental allergens including pollen, grasses, pet dander, and dust mites.
Our naturopathic approach will touch on:
Strengthening allergy tolerance with the use of Vitamin D.
Improving gut health and microbiome diversity with specific probiotic strains.
Reduce histamine release & symptoms using Vitamin C & Quercetin.
My favourite herbal medicines to support all of the above.
Episode Links:
Download our free Kids Gut Health eBook
This eBook covers:
The foundations of gut health and why it is so important to your kids' overall wellbeing.
How gut health can influence the immune system, allergies, eating preference, mood, behaviour, and a child's overall wellbeing
Practical strategies to implement to nourish your kids' gut health.The doors to the Natural Super Kids Klub open next month. Join our waitlist now.
Episode 6: The Hygiene Hypothesis and Allergies in Kids
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know the ways you incorporate rest into your routine by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
What does itchy skin have to do with the gut?
Actually, quite a lot!
In this podcast episode, I will be discussing the link between eczema and gut health. There are many topical options for managing eczema, including steroid creams and herb-based creams. But these don’t address the underlying causes of eczema. The main causes of eczema are actually found inside the body – particularly the gut.
In this episode we talk about:
the two gut imbalances that lead to eczema in your children
eczema and dysbiosis - how an imbalance in the gut bacteria can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the skin.
how leaky gut contributes to eczema and allergies in kids
how the gut can be a major source of inflammation which can lead to eczema
This episode is part two of our two-part podcast series about Eczema. Be sure to listen to Episode 38 where I discuss the causes and natural solutions to eczema. Click the link below.
Episode Links:
Interested in getting to the root cause of your child's eczema? Register now to get instant access to my brand new online workshop “5 Steps To Healing Your Child's Eczema Naturally”.
During this workshop, I walk you through my 5 step Naturopathic action plan to heal your child's eczema by addressing the cause and eliminating your child's eczema once and for all.
This workshop covers:
How an internal approach to treating eczema can help you avoid harsh steroid creams.
The underlying drivers of eczema and what you can do to address them to eliminate your child's eczema once and for all.
Foods to include in the diet to reduce skin inflammation.
The most common food + environmental triggers that lead to eczema.
Skincare for your child's eczema.
My 5 step naturopathic action plan to heal your child's eczema.
To find out more click here.
Episode 38: Eczema: Causes and natural solutions
A common issue that pops up with our members in the Natural Super Kids KLUB is the topic of eczema. Eczema affects 1 in 4 children and is an inflammatory condition of the skin. However, to really get on top of eczema we need to address the root cause of the inflammation which is generally coming from the gut and the immune system.
Today's episode is part one of a two-part podcast series on eczema, and in this episode, we will focus on some of the contributors to eczema as well as allergies in our kids, with our modern diet and lifestyle.
Factors include:
The way our babies are born and fed
Decline in nutrition in our kids
How our obsession with hygiene is affecting our kids immune development
High rate of antacids used in babies and kids for reflux
I will also discuss my 5 step action plan to improve eczema:
Addressing gut imbalances
Anti-inflammatory diet
Identifying and addressing food and environmental triggers
Improving allergy tolerance and improving immune balance
Nourishing the skin from an external and internal perspective.
Episode Links:
Register now for my brand new online workshop 5 Steps To Healing Your Child's Eczema Naturally. This is a brand new online workshop where I walk you through my 5 step Naturopathic action plan to heal your child's eczema by addressing the cause and eliminating your child's eczema once and for all.
To find out more click here to receive an early bird discount of $20.00 if you register on or before September 22nd, 2021. Early bird registrations will also receive extra bonuses - all details are on the registration page.
Episode 6: The Hygiene Hypothesis and Allergies in Kids
This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.
If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would super appreciate it. Also, let me know the ways you incorporate rest into your routine by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.
This week on the podcast we are focusing on the importance of rest for Mums. From my work as a Naturopath and my own personal experience, I truly believe that rest is the one key element of our overall health and wellbeing.
Even though it doesn’t come naturally to me, as I know it doesn’t to a lot of other women in our audience. Prioritising time to rest is something that I’ve been committing to more this year. During this episode we cover:
Why rest has so many benefits for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
The physical benefits of rest, and how it can positively impact your adrenal function, hormone balance, immune and digestive systems, weight and so much more.
The benefits of rest and the impact it has on your mental health.
How rest is the best antidote to our stressful, busy lives.
How rest can help with conditions and symptoms of anxiety, overwhelm, irritability, and mental health in general.
The benefits of rest on our emotional and spiritual wellbeing include the opportunity to really feel and process our emotions, rather than avoid. This allows us to go inward and tune into ourselves for the answers that we are looking for, rather than searching for them externally. The upside to this leads to a feeling of deep joy and peace.
Lastly I will talk you through my 4 action steps on incorporating more rest into your daily life as a Mum.
I would love to know how you incorporate rest into your routine. Send me a message via Instagram or Facebook, I would love to hear from you.
