Tricia Griffin, RD
8-day Menu for Neurodiverse Kids
One of the biggest daily challenges for parents of children with ADHD or other neurodiverse conditions is planning healthy meals and snacks. Often the focus is on dietary restrictions, and the list of foods to avoid feels overwhelming. Instead, Tricia Griffin, RDN, LD recommends shifting the focus. “As a nutritionistRead
Home Microbiome Protocol
The human microbiota is influenced not only by diet but also by outside environmental factors. Our living spaces have their own microbiomes, full of bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and other microorganisms. They come from people, pets, and things that enter our homes. Removing environmental toxins where possible and allowing beneficial microbesRead
Free Nutrition Resource: Practical Tips for Healthier Kids Meals
A new school year is fast approaching, and you’re probably talking to parents and caregivers about how to help their child have a successful school year. As you know, a nutritious diet plays a vital role. Providing nourishing foods for lunch and snacks gives children an edge — mentally, socially,Read
The Vagus Nerve Superhighway: Formation of the Gut Brain Connection
It’s impressive: the wandering 10th cranial, or vagus, nerve is the longest in the human body, stretching from the brainstem to the lowest intestinal viscera. It’s a bidirectional neurologic superhighway. A component of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the vagus nerve extends parasympathetic fibers into nearly every organ in the body. It controlsRead
Research Backed Ingredients to Support Mood and Health
The Mindful Microbiota Trillions of microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and others—create the microbiota. The vast majority, around 70%, of these bugs reside in our intestines and are vital to the development of our immune system, influence our metabolism, and protect us from pathogens. Interestingly, the gut microbiota also affects our cognitiveRead
Low FODMAPs: The New Gluten Free?
As patients without diagnosed gluten allergies continue to benefit from a gluten-free diet, researchers, medical professionals, and nutritionists alike are now turning to a related, but more prevalent, perpetrator of GI discomfort: FODMAPs. But, what are FODMAPs and how do they affect the microbiome? And, for those experiencing uncomfortable GIRead
Gut Brain Connection: Talk Along the HPA Axis
The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis, or HPA Axis, is a bidirectional neuroendocrine network that modulates our adaptive stress response. The activation loop begins in the hypothalamus with corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Once released, CRH binds to receptors on the anterior pituitary gland resulting in the subsequent release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). In turn,Read
Bugs and Barrier Function
Intestinal epithelial barrier integrity has a great deal to do with how we feel: both physically and mentally. The concept is a relatively simple one, although the mechanisms are complex. A single layer of epithelial cells functions as a physical barrier between the intestinal lumen, the lamina propria, and theRead
Spring Clean Your Microbiota: Trillions of Tiny Lives That Influence Your Health
Emerging research suggests that the microbiota influences many aspects of wellbeing, far beyond digestive and immune health. Nurturing these trillions of tiny lives requires a holistic approach. Here’s how to help patients get started.
Research-Backed Ingredients to Support Mood Balance
Love Your Happy Place The human microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and others. The vast majority, around 70%, of these microbes reside in the gut and are vital to immune and metabolic health. The gut microbiota also affects your cognitive function and mood throughRead
