HEALTHY BRAINS, HEALTHY CHILDREN
Dr. Coralee Thompson & Dr. Philip Maffetone
Healthy Brains, Healthy Children is a comprehensive guide written primarily for parents, but is also aimed for healthcare professionals who often seek helpful recommendations for their own patients. Co-authored by two physicians with diverse yet overlapping educations and experiences who have professionally cared for children for decades, have their own children, and have confronted all the issues discussed in the book, this book combines art and science, clinical expertise and accepted up-to-date scientific information useful for both children and adults. The information and stories in this book empower mothers and fathers to better understand the critical driving forces of brain growth and development; namely nutrition, physical activity, and sensory stimulation.
Perhaps the most profound notion about nutrition comes from the fact that the cells in our body and brain reproduce and replace themselves regularly. In doing so, we obtain raw materials for new cells from the very foods we eat – a high quality diet results in a higher quality of new cells. In a child, these new cells are forming at an incredibly rapid rate each moment. So providing excellent nutrition is paramount in supporting brain development and ongoing brain function. The quality of the brain’s activity ultimately depends upon the nutrients it receives – from circulating blood sugar, protein and fat (more than 60% of the brain’s structure is fat) to the many vitamins and minerals that allow the production of neurotransmitters which enable thinking, leaning and moods. Without optimal brain function, there is dysfunction. The opening chapter introduces the concept of how brain dysfunction spans across a spectrum. By understanding this spectrum, parents will realize how the information in this book can be applied to any child; from one with apparent normal brain function to one with severely abnormal brain function.
A large part of our focus is nutrition and health as the primary support for optimal brain function. We acknowledge that other aspects of a child’s life influences brain function. These include physical activity – developing muscles to improve physical performance; the child’s indoor and outdoor environment; and sensory stimulation – the continuous nourishment of the brain with information, ideas and creativity. These topics are also discussed in this book.
The wide range of individual topics covered in Healthy Brains, Healthy Children include prenatal, breastfeeding and baby's first food; natural ways to regulate blood sugar to the brain; drug-free strengthening of the immune system; eliminating toxins in the home; handling medical issues, hospitalizations, medications and testing; choosing a healthcare professional wisely; common neurological problems (Autism Spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, seizure disorders, and ADHD); and healthy recipes and food preparation. Armed with such a comprehensive approach, parents will be able to take more responsibility for their child's brain development and health and rely less on schools and other programs. The ultimate goal is to empower parents and their children to take charge of their own health and brain function in a family-oriented fashion. In other words, everyone in the family needs excellent nutrition, physical activity, and a stimulating environment for optimal health and brain function. And there’s no better time to start improving the body and brain than right now.
