Together, the gut and the brain have a powerful connection. The gut-brain axis, as it’s called, is a powerhouse for helping your brain send messages to the rest of your body. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to function.
It’s commonly referred to as the “second brain,” not because it thinks independently, but because it has hundreds of millions of neurons woven together to link the vagus nerve from the brain to the gut.
For psychiatric and behavioral health programs geared towards youth (under 18), having a healthy gut-brain axis is one of the most important parts of treatment, but one that’s often overlooked. A diverse, nutritious meal plan can help, whether you only offer a few meals as part of a day treatment program or have a residential community that provides food around the clock.
Taking a holistic approach to health is considered the gold standard form of treatment for mental and behavioral health by most, including here at Culinary Services Group. In this blog, we’ll cover some of our most frequently asked questions about the gut, the brain, and mental health in youth.
What is the Role of Gut Bacteria in Child Development?
The gut-brain connection is more important than most people realize. It’s one of the main functions that help your body stabilize your mental health, especially in kids. The human gut contains trillions of microbes, including helpful bacteria that support digestion, fight illness, and produce important vitamins. These microbes also send signals to the brain, which can influence mood, behavior, and thinking.
When the balance of bacteria in the gut is disrupted, it can lead to emotional changes like anxiety, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. This is especially important in children, whose brains and bodies are still developing. A healthy gut can help support a child’s emotional and mental growth, while an unhealthy one may add to behavioral or emotional problems.
These neurons also produce neurotransmitters (NTs), which are chemicals that carry messages between nerve cells. Different types of NTs are made, such as:
- Dopamine: This chemical is key to feeling motivated, rewarded, and alert. These are all big parts of learning.
- GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid): This is the main chemical that helps calm your brain. It’s super important for helping you focus and control your feelings.
- Serotonin: People often call this the “happy chemical.” About 90% of the serotonin in your body is made in your gut. This chemical affects your mood, how you act around others, your sleep, and how you learn.
How Does Stress Affect the Gut-Brain Connection in Children?
The vagus nerve connects the brain and the gut, allowing them to communicate back and forth. Stress—whether it’s from school, family issues, or social pressure—can interfere with how well this system works. When a child experiences chronic stress, it can weaken the vagus nerve’s function and lead to gut problems like stomachaches or mental health symptoms such as anxiety.
On the other hand, a healthy gut can help the brain manage stress by producing calming chemicals. Activities like deep breathing, physical exercise, and eating well can all support the health of this gut-brain connection.
How Can Patients get Lifelong Mental and Physical Health Benefits from a Healthy Gut-Brain Connection?
Supporting the gut-brain connection early in life can lead to long-term benefits for a child’s mental and emotional health. In the mental health field, where multiple types of services are needed to create an effective treatment plan, food is medicine. Here are a few ways this can play out in behavioral health programs:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and probiotics can help maintain healthy gut bacteria.
- Limiting processed foods and unnecessary antibiotics also plays a role.
- For children struggling with mood or behavior, addressing gut health may improve treatment outcomes when used alongside therapy or medication.
- Teaching kids healthy habits now can help them become more emotionally balanced and mentally strong as they grow into adulthood.
What Nutrients Support a Healthy Gut‑Brain Connection?
Certain nutrients play a pivotal role in nurturing the gut‑brain axis, especially for growing children and adolescents. Incorporating these into meals can help foster emotional resilience, cognitive clarity, and overall, well‑being:
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Fiber: Found in whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, fiber promotes a diverse gut microbiome by feeding beneficial bacteria. A fiber‑rich diet supports healthy digestion and the production of short‑chain fatty acids, which have anti‑inflammatory benefits for both the gut and brain.
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Omega‑3 Fatty Acids: Present in fatty fish like salmon and in plant sources such as chia seeds and walnuts, omega‑3s are vital for brain structure and function. They reduce neuroinflammation, support mood regulation, and aid in cognitive development.
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Fermented Foods and Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods introduce live, beneficial bacteria that help maintain gut balance and aid in neurotransmitter production, supporting emotional well‑being.
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Polyphenols: These plant compounds, found in foods like berries, nuts, and olive oil, have antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties. They support both gut health and cognitive function.
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B Vitamins: Nutrients such as folate, B6, and B12 play a role in producing dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, making them vital for mood stability and brain health. These vitamins can be found in lean meats, legumes, whole grains, and leafy greens.
By incorporating these key nutrients, psychiatric and behavioral health programs can help nurture a balanced gut microbiome and a resilient brain, providing a strong foundation for long‑term mental and emotional well‑being.
How Can Nutrition Professionals Help?
Registered dietitians and nutritionists (RDNs) are central to helping your pediatric patients achieve optimal nutritional health. The first step toward this is setting goals and creating personalized meal plans. RDNs can help you establish a healthy diet. In psychiatric residential care, everyone from children to adults needs a nutrition plan, also known as a liberalized diet, that supports and considers individual needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds, moving beyond restrictive approaches.
RDNs can educate kids, families, and staff on the importance of nutrient-dense foods, the role of probiotics and prebiotics, and how specific dietary choices affect mood and behavior. They can also identify and address nutritional deficiencies that might be contributing to mental health challenges.
By integrating evidence-based nutrition strategies, RDNs empower young patients to develop healthy eating habits that support both their physical and mental well-being, fostering a holistic approach to care that can have lasting positive effects.
Developing Dining Programs with the Gut-Brain Connection in Mind
At Culinary Services Group, we believe in a person-centered approach to dining and food service management, prioritizing a healthy brain-gut connection in children. Our holistic healing philosophy for behavioral health programs and communities means we consider all aspects of the body and mind.
We’re excited to partner with you to nourish the minds (and guts!) of your pediatric patients. Let’s schedule a call with our sales team today to get started.
