You will find that constitutional strength may result in the body being able to adapt to a wide range of dietary patterns and lifestyle choices. In those who are more sensitive, a Naturopath and Homeopath can help the child or adult to reduce inflammation. This is just the first important step towards healing.
Children with sensitive constitutions
My name is Emma Howard. When working with children I find parents like to know some of the biological factors that naturopathy can help with.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence present unique challenges, both for individuals and their families. Naturopaths offer individualised treatment plans. For ADHD clients, sleep hygiene to reduce severity of symptoms and a herbal remedy with Bacopa Monnieri, which has been traditionally used to enhance cognitive function, are integral components of the treatment plan to help ADHD. Naturopathic approaches for all neurodivergence, consider underlying biological factors.
The MTHFR shows the body’s ability to methylate or excrete toxins. It has been found that children with neurodivergence have higher than average levels of certain toxins.
The MTHFR Gene Mutation
MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is an enzyme that plays a key role in the methylation pathway or the toxin removal pathway. If not working properly some people will see rashes or even eczema on their skin. This is more likely to happen if the liver is busy processing hormones or under stress from alcohol or medication. However, more commonly, the only symptom someone will feel is less energy as the body diverts nutrients from other cells to clear the toxins. Occasionally just correcting the methylation cycle (toxin removal system) can be your answer to optimum energy. Most of the time there are other pathways that are also suboptimal and it’s important to discover these before your body gives you symptoms. This is especially important in more complex conditions such as post cancer recovery where the body is in fight or flight so we don’t always see the symptoms in all the areas of the body that are lacking in nutrients.
The MTHFR gene is essential for processing folate, a crucial nutrient involved in DNA synthesis and neurotransmitter production. Individuals with mutations in this gene may have impaired methylation, leading to elevated homocysteine levels and a range of health issues, including cognitive and behavioural problems often seen in ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions.
Assessing MTHFR Status
Naturopaths assess MTHFR status through genetic testing. Understanding a patient’s MTHFR status is vital for developing an appropriate treatment plan if detoxification impairment is suspected.
Compensating for MTHFR Mutations
For those with MTHFR mutations, naturopaths typically focus on compensating for impaired methylation through targeted supplementation:
1. Folate Supplementation: Instead of standard folic acid, which can be poorly metabolised by individuals with MTHFR mutations, naturopaths often prescribe activated folate which is more easily absorbed.
2. B Vitamins: Other B vitamins, particularly B12 (best taken in sublingual form), are also crucial for supporting methylation and reducing homocysteine levels.
3. Antioxidants: Liposomal Glutathione or Organic Vitamin C can help mitigate oxidative stress, which may be elevated in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
4. Dietary Adjustments: Naturopaths often suggest dietary modifications rich in folate, such as leafy greens, legumes, and fortified foods, to support overall health and methylation pathways. Omega-3 Supplementation and diets rich in omega-3s, have been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce hyperactivity.
Naturopaths work closely with other health professionals to help children with neurodivergence to offer holistic care. Targeted assessments and tailored supplementation are important when contributing biological factors are identified in neurodivergent clients.
Adults with sensitive constitutions
Most adults with a sensitive constitution have microbiome tests that reveal the opportunistic pathogens in the gut have grown after eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar.
The Role of Naturopaths in Managing Gut Health
Naturopathy, a holistic approach to health care, emphasises the body’s ability to heal itself. Naturopaths use microbiome tests to identify the balance of beneficial and harmful microbes in the gut. Naturopaths help to heal the gut by managing butyrate levels, secretory IgA, parasites, candida, and other gastrointestinal concerns.
Understanding Key Concepts in Gut Health
Prebiotics
If the microbiome test shows a lack of beneficial bacteria, particularly those that thrive on prebiotics, naturopaths often recommend increasing prebiotic-rich foods. Oats, legumes like chickpeas, garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus and carrots are some common examples. I have found that green split peas soaked overnight are really effective as a prebiotic because they can be eaten so often. After being soaked overnight, they can be boiled for ten minutes the next day an easy way for people to increase the physical volume of fibre in the gut. They taste quite bland which allows for them to be mixed in with hommus as a base for any meal. These prebiotic foods not only promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli but also provide the fuel required for probiotics to grow. Together they help improve digestion, boost immunity, and regulate inflammation. Naturopaths may also recommend prebiotic supplements tailored to the individual’s microbiome results, aiming to restore balance and enhance gut health naturally through targeted dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
Butyrate
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by the fermentation of dietary fibres in the gut. It plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health by serving as an energy source for colon cells and promoting anti-inflammatory responses. Naturopaths often recommend dietary strategies to enhance butyrate production, such as increasing fibre intake from fruits, vegetables.
Secretory IgA
Secretory IgA (sIgA) is an antibody found in mucosal areas, including the gut. It acts as a first line of defence against pathogens. Low levels of sIgA can indicate a compromised immune system or dysbiosis. Naturopaths may support sIgA production through herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and stress management techniques.
Addressing Gut Imbalances
Parasites and Worms
The presence of intestinal parasites, such as threadworms, can lead to various gastrointestinal issues, including bloating, diarrhea, and malnutrition. Naturopaths utilise dietary changes, herbal antiparasitics (like wormwood and garlic), and lifestyle modifications to help eliminate these parasites naturally.
Candida Overgrowth
Candida is a type of yeast that can overgrow in the gut, leading to candidiasis. Symptoms may include digestive issues, fatigue, and skin problems. If candida is found in the stool then it is overgrown through the whole body system. Testing is highly recommended when Candida is expected. Naturopaths often suggest a diet low in sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can feed yeast, alongside antifungal herbs and a specific strain of probiotics to restore balance.
When flatulence smells offensive
Methanobrevibacter smithii is a type of archaea found in the gut that can be associated with conditions like bloating, constipation and offensive smelling flatulence. Naturopaths may focus on dietary changes to reduce methane production, incorporating fibre-rich foods and unique strains of probiotics to promote a healthier gut microbiome.
Two Impacts from Diet Choices
Caffeine and Sugar
Excessive caffeine and sugar can disrupt gut health, contributing to inflammation and dysbiosis. Naturopaths often guide patients in moderating their intake of these substances, emphasising a balanced diet rich in whole foods to support gut function.
Importance of Vegetables
Vegetables are essential for promoting butyrate production due to their high fibre content. Naturopaths encourage a diet abundant in a variety of vegetables, which not only supports gut health but also provides vital nutrients and antioxidants.
What the microbiome tells Naturopaths
Naturopaths manage gut health through a holistic approach that encompasses diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies. By focusing on enhancing butyrate levels, supporting secretory IgA, and addressing gut imbalances caused by parasites and yeast, they can help patients achieve optimal gastrointestinal health. Through personalised care, naturopaths empower individuals to take charge of their health naturally.
