Sarah Harris N.D.
Specialist Naturopath – Holistic Nutritionist – Herbalist – Homoeopath – Remedial Therapist
“Early learning is easiest, most enriching, and most efficient developmentally when experienced live, interactively, in real time and space, and with real people.” Ponti M.
Every day in the clinic, I have the fabulous opportunity to identify and address the impacts of many of the influencing factors on learning in children. The most common factors begin with in-utero health, nutritional inadequacy, technology exposure, stress, anxiety, ADHD and dyslexia. (1)
Did you know:
- Dietary fibre intake and the health of the microbiome prior to pregnancy is crucial to infant neurodevelopment? (2)
- Certain nutrients during pregnancy, such as lutein and zeaxanthin found in leafy greens and egg yolks, can contribute to better verbal intelligence and behaviour regulation in mid-childhood? (3).
- Common nutritional deficiencies, such as iron, zinc, EPA/ DHA and choline during infancy and beyond, often predispose children to brain and nervous system conditions and when resolved; enhance cognitive abilities.
Technology has changed the way children learn. This is another aspect of our children’s healthy cognitive development that we can influence.
Research on the impacts of ‘screen time’ exposure and use on young children was sparked by COVID-19, which also changed the media landscape in the home. The possible advantages and disadvantages of screen time for kids under five have been re-examined with an emphasis on physical, mental, and developmental health. Children’s early experiences with a rapidly evolving media world are nevertheless guided by four evidence-based principles: minimising, mitigating, using screens mindfully, and modelling healthy screen usage.
Studies show that health care providers and early childhood professionals (such as early childhood educators and childcare providers) can improve their practices in education by understanding how young children learn and develop and by implementing the four principles. (4)
As a Paediatric Naturopath, I support children and families in fostering cognitive development through simple, non-invasive, and safe interventions. By addressing key aspects of health, we can help children thrive and prevent future challenges.
To make an appointment call our friendly reception team on (03) 5221 8220, or you can also book online.
Yours thoughtfully and in good health.
Sarah.
References:
- Gibbs J et al. Dyspraxia or developmental coordination disorder? Unravelling the enigma. Arch Dis Child. 2007 Jun;92(6):534-9. doi: 10.1136/adc.2005.088054.
- Solberg BS et al. Maternal Fibre Intake During Pregnancy and Development of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Across Childhood: The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study. Biol Psychiatry. 2024;95(9):839-848. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.12.017.
- Bahnfleth CL et al. Prenatal choline supplementation improves child sustained attention: A 7-year follow-up of a randomized controlled feeding trial. FASEB J. 2022 Jan;36(1):e22054. doi: 10.1096/fj.202101217R.
- Ponti M. Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world. PaediatrChild Health. 2023;28(3):184192. doi: 10.1093/pch/pxac125.