Links:
If this episode resonated with you, and you’ve realised that it’s time to make rest and your health a priority, our lovely Naturopath Sarah would love to assist you with strategies on how to get your wellbeing back on track. You can book a consultation with Sarah here: https://naturalsuperkids.com/book-a-consultation/
If you haven’t already listened to Episode 36 with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz on Matrescense, and the transition from woman to motherhood, check it out now: https://naturalsuperkids.com/episode-36-matrescence-with-amy-taylor-kabbaz/
I am loving all of the inspiring women that I have had the honour of interviewing over the last few weeks! If you have missed any of our recent episodes make sure you check them out.
This week on the podcast I am speaking with the wonderful Amy Taylor-Kabbaz about Matresence and the journey she has been on over the last decade, to answer the question, ‘What happens to a woman when she becomes a mother?’ .
In this interview Amy shares her story of going from a driven, ambitious successful woman to transitioning into motherhood and how she now realises that every element of herself changed during that transition.
In this episode Amy talks about:
What matrescence is and what we can do to support the transition into motherhood for ourselves and the women around us.
The comparison of matresence to adolescence and how we need more conversation, compassion and support around matrescence just like we have around adolescence
How matrescence is an ongoing process, so no matter how old your children are or where you are in the motherhood journey this transition is an ongoing process and we need to acknowledge the grief, loss and sadness to be able to step into our best selves as mothers.
The competing devotions and how society really is not set up for us to be the best mothers and have the best careers we can have at the same time. We discuss how we are always making sacrifices in one area which is why it feels like such a juggle leading us to feel like constant failures and how we can overcome this.
Her practical tips on honouring ourselves through this motherhood journey and the importance of giving ourselves space to explore this transition.
It was so lovely to speak with Amy and I hope that you have as many a-ha moments as I did! Enjoy and share with your network of mama’s, we all need this information!
Episode Links:
Amy's Website - https://www.amytaylorkabbaz.com/
Mama Rising book - https://www.amytaylorkabbaz.com/mama-rising/
Happy Mama Mindful Meditations - https://www.amytaylorkabbaz.com/resources/
This week I have an inspiring chat to share with you!!
Joanne from Additive Free Living joins me on the podcast to share her knowledge on all things additives. Jo and her sister, Tracey, run the business together and their mission is to educate families on exactly what they are eating, what is in our food and some of the harmful effects that additives can have on our health.
Join us as we chat about:
How additives can affect our children's health.
Some of the specific additives to steer clear.
Practical tips on how you can get started moving towards a more additive free lifestyle.
Her daughters health and behavioural challenges and how going additive free has helped to transform her daughters health in so many ways.
I hope that you enjoy this podcast and get some practical tips on ways that you can start to reduce additives in your family's diet and the reasons why you may want to do that.
Episode Links:
- Additive Free Living - https://additivefreelifestyle.com/
- Ditching the Zooper Doopers or Quelch's - letter for you to send into your school - https://additivefreelifestyle.com/classcelebrations/
- Top 10 Additives to Avoid - https://naturalsuperkids.com/additives-to-avoid/
- How Food Additives Affect You Childs Health - https://naturalsuperkids.com/how-food-additives-affect-childs-health/
This week on the podcast we are talking to Lisa Moane about Congenital Heart Disease in children. We hear about Lisa’s personal story of her unborn baby being diagnosed with congenital heart disease when she went in for her routine 19 week scan and the emotional effect and trauma that came from that.
Lisa went on to study to become a Naturopath and in this Episode she shares:
More about congenital heart disease in children.
Some practical ways that we can support children with congenital heart disease naturopathically through diet, nutrition, lifestyle, herbal medicine and more.
Some naturopathic considerations for kids who are on diuretic medication, which are commonly used in kids with congenital heart disease.
Other health complications and issues that are common in children with congenital heart disease including autism, ADHD, neurodevelopmental delays, depression, anxiety and more.
How she has personally addressed her daughters behavioural challenges, gut issues, food intolerances, allergies and sleep issues.
Tune in to hear Lisa’s inspiring story and how her 10 year old child is now thriving with congenital heart disease and more about where you can find Lisa and what she offers as a naturopathic Practitioner specialising in kids.
Episode Links
- Lisa’s Website - Holistic Health by Lisa Moane - https://holistichealthbylisamoane.com.au/
- Follow Lisa on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisa_moane_holistic_health
Get to know our new naturopath here at Natural Super Kids, Sarah Worboys!
Join us this week as Sarah and I dive into:
What inspired Sarah to become a Naturopath and how her family's love for cooking was a big factor in her becoming a Naturopath.
Sarah’s approach to Naturopathy and why she believes that a one size fits all approach in Naturopathy is not the answer.
Sarah's love of Naturopathy and how she weaves Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic principles into her practice.
Learn more about Sarah and more about her family, what she enjoys about being a mum and what she is challenged by at the moment.
Her top 3 practical tips to keep your kids healthy
We are so excited to have Sarah on the team! If you would like one on one support to find balance and good health for your whole family, click here to book in with Sarah.
https://naturalsuperkids.com/book-a-consultation/
Do your kids FREAK OUT when there is a new type of food on their plate?
Exposing our kids to a variety of foods regularly helps them to become more comfortable with the food and will lead them to taste, eat and enjoy that food over time.
