Unlocking Your Family’s Genetic Potential: How Personalized Nutrition Can Support Neurodiverse Children
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Unlocking Your Family’s Genetic Potential: How Personalized Nutrition Can Support Neurodiverse Children
As parents navigating the world of neurodiversity, we are constantly seeking better ways to support our children’s unique needs. From managing school challenges to finding the right nutritional and lifestyle support, it can often feel overwhelming. This is why I am so excited to share insights from our latest SEND Parenting podcast episode, featuring Dr. Jill Crowfoot, founder of Renude Health. Dr. Crowfoot is a GP with over 20 years of experience and has pioneered a unique approach that blends medical expertise with cutting-edge genetic testing to offer personalized nutrition solutions.
In Episode 95, titled Understand Your Genetics & Improve Your Nutrition, Dr. Crowfoot introduces us to the fascinating field of nutrigenomics—the study of how our genes interact with our diet and environment. This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to explore how understanding their family's DNA can optimize health, particularly for neurodiverse children.
Personalised Nutrition: No More Guesswork
How many of us have tried countless diets, supplements, or treatments to support our neurodiverse children, only to feel like we are taking shots in the dark? Dr. Crowfoot offers a game-changing solution—personalised nutrition based on your family’s unique genetic blueprint.
With a simple cheek swab, genetic testing can reveal your body’s specific needs and vulnerabilities. Dr. Crowfoot explains that by knowing how our DNA affects nutrient absorption and processing, we can make targeted decisions about what foods and supplements will benefit us most. For neurodiverse children, this can help support their nervous system, reduce anxiety, and improve focus.
Imagine no longer having to guess which supplements your child needs or relying on trial and error. Instead, you can confidently create a personalized nutritional plan that meets your child's exact needs based on their unique genetic profile.
Supporting Hormonal Changes in Neurodiverse Children
Hormonal changes, especially during puberty, can significantly impact neurodiverse children. Dr. Crowfoot explains how understanding genetics can help parents support their children through these changes, ensuring their hormones, such as estrogen and serotonin, are balanced alongside their nutritional needs.
For girls with ADHD or other neurodiverse conditions, these hormonal shifts can often be misunderstood or overlooked. Dr. Crowfoot highlights the importance of personalised genetic insights to help ensure the right nutritional and hormonal support during this critical development time.
Why This Matters for Neurodiverse Families
For families like mine, where neurodiversity is part of daily life, this approach is incredibly empowering. As parents, we want the best for our children but often feel at a loss when it comes to optimising their health. What Dr. Crowfoot brings to the table is a deeper understanding of how DNA influences everything—from mood to energy levels—and how we can actively use this knowledge to enhance our children’s well-being.
Dr. Crowfoot also touched on the power of nutrigenomics to address common challenges like heightened anxiety in neurodiverse children. She explained how certain nutrients, such as zinc, magnesium, and B6, are crucial in supporting the nervous system and how these can be fine-tuned based on a child’s specific genetic makeup.
Practical Steps for Parents
This episode was packed with valuable advice that parents can implement immediately. Here are three key takeaways from my conversation with Dr. Crowfoot:
Consider Nutrigenomics Testing: While genetic testing may not be accessible to everyone due to its cost, it offers invaluable insights that can transform how you approach your child’s nutrition and health. If it is within your means, it is worth exploring.
Focus on Key Nutrients: Even without genetic testing, many neurodiverse children benefit from incorporating essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, and B6. You can start with small doses and observe any changes in mood, focus, or anxiety levels.
Understand the Role of Epigenetics: Our genes may determine certain predispositions, but our environment—what we eat, how we manage stress, and even the products we use—can influence how those genes express themselves. Knowledge of epigenetics allows us to take control of our health in ways we never thought possible.
Ready to Learn More?
If this episode piqued your interest, I encourage you to listen to the full conversation with Dr. Jill Crowfoot. She explains the science behind nutrigenomics in an accessible way, and shares practical tips on how parents can start applying this knowledge today. You can listen to the episode here.
Additionally, I invite you to join our private SEND Parenting community on WhatsApp, where parents come together to share experiences and learn from experts. The link to join is in the show notes of the podcast, or you can message me directly at 07-856-915-105 for an invitation.
Thank you for being part of the SEND Parenting community, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you!
Warm wishes,
Dr. Olivia