Harpenden Kids Nutrition

At Harpenden Kids Nutrition, I specialise in supporting children and adolescents with their mood, behaviour, and overall health through personalised nutritional therapy. Combining expertise in Functional Medicine and Walsh therapy, I work holistically to address the root causes of your child's challenges, empowering them to thrive.

​

I work with children and adolescents who need support in the following areas:

​

• Neurodevelopmental Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD).

• Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

• Immune-Related Conditions: Frequent illnesses, skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, ringworm), allergies, and food sensitivities.

• Digestive and Gut Health: Gastrointestinal complaints, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or tummy ache, and their impact on overall well-being.

​

Why Nutrition and Health Factors Are Crucial

​

The connection between the gut, brain, and immune system is critical in understanding many of the challenges children face. Here’s why:

​

• Gut Health: The gut is often called the “second brain” because of its vital role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and behaviour. You may be surprised to learn that imbalances in gut bacteria, inflammation, or poor digestion have been associated with anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, ASD, and behavioural issues.

• Brain-Gut Axis: This communication network between the gut and brain influences emotional regulation, focus, and mental clarity. Disruptions here can exacerbate conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

• Immune System: A well-functioning immune system is key to reducing inflammation, managing allergies, and supporting mental health. Chronic inflammation, often linked to diet, can play a role in both physical and emotional health conditions.

• Nutritional Imbalances: Deficiencies in key nutrients such as omega-3s, zinc, magnesium, or B vitamins can directly impact neurotransmitter function, energy levels, and emotional resilience.

• Toxin Overload: Environmental factors and toxins, such as heavy metals, can affect brain chemistry and behaviour. Supporting detoxification pathways through nutrition is crucial for some children.

​

How I Help

​

I take a functional medicine approach to uncover the root causes of each child’s symptoms. Every child is unique, and my role is to create a tailored plan to help their body and brain function optimally. My process includes:

​

1. Comprehensive Assessment:

   • Detailed consultation to understand the child’s history, diet, lifestyle, and challenges.

   • Exploration of possible triggers, including dietary patterns, gut health, nutrient status, and environmental factors.

   • Where appropriate, functional tests may be recommended—this could include NHS tests or more advanced assessments through trusted laboratory partners such as Regenerus Labs, Viva Health Laboratories, and Genova Diagnostics. These tests, which may involve urine, stool, hair, saliva, or blood samples, can provide deeper insights into underlying imbalances contributing to symptoms.

2. Personalised Nutrition Plans:

   • Evidence-based dietary recommendations tailored to the child’s specific needs.

   • Support for gut healing, nutrient rebalancing, and brain health.

3. Practical Lifestyle Guidance:

   • Suggestions for sleep, stress management, and physical activity to complement nutritional strategies.

   • Simple, actionable steps to empower families to make sustainable changes.

4. Collaboration and Education:

   • Working alongside families, schools, and other healthcare providers to create a supportive environment.

   • Teaching parents how to incorporate healthier habits and understand their child’s unique nutritional needs.

​​

The duration of therapy is typically between four and six months, according to the child’s unique needs and progress. After this period, follow-up check-ins every 3 to 6 months are sometimes recommended to maintain progress and support the child’s ongoing development and growth.

​

The Goal

​

My ultimate goal is to help children and adolescents feel their best—mentally, emotionally, and physically. By addressing underlying imbalances and nurturing their unique needs, I aim to empower families and young people to thrive in every aspect of their lives.