The gut-brain connection: How food affects your child's mood, behavior, and mental health with Dr. Uma Naidoo

In this episode, I sit down with nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and bestselling author Dr. Uma Naidoo to explore the fascinating science behind the gut-brain connection and what it means for parents. Rather than focusing on restriction or perfection, Dr. Naidoo shares a practical, realistic approach to using food as one more tool to support your child's emotional well-being.

 

Together we explore:

 

• Why your child's gut may be influencing far more than just digestion.

• The surprising reason adding foods to your child's diet may be more powerful than taking foods away.

• What most parents misunderstand about protein, and the nutrient no one is talking about that many kids are actually missing.

• How ultra-processed foods may be affecting mood, focus, and emotional regulation in ways you wouldn't expect.

• Simple swaps that can support your child's brain without making mealtimes more stressful.

• Why "food as medicine" isn't about replacing therapy or medication, but giving your child another layer of support.

• The mindset shift that makes healthy eating feel more realistic, sustainable, and far less overwhelming.

• Easy, family-friendly strategies that can help nourish both your child's body and brain.

 

Whether you're raising a picky eater, wondering how nutrition fits into your child's mental health, or simply looking for realistic ways to support your family's well-being, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas you can start using right away.

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 Dr. Uma Naidoomd  

📚 Calm Your Mind with Food: A Revolutionary Guide to Controlling Your Anxiety

📚 This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and More

📱 @drumanaidoo 

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME:

🔗 Dr. Sarah Bren  

🔗 Check out my group practice, Upshur Bren Psychology Group, offering therapy and coaching for individuals, children, parents, and families  

📱IG: @drsarahbren

 

 

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉 Looking for extra support in your parenting journey? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers therapy and parent coaching for moms, dads, and families who want to feel more grounded and confident as they navigate parenthood and support their child's development. Visit upshurbren.com to explore our services or schedule a free 30-minute consultation to find the right support for your family.

 

 

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why screens and ultra-processed foods keep kids wanting more (but never satisfied) with Michaeleen Doucleff

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about GLP-1s and parenting with Dr. Rachel Goldman

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about determine if your child is a picky eater or if they may have a feeding disorder with feeding therapist Rebecca Taskin