Our step-by-step approach to building a plan around each child, introducing changes in stages.
STEP 1
Stabilising the Nervous System
In many children, the first priority is to look at what may be keeping their nervous system on high alert, before diet or supplements change. A child who is stressed, anxious or not sleeping often finds other changes harder to manage.
This phase focuses on:
Routines, sleep and sensory support, aimed at helping the child feel safer and more settled day to day.
Sleep and energy, looking at what may be disrupting either.
Foundational lifestyle changes the family can manage.
Hidden stressors, including environmental exposures, past and current infections, and immune activation.
Key Tools Used: Sleep support, structured routines, sensory work, environmental changes and, where appropriate, micro-immunotherapy.
STEP 2
Digestion, Gut Health & Elimination
Digestion, absorption and regular bowel movements all affect how well a child is nourished. This phase works through the following, in the order that suits each child:
Testing for bacterial, fungal and parasitic overgrowth where it is relevant.
Genetic testing where useful, to identify nutrient-related variants that may shape the plan.
Looking at gut inflammation and intestinal permeability.
Working on constipation, sluggish bowels and histamine intolerance.
Supporting normal elimination through diet, fluids and fibre.
Supporting digestion, motility and microbial balance.
Key Tools Used: Stool and microbiome analysis, organic acid testing, genetic testing, and diet and nutrient support for digestion.
STEP 3
Personalised Diets
Diet works best when it fits the individual child. This step focuses on:
Identifying foods that may be causing problems, which can include gluten, dairy, histamine, oxalates, glutamates, sulphur or FODMAPs.
Choosing the diet framework that fits the child’s history and test results, which may include:
Gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
Paleo-style, low-histamine, low-glutamate, low-sulphur or low-FODMAP approaches.
Nutrient-dense diets built around the child’s needs.
Balancing protein, fats and carbohydrates and keeping blood sugar steady through the day.
Key Tools Used: Nutritional assessments, elimination diets, personalised meal plans, gut-friendly food strategies, and metabolic diet adjustments.
STEP 4
Immune & Metabolic Support
Once the foundations are in place, this step looks at immune and metabolic factors that may be relevant to the child, including:
Immune activity, including past and current infections, mast cell activity and inflammation.
Energy metabolism and mitochondrial health.
Nutritional factors relevant to thyroid and neurotransmitter function.
Referral to a doctor where testing points to an infection or condition that needs medical care.
Key Tools Used: Immune and metabolic testing, functional blood analysis, folate receptor antibody (FRAT) testing, infection panels, environmental toxin assessments and, where appropriate, micro-immunotherapy.
STEP 5
Refining The Plan
As the child’s needs change, the plan is reviewed and adjusted. This includes:
Broadening the diet where possible to improve variety and nutrient intake.
Looking at environmental factors such as mould and heavy metals.
Adjusting the plan based on follow-up assessments and test results.
Giving parents the knowledge to manage their child’s diet and routine with confidence.
Key Tools Used: Follow-up testing, long-term nutrition planning and regular reviews.
How can we help?
Our team would be happy to talk to you about your child and whether our approach is right for them. Get in touch and one of our practitioners will arrange a call.