This is not a short term strategy, it’s a long term strategy and it really is about rebuilding a child's trust with food and building that relationship with food over time.
In this Episode I talk about practical tips and strategies to help fussy eaters become more comfortable with a variety of foods.
Join me as I talk about:
The importance of family mealtimes and how you can help your child by letting them see you eat a variety of foods.
The importance of continuing to serve a food even when a child says that they don't like it and some different ways that we can do this so that kids don't freak out when a food they don’t like is on their plate.
How food play can help your child become more comfortable with food.
Importance of getting your kids involved in the food journey and some different ways that we can do that for toddlers, young children and older kids.
Growing food, shopping for food, preparing and cooking food not only helps with fussy and picky eating but also helps kids to develop really important life skills. There are so many lessons that kids can gain from getting involved in the Kitchen.
I would love to know how you go with the tips above and if they helped. Send me a message via Instagram or Facebook, I would love to hear from you.
Episode Links:
- Wholefoods for Kids ebook https://naturalsuperkids.com/wfk-ebook/
- Get on the waitlist for the Natural Super Kids KLUB https://naturalsuperkids.com/klub-waitlist/
Feeding picky eaters is one of the most common challenges that parents can face. It can make mealtimes a nightmare, but it can also raise concerns about whether your fussy eater is getting enough nutrients.
In this week's episode we are focusing on one of my favourite strategies when it comes to fussy eating which is, adding nutrition into the food that your kids already enjoy.
This is important because fussy eaters generally prefer bland carbohydrates and processed foods, which tend to be low in nutrients so fussy eaters can quickly become deficient in essential nutrients. This becomes a perpetuating problem because these deficiencies can make their fussy eating even worse.
So we want to focus on getting as much nutrition in as possible and today I am going to be sharing some practical tips on how you can do this including:
Ways that you can get more nutrition into your fussy eaters at breakfast, mealtimes and in snacks
The importance of starting with foods that your fussy eater already enjoys and building nutrition into those dishes and foods
How to get more veggies into the veggie adverse kids and why this is important
How you can get more protein into those kids that don’t tend to like meat and other protein sources
The importance of making sure that we are giving kids that have sensory issues the texture they prefer when it comes to healthy and wholefoods
Remember, a picky eater doesn’t necessarily hate a particular food in every form. By changing the texture, flavour and/or presentation, you might make them a fan of that food! Most kids won’t like steamed broccoli, but they might enjoy broccoli soup or even dehydrated broccoli chips. When you’re struggling to include a food, ask yourself ‘what else can I try with this ingredient?
I would love to know how you go with the tips above and if they helped. Send me a message via Instagram or Facebook, I would love to hear from you.
Episode Links:
- Wholefoods for Kids ebook https://naturalsuperkids.com/wfk-ebook/
- Sneak extra protein into your kids with these protein powders we recommend https://t.cfjump.com/15034/t/38153?Url=https%3a%2f%2f180nutrition.com.au%2fproduct%2fsuperfood-protein-blend-whey
- Get on the waitlist for the Natural Super Kids KLUB https://naturalsuperkids.com/klub-waitlist/
In last week's episode we talked about the basics of feeding kids healthier food.
It’s one thing to be aware of what’s best for our kids when it comes to their diet and nutrition, but another thing entirely whether our kids will eat the food we serve up to them or not.
Over the next few weeks we will be delving into some fussy eating topics and today we are diving into my number one tip for feeding fussy kids, which is the Division of Responsibility, a term coined by feeding expert Ellyn Satter.
The Division of Responsibility helps to divide the responsibility of feeding and eating between parents and children. It helps to empower children, which leads to healthier eating habits and it also helps to take the pressure off us as parents.
In this Episode I talk about:
What we are responsible for as parents when it comes to feeding our kids
What our children are responsible for when it comes to eating
The ‘My Kitchen Open, Kitchen Closed’ approach that pairs really well with the Division of Responsibility, so that kids are clear when their next eating time is going to be
How serving family style meals can empower kids to make their own decisions and create a positive eating environment and promote a healthy appetite
Deconstructed meals and how they can help empower fussy eaters.
Episode Links:
Ellyn Satter Institute: https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/how-to-feed/the-division-of-responsibility-in-feeding/
This week we are going back to basics and shifting our focus to some of the more foundational topics rather than the more complex topics of gut health and immunity that we have been covering lately.
In today's episode we will be talking about how to get the foundations of your kids' diet right and how you can get more nutrition into their growing bodies.
Listen to this episode to learn:
The importance of moving away from processed foods and towards more whole foods. I share tips to make this EASY for you so you can avoid all those nasties that come in processed foods like sugar and preservatives.
That perfection is NOT the goal - It’s unrealistic to think our kids will eat 100% whole foods but so long as they are eating whole foods the MAJORITY of the time
How modern day farming practices have affected soil quality which in turn has affected our food quality and some practical ways that you can get more nutrient rich food into your kitchen
The breakdown of what makes up a healthy kids meal, specifically the balance of macronutrients, protein, carbohydrates and fats
Simple ways to ensure your kids are getting the right balance of macronutrients to support their growth, development and keep them full for longer so they aren’t constantly asking for snacks!
