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.Sign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.

Episode 158: Melatonin to Support Children's Sleep

Ideas and inspiration to boost the health and nutrition of your kids with Naturopath Jessica Donovan

Alternative Health

Health

Kids & Family

Health & Fitness

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 LinksCheck 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.

Episode 168: The Melillo Method for supporting Autism, ADHD, OCD and Tourette syndrome with Dr. Robert Melillo

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 herePurchase 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 WebinarsFollow Dr Leila Masson on FacebookFollow Dr Leila Masson on Instagram Book a 1:1 consultation with the Natural Super Kids team hereSign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.

Episode 167: All about PANS and PANDAS in children with Dr Leila Masson

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 newsletterBuy the 80/80 marriage book in Australia Follow 80/80 marriage on InstagramSign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.

Episode 166: The 80/80 Marriage with Nate Kemp

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-InJoin 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 hereFollow Aston on InstagramWatch Aston on YoutubeSign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.

Episode 165: Recreating your relationship after kids with Aston Simmonds

Our guest on the podcast this week is Emily Lo, who is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist and Sensory Expert, a mother, and a 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. Emily has a private practice in Sydney, called '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 hereCheck out 'OT with Emily' Website hereCheck out Emily's Private Practice - Child Led TherapiesSign up for our FREE Immunity masterclass here.

Episode 158: Melatonin to Support Children's Sleep

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