Episode Links:
Wholefood for Kids eBook - Grab a free copy here https://naturalsuperkids.com/wfk-ebook/
15 Quick and Healthy snack ideas for kids https://naturalsuperkids.com/healthy-kids-snacks/
We are covering quite a different and specific topic today on the podcast, epilepsy in kids.
Although this may not be a common issue for most parents, my hope is that what we talk about today will be shared and passed onto those families needing this kind of information and advice.
Sonya Reynolds is a Nutritionist and Life Coach with over 15 years of experience in the natural health profession and in this episode, Sonya shares her personal journey with her daughter's epilepsy and how she used complementary therapies and nutrition to help improve her symptoms.
Listen in as she discusses more info on:
What epilepsy is, the most common types and its effect on the brain
How nutrition plays a role in supporting kids with epilepsy and the benefits of diets that are gluten-free, allergen-free, as well as the effect of modified Atkins diet on seizures
Common medications that are prescribed for epilepsy, how they work in the body, and some of the side effects
Essential nutrients and supplementation of B vitamins, folate, zinc and magnesium to support epileptic kids
The importance of using probiotics, specifically lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG to support kids' microbiomes and help with allergies and food intolerances
How exercise and physiotherapy can help manage side effects from conventional epilepsy medication
Exploring all options like medical Cannabis to support kids with epilepsy, finding the right people for support and more!
Episode Links:Find out more about Sonya at https://www.studio-you.com.au/sonya-reynolds/
This week we are talking to Jen Cuttriss from Sleep.Thrive.Grow. Consulting. Jen is a registered nurse and certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant and she joins us to talk about baby and toddler sleep issues.
Jen walks us through:
Her approach to sleep, which focuses on the importance of understanding the baby's temperament and the parents values and beliefs around sleep
How understanding the sleep-wake needs for their age group and environmental factors can help minimise night waking
How you can use awake windows to figure out how much sleep a baby needs
How to look at internal and external environmental cues to support your toddler to stay in bed, and being aware of or correcting their sleep clocks when needed.
**Episode Links:
** Find out more about Jen and her services: https://www.sleepthrivegrow.com/
Access Jen's free sleep cheat sheet: https://www.sleepthrivegrow.com/sleep-cheat-ebook/
This week we kick off a series of fantastic interviews and joining us this week is a friend of mine, Kasey Willson. Kasey from Glowing Mumma Thriving Bubba joins us today to talk about the importance of preconception care.
She shares her tips on how to optimize your chances of becoming pregnant and having the healthiest baby possible. Listen in as we talk through these practical tips:
Both parents should be involved in preconception care: improving the health of your baby's father to enhance his overall health and nutritional status to healthy sperm, in order to support your hormone and egg health
Focusing on a detox plan to just enhance the removal of toxins from your body through gut, kidney and liver health
Building up the mum's nutritional reserves with foods rich in folate, iron, vitamin A and more!
Supplementing your diet with herbal medicine, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, essential fats
Getting thorough blood tests to check for deficiencies in vitamin D, living a low tox lifestyle and more!
**Episode Links:
** Check out Kasey's Preconception Guide: https://bit.ly/2Sk82ce
Learn how to use a Castor oil pack to detox: https://bit.ly/3j50Vj1
Kasey's Liver Pate Recipe: https://bit.ly/35J3Xl5
Tune into Kasey's podcast: https://bit.ly/35Mw42Q
This week's episode is a little bit different and I am so excited to share this with you!
Today I will be talking to some of the beautiful mums from our Natural Super Kids KLUB community - Naomi, Katrina and Celeste.
Tune in as we talk about their health challenges before joining the KLUB and how the KLUB helped them with their kids' nutrition and their families' overall health.
It was wonderful to hear about their Klub Journey so far and how being a part of the community has helped them to overcome their health challenges:
- Naomi joined the KLUB because her children were suffering with rashes and eczema, but she saw huge improvements after using all the tools and resources within the KLUB
- Katrina, who wanted to take a proactive and preventative approach to her kids' health
- Celeste and her son have an autoimmune condition and her goal was to improve their gut health
Episode Links:
- Check out the Natural Super Kids KLUB here
We are up to the final episode in our Immunity Series.
In today's episode, we are going to be covering what can be a controversial topic, the use of antibiotics and how you can avoid unnecessary antibiotics in your kids this winter.
I see so many kids that are stuck on an antibiotic cycle and this week I want to talk about how we can help them get off of this cycle and reduce their need for antibiotics.
I'll also be covering how and why we need to support our kids to recover from antibiotics when and if they do need to take them. I delve deeper into these practical tips:
- Making sure that antibiotics are necessary for that particular infection
- Restoring the good bacteria through probiotics, especially after antibiotic use
- Powering up those immune cells through vitamin C and zinc
Episode Links:
- FREE Masterclass - 3 Simple ways to Naturally Boost your kids Immunity: 15th, 16th and 17th of June 2021. Save your seat here!
- Read more on Probiotics for Kids
- Book an appointment with our Naturopath
- Get on the waitlist to join the Natural Super Kids KLUB
Today, we are continuing with our Immunity Series and focusing on some of those recurrent infections in kids such as ear infections, croup and tonsillitis.
This episode is going to give some great places to start if you have a child that has some of these recurrent infections and also give you an insight into why your child may be experiencing these infections.
Listen in as I delve deeper into these helpful tips:
- The importance of including immune-boosting nutrients into your kids' diet: Zinc, Vitamin C and D (and where to get them)
- Uncovering any food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities, or even environmental sensitivities
- Supporting your kids' gut health
- Considering specific support for the particular recurrent infection through herbs and other natural remedies
Episode Links:
- Register for my FREE masterclass '3 SIMPLE Ways To NATURALLY BOOST Your Kids' IMMUNITY to avoid a winter full of sickness here
- How to maximise your families' Vitamin D this winter
- Get on the Natural Super Kids KLUB waitlist here
- Download our Free Kids Gut Health eBook here
- Read more info on Enlarged tonsils and tonsilitis
- Read more info on Ear infections
- Read more info on Natural croup treatment and prevention
Today we are continuing on with our Kids' Immunity Series! In this episode, I will be talking about how we can use food and nutrition to boost our kids immune systems and what action we can take to make sure our family's immune systems are as robust as possible as we head into winter.
I will be sharing some practical tips on which processed and nutrient-depleted foods to avoid, foods that boost the immune system and how to encourage and teach your kids to eat more healthier foods. Some of the highlights include:
- Sugar being an immune system depleter
- Adding more antioxidants into your kids' diet - "more colours equals more nutrients"
- Using herbs and spices to add into your food to boost immunity
- How fermented foods can help improve our kids immunity and more
Episode Links:
- Get your copy of our Foods to Boost Immunity cheat sheet here
- Listen to Episode 21: Understanding and Supporting your Child's Immune System
Welcome to our first episode in our Kids immunity series! As we head into winter here in the southern hemisphere I am going to share inspiring information and practical tips on Kids' immunity so you can keep your kids healthy over the winter!
In this episode, I'll be talking about how you can better understand your kids' immune systems so you can prevent and treat winter infections naturally.
Listen in as I delve deeper into:
- The two main branches of the immune system and how they work
- Inflammation as an immune system response
- Factors that affect the immune system: food and nutrition, environment, gut health, sleep and more
- Avoiding an over-reliance on antibiotics for kids' health and immunity
Episode Links:
- Get your copy of my Foods to Boost immunity cheat sheet
- Improve your kids' gut and immune health with my free Kids' Gut Health eBook
- Learn more about fever medication here
- Learn more about the antibiotic cycle and how to help your kids recover from antibiotics
Today we are continuing our discussion on reducing some of those really detrimental chemicals and toxins that find our way into our homes. We're specifically going to be talking about non-stick cookware and some of the detrimental effects of the chemicals used in non-stick cookware.
I thought that this subject was so relevant because here at Natural Super Kids, we focus a lot on food - getting good food into our kids, getting more whole foods, more nutrient-dense foods for our kids. And one of the areas that's often overlooked is the equipment that we use preparing this food in, and whether that is as healthy and safe as it could be.
Listen in as I talk about non-stick cookware facts and healthy alternatives for your families:
- The dangers of these chemicals such as PFOA, PFA and those that are in Teflon products
- Negative implications linking these chemicals to ADHD in children, early onset puberty, delayed growth and development, infertility, cancers and more
- A resource excerpt from cancer.org about PFOAs being classed as a likely carcinogenic or cancer-causing
- Using alternative cookware such as stainless steel, ceramic, stone, wrought iron and more
Episode Links:
- Read more about non-stick cookware and the research links here
- Optimise your families' detox pathways in our free Kids' Gut Health eBook here
- Get on the waitlist to join the Natural Super Kids KLUB
In this episode, we are talking about synthetic fragrances and perfumes - where they're found and why you want to think about avoiding them within your house, especially when it comes to your kids' exposure to them.
As what we've talked about in Episode 4, reducing kids' exposure to toxins and chemicals is one of the 4 Pillars of Healthy & Happy Kids. This episode is also a sequel of what we've discussed in Episode 17, when I talked to Tammy from Building Biology Mama about some of the hazards, chemicals, and toxins that are found within the home - it's such a diverse topic to cover!
I share some of my experiences with this and delve deeper into:
- Which products contain these chemicals and toxins and how to avoid them
- The health hazards involved and what they do to our bodies
- The difference between unscented versus fragrance-free, alternative products to use and more!
Episode Links:
- Listen to the chat I had with Tammy from Building Biology Mama here
- Listen to the 4 Pillars of Healthy & Happy Kids episode here
- Find 100% natural perfumes, personal care and cleaning products at Biome here
Today's episode is all about dairy. A seemingly popular topic to cover because it's been something I have been getting lots of questions and having lots of conversations about with our Natural Super Kids Klub members, clients, and even on social media; given that there's also a lot of confusion surrounding dairy.
For people who can tolerate dairy, it's a great source of protein, calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, as well as fat soluble nutrients such as vitamin A and vitamin E. But for those who can't, especially with kids who have food sensitivities, allergies and intolerances, I'll be discussing the following points to help you understand better and make better diet choices for your kids:
- The different components of dairy and A1 versus A2 dairy products
- Conditions that are commonly linked to dairy intolerance or sensitivity
- Doing a six-week dairy elimination trial, how to incorporate a dairy-free, calcium-rich diet and more!
Episode Links:
- Download my Free Gut Health for Kids e-book
- Read about dairy-free calcium sources for kids
- Book an appointment with our Naturopath
Today, I'm talking to Tammy Louise, who's a building biologist over at Building Biology Mama. Tammy's work involves identifying and addressing health hazards within indoor environments such as homes. It's a really interesting topic that I am excited to share with you today!
In this episode, we delvee into the reasons we should be aware of health hazards within our homes, particularly when it comes to our children. We also talks about:
- Some of the most common health hazards Tammy sees in homes as a building biologist
- What Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are, their health implications, and how we can reduce our exposure to EMF's
Episode Links:
- Find Tammy at Building Biology Mama here
- Listen to the Healthier Homes and Living Podcast
- Get on the waitlist to join the KLUB when we open again
In today's episode, I'm excited to be talking to another amazing guest, Belinda Smith, who is the founder of The Root Cause. The Root Cause is all about starting conversations with children, parents, teachers about food and how it impacts our health, learning, waste and the environment. Belinda and her team work with families throughout Australia and they've seen first-hand what children eat at schools and how much of a difference that makes on a child's health behavior, academic results and attendance.
Being a mum, a wife, a health and wellness coach, Bel believes in empowerment through education. We talk about how to empower our kids to make better choices so we don't have to be constantly on their backs about the food they are eating. She also shares the following tips and insights in achieving peaceful mealtimes:
- What appears to be fussy eating to us, is actually quite normal behavior but we're up against our own expectations.
- Fostering independence and dividing the responsibility by helping kids understand food, and its effect on their bodies
- Creating a safe and fun environment at the dinner table where kids are able to create "positive" stored memories, and so much more.
Episode Links:
- Get Bel's e-book, 5 Ways to De-stress Dinner
- Visit The Root Cause website
- Read more info on the Division of Responsibility
In today's episode, we have a very special guest; my sister, Emma Holdsworth, who is a family counselor, a parenting and breastfeeding educator, and postpartum guide with 20 years of experience working with families. If you're a Klub member, you might be familiar with Emma's trainings and Facebook lives that she did with us at Natural Super Kids.
As a mum of two who is passionate about supporting pregnant mums and new parents to feel empowered to become the parents they truly want to be, Emma talks about how unpacking your own relationship patterns can make you a better parent. She delves deeper into this as she discusses:
- How your past relationship patterns and inner child plays a role in parenting
- How all of our kids' behavior and emotions are a form of communication
- Looking back at our own childhood to uncover our relationship patterns that are affecting our parenting and so much more
Episode Links:
- Connect with Emma on Instagram
- Check out the Roots of Motherhood website here
- Get on the waitlist for the Natural Super Kids KLUB
Today is a very exciting episode as we're having our very first guest on the Natural Super Kids Podcast! We're chatting with our very own Susan Thomson, our NSK Naturopath, Nutritionist and Whole Food Chef, who is also passionate in helping families reconnect with the healing power of real food and natural medicines in a practical and sustainable way.
Susan talks about her journey as a health practitioner and how she became passionate about health-supportive cooking, kids' nutrition and naturopathy. Susan also delves deeper into:
- Her area of expertise and what she can help you and your family with
- Her training and experience in becoming a whole food Chef
- Her advice when it comes to overcoming challenges in cooking whole foods
- The top 3 tips that keep her own kids healthy
Episode Links:
- Find out more about Susan's consultations here
- Get on the waitlist for the Natural Super Kids KLUB
- Read more info on Jude Blereau & whole food cooking
- Read more info on the downsides of antibiotics for kids
In today's episode, I want to talk a little bit about parenting and specifically about connection as a parenting tool. I want to share a bit of an insight into this, as well as my experience and challenges in raising my son who just became a teenager and my daughter who just reached puberty. As our kids hit different milestones, different ages and different developmental stages, I think it can really be helpful to be thinking about some of these tools that we can use in parenting.
As I talk about my own experiences, I also quote and discuss Dr. Justin Coulson's work about the concept of "connecting before correcting" and Allison Davies' advice on how to deal with children's anxiety. Dr. Coulson and Allison are experts in the field of parenting and mental health, and they are also the guest experts we're working with on our Natural Super Kids Klub membership.
Listen in to learn more!
Episode Links:
- See Dr. Justin Coulson's post, "Connect before Correct"
- See Allison Davies' Anxiety Instagram post
- Join the Natural Super Kids KLUB waitlist
- Read more info on "Anxiety in Kids - A Naturopathic approach"
- Read this article about "Puberty in girls - How to support your daughter naturally"
- Read more info on "Understanding puberty in boys"
Today's episode is something a little different from what I have done so far. I want to give you a bit of a peek into my personal life and my journey as a mum and business owner. People often ask me, "How do you do it all?" Well, the answer is - I am NOT doing it ALL.
I want to share this because I get asked by fellow mums in the Natural Super Kids community or friends in my local community who may be feeling like they are inadequate because they are struggling to get through the day. I want to be transparent and share the things that allow me to look like I am managing it all (when I am really not!)
I talk about my business journey, how my husband and I were able to achieve that work-life balance that we’ve always wanted, the support that I’m getting behind the scenes from my amazing team at Natural Super Kids. I hope this inspires you to create the life you want to live for yourself.
I'd love to know what you thought of this episode, send me a DM on Instagram here!
In today's episode, I'm going to be sharing a bit more about the Natural Super Kids Klub with you - how it came about, what is included in the Natural Super Kids Klub, and what it's all about.
We are also going to be hearing from some of our beautiful Natural Super Kids Klub members about their insight into what it's like being a Klub member, what they love about being a Klub member, and the benefits they've noticed in their family's health from being a member of the Klub.
Sally shares how the Klub has improved her kid's mood and sleep; Courtney discusses how the Klub helped with improving her boys' allergic tolerance, and eliminating her kids' congestion and asthmatic cough; and lastly, Belle shares her and her son's struggle with ear infections and how she was able to finally break that antibiotic cycle. They also talk about their favorite Klub recipes and how the Klub has helped them to become better mums.
Episode Link:
- Access the expert support you need to raise healthy, happy, thriving kids in the Natural Super Kids KLUB, open for a limited time only!!
Today, we're going to be talking about one of the questions that I commonly get asked as a Naturopath, and that is, probiotics - do my kids need them? And if so, which ones should I be giving them?
As I mentioned in previous episodes, there are three main ways that we can top up that healthy beneficial bacteria in our kids’ gut microbiome: eating fermented foods, environmental exposure to microbes and probiotic supplements, which is what we're going to focus on today.
I’ll be talking in-depth about certain strains of good bacteria and what they can do to help our kids’ health, such as:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG – to help improve allergic tolerance
- Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium – to reduce pain and bloating in the gut, for boosting immunity and restoring gut health after antibiotic use
- Saccharomyces boulardii – to balance gut flora and address conditions of overgrowth
Episode Links:
- Save your FREE seat for the 3 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Transform your Kids' Gut Health Masterclass
- Get on the waitlist for the Natural Super Kids KLUB
- Book an appointment with our Naturopath
- Check out the Kultured Wellness starter cultures
In today's episode, we will be talking about food intolerances and food sensitivities in kids . It can be a really tricky area to navigate, to know how to figure out whether your child has food intolerances: What are the signs and symptoms? What's the testing that's available? What can be the effect on your kids' overall well-being and how do we start to manage food intolerances and sensitivities in our kids?
I discuss the difference between food intolerances and food allergies, and break down the underlying factors, addressing these through:
- Developing a healthier gut function
- Increasing the diversity in our kids' guts
- Addressing the gut barrier issue
- Maintaining a well-regulated immune system
Episode Links:
- Register for our FREE online masterclass - 3 Surprisingly simple ways to Transform your Kids' Gut health to improve their behaviour, immunity, allergies and fussy eating
- Probiotics for Kids - A Naturopath's advice
- Food allergies and Intolerances - What the medical approach is missing
- Download our free Kids Gut Health e-book
- Book an appointment with our Naturopath
Today's episode is all about the things to consider if you're concerned about or you want to improve your kids' learning and concentration. I know this is something that can come up early in the year as kids adjust back to school.
In this episode, we discuss 3 things that you can do to improve your kids' learning and concentration with nutrition and naturopathic principles.
- Improve the balance of macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fats) in their diet
- Enhance your child's vitamin and mineral intake. We discuss the specific vitamins and minerals that are crucial for healthy brain function.
- How maintaining good gut health can improve learning and concentration through the gut-brain connection.
Episode Links: * Download our free Kids Gut Health e-book * DM me on Instagram * Read or watch - How learning difficulties can begin in the gut * Read about Dr. Natasha Mcbride and the GAPS protocol
In today’s episode, we're going to be talking about some research that has come out of Finland being called 'the forest floor study'. It’s a very interesting and fascinating research about how building forest floors in daycare centers can change children’s immune systems. The promising results on this short term study warrant more research and work that needs to be done in this area.
In this podcast episode, we delve deeper into the details of this study, as we discuss how green spaces can play a vital role in kids’ overall health and discuss a related article linking the composition of the gut microbiome to predicting COVID-19 severity, and more. I also talk about some action points that you can do to incorporate outdoor activities and expose your kids to natural green spaces more frequently, despite having a busy lifestyle.
My hope is that you will feel motivated to get outdoors with your kids more often after this episode, it is a simple and enjoyable thing we can do that has so many benefits on our kids wellbeing.
Episode Links:
- Download our free Kids Gut Health e-book
- Get on the waitlist for the Natural Super Kids KLUB
- Read more info about the forest floor study
- Read this article about the forest floor study
- Read the conversation article about COVID-19 and the microbiome
Today, we are focusing on something that I find really interesting and fascinating, which is the hygiene hypothesis and it's likely contribution to the huge increase we are seeing in allergies, and atopic conditions in our kids such as eczema, asthma and hay fever. The hygiene hypothesis is also thought to be linked with autoimmune conditions.
We discuss the increasing rates of allergies and how the hygiene hypothesis is thought to be contributing to the huge increase we are seeing in allergies and atopic conditions such as eczema, society’s current obsession with hygiene and its potential implications on our kids’ immune systems, the consumption of processed foods over organic food sources, the use of antibacterial cleaning and personal care products, the importance of kids’ exposure to microbes, and so much more.
Episode links
- Download our free Kids' Gut Health e-book
- Read about the report on Researchers' estimate that the number of people with allergies is going to increase by 70% over the next 30 years
- Read about allergies and gut health
Today we're going to do our very first Ask the Naturopath episode! In these episodes, which I'm hoping to do once a month, I am going to answer a question from one of our Natural Super Kids Klub members. I want to pick questions that will allow us to delve a bit deeper into some of the really important concepts when it comes to kids’ health.
In this very first Ask the Naturopath episode I am answering our Klub member Ambers question "Miss 4 is on antibiotics for an ear infection. Her behaviour, I think since being on antibiotics, has been hugely emotional. Could this be attributed? Anything I can do to help her?"
While answering Amber's question on the episode we talk about
- The possible causes of kids’ behavioral changes in relation to infection or antibiotic use.
- How overuse of antibiotics can affect the good bacteria in a child’s gut microbiome which may lead to mood or behavioral changes.
- We delve deeper into this topic as we explore medication additives, the gut-brain connection, the importance of replenishing good gut bacteria after antibiotic use and so much more.
Episode links
- Get on the waitlist for the Natural Super Kids KLUB
- Read about food additives in medications
- Read about antibiotics and how to help kids recover
- Read about the link between gut health and behaviour
- Book a consult with our Naturopath here
In this episode, I’m talking about the four pillars of healthy kids that I’ve created from the years of work that I've done with families, with kids, and realized that everything that we need to do to improve and optimize our kids’ health fall into one of four pillars.
These pillars are: diet and nutrition, reducing toxins and chemicals, healthy lifestyle and natural medicines. I discuss how each pillar impacts your kids’ health and overall well-being.
If you’re interested to learn more about these pillars, we have an online membership club that we call The Natural Super Kids Klub which is a place where you can get all the support and inspiration you need to raise healthy and happy kids.
Episode links
- Find out more about the Natural Super Kids KLUB
- Find Natural Super Kids on Instagram
- Learn more about getting more wholefoods into your kids diet
- Read about the benefits of outdoor play for kids
- Learn more about the health effects of plastic on children
- Learn more about choosing a multivitamin for kids
- Learn more about choosing a probiotic for kids
- Book an online appointment with a Naturopath
In today's episode, we are focus on our unique approach to kids' health at Natural Super Kids, and also go into some of the naturopathic philosophies that drive our approach to kids' health.
I also talk about how running my online business at Natural Super Kids has given me such a big range of experience working with families, hearing about family struggles when it comes to their kids' health issues, health concerns and conditions that they have been diagnosed with. My knowledge and expertise in this field was further reinforced as I became a mum of two, as it helped me explore practical and healthy tips for busy parents.
To help you understand the science of naturopathy better, I delve into some naturopathic medicine principles, how it relates to the modern medicine approach, and so much more.
Episode links
- Find out more about the Natural Super Kids KLUB
- Read more information about the antibiotic cycle and how to break it
- Read more information about the benefits of fever for immunity
As I promised in our very first podcast episode, I am going to go into my story, and hopefully it helps you understand a bit more about me as a person, and also my passion for kids’ health and naturopathy in general.
In this episode, I talk about my journey. From how I grew up as an Aussie Kid on the typical western diet, to my teenage years when I started having skin and hormonal issues. This eventually led me to seek help from a naturopath after being dissatisfied with how Western medicine somehow “cured” my symptoms but failed to address the root cause.
This inspired me to pursue naturopathy and dive deeper into the different modalities it offered, which I was really interested in. Fast forward years later, I also share my experiences in travelling around the world with my then boyfriend, now husband, Scott, and how it got me where I am today.
Episode links
- Visit our website
- Find out more about the Natural Super Kids KLUB
- Find Natural Super Kids on Facebook
Welcome to our very first Natural Super Kids Podcast episode!
Today, I talk about what Natural Super Kids is all about: what to expect from this podcast, our vision for kids’ health and nutrition, what we offer here at Natural Super Kids as we aim to inspire mums to boost the health and nutrition of their kids and to seek answers when it comes to their family's health issues.
I also share my journey as a Naturopath, why I became passionate about kids’ health, my relevant experience in the field and so much more.
Episode links:
- About the Natural Super Kids KLUB
- Find Natural Super Kids on Facebook
- Natural Super Kids on Instagram
- Check Natural Super Kids on Pinterest