We talked all things gut health and detoxification in my recent conversation with Christian Yordanov. The air was charged with a shared sense of purpose and determination. As a fellow parent and advocate, I recognized in Christian a kindred spirit, driven by a deep commitment to empowering families.
Christian’s multifaceted identity as a dedicated father, a podcaster, and the author of “Autism Wellbeing Plan: How to Get Your Child Healthy,” immediately resonated with me. It was evident that he, like myself, was on a mission to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Christian is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and his expertise and passion for holistic health were palpable, promising valuable insights for our community of parents.
Christian’s journey into health advocacy, sparked by his nephew’s autism diagnosis in 2018, mirrored my own path in many ways. Through meticulous research and introspection, Christian had crafted a resource that not only illuminated the path to wellbeing but also offered solace and support to countless families facing similar challenges.
As our dialogue unfolded, I couldn’t help but marvel at the synchronicity of our missions. Christian’s story serves as a poignant reminder that, in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope and healing.
Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast
Dietary Advice for Kids With Eczema
Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride’s groundbreaking work in Gut and Psychology Syndrome opened my eyes to the urgency of addressing our eczema condition. She astutely connects eczema with autism through her deep understanding of the gut-brain connection. Dr. Campbell-McBride highlights the pivotal role of gut dysbiosis, an imbalance of gut bacteria, in numerous health issues, including eczema and autism.
So, with that insight, I was curious how Christian approached nutritional support for his daughter, and what dietary modifications did he typically recommend to his clients?
Christian emphasizes that dietary changes are paramount. Currently, the incentives around food are muddled, with factors like cost, taste, and addictiveness often taking precedence. Removing inflammatory processed foods from the household is essential. He advocates minimizing seed-based foods due to their high content of anti-nutrients like phytic acid and oxalates, which can interfere with mineral absorption and lead to health complications.
Vegetables Not Required for Optimal Gut Health
When it comes to vegetables, Christian adopts a flexible approach, viewing them as optional. He prioritizes milk, meat, cheese, honey, and fresh fruits and vegetables that his child enjoys, prioritizing their nourishment and bioavailability.
Regarding seasonal concerns, Christian notes that opting for organic food often aligns with seasonal eating patterns. Animals naturally adapt to seasonal changes, ensuring a more sustainable and wholesome diet.
“What you put in your cart, that’s dangerous. Those chronic choices you unwittingly make day-in and day-out, that’s what will kill you. Unless we take this seriously, we are all going to become statistics.”
-Christian Yordanov on the Eczema Kids Podcast
Supplements for Children With Eczema
Supplements for children grappling with histamine issues, leaky gut, compromised digestion, and food sensitivities—our little eczema warriors—are crucial.
Christian delves into his recommendations, starting with probiotics tailored to specific digestive concerns. For constipation, he suggests a spore-based probiotic, while for loose stools, saccharomyces boulardii is the initial go-to. Following probiotics, Christian introduces olive leaf extracts and biociden to combat inflammatory bacteria that can exacerbate issues such as neuro-inflammation and skin inflammation. His approach prioritizes reducing inflammatory assaults before embarking on detoxification processes.
Vitamin D emerges as another vital supplement. Christian underscores the significant need for higher vitamin D intake among children, emphasizing its essential role in overall health.
Regarding protein intake, Christian reassures that it’s challenging to overconsume protein. He emphasizes the importance of including collagenous tissue in the diet, as it constitutes a significant portion of animal-based protein. Balancing protein consumption with collagenous tissue supplementation ensures optimal health, and Christian advocates pairing meat intake with calcium for a comprehensive longevity strategy.
We both agree, children’s innate ability to self-regulate are profound. Christian stresses the importance of eliminating processed foods to preserve or re-establish children’s natural self-regulatory systems.
How Can We Support Our Kid’s Detoxification Process?
It’s a question that weighs heavily on many parents’ minds, considering the constant barrage of environmental toxins we face daily.
Christian sheds light on this challenging issue, acknowledging the omnipresence of these assaults—from the air we breathe to the water we drink, even in the seemingly innocent treats at sporting events and birthday parties. He emphasizes the importance of equipping ourselves with knowledge and staying steadfast in our implementation of detoxification strategies, lest we find ourselves on a path toward poor health outcomes, as evidenced by alarming disease statistics.
Food First, Then Bring In The Big Guns for Detoxification Pathways
A significant aspect of detoxification occurs in the liver, where it processes the chemicals we inhale, ingest, and imbibe. Christian advocates for supporting liver function through the consumption of foods rich in B vitamins, such as organic chicken liver, which he prepares in small, manageable portions for his daughter. Carbohydrate-rich foods like honey, sweet potatoes, and fruit also play a crucial role, providing the necessary energy, B vitamins, and amino acids essential for detoxification processes.
Christian emphasizes the importance of incorporating gelatin-rich foods like homemade jelly into his daughter’s diet to support her detoxification system. By prioritizing accessible and cost-effective strategies, such as consuming collagen-rich foods, parents can effectively support their children’s detoxification journey.
How Can We Help Our Kids Get Better Sleep?
How can we ensure our children—and by extension, ourselves—get the best sleep possible?
Christian recommends incorporating red light, preferably incandescent, into the evening routine, starting about two hours before bedtime. This gentle shift in lighting helps signal to the body that it’s time to wind down, setting the stage for restful sleep.
And for those parents who may feel overwhelmed or disheartened in their journey to manage their children’s health conditions, Christian offers invaluable advice:
“First and foremost, you need a plan. Once you have a solid strategy in place, stick to it steadfastly. Consistency is key to seeing results. And remember to take care of yourself too. When you prioritize your own rest and nourishment, you’re better equipped to support your child’s healing journey.”
If you’re more than two days into the parenting job, we know that is all too true. It’s really hard to show up for our kids in the way we want to when we aren’t taking care of ourselves.
Supporting Our Child On Their Path Towards Optimal Gut Health
Bedtime doesn’t have to be a battle, especially for children with eczema. By establishing a consistent bedtime routine and incorporating eczema-soothing skincare products into your child’s routine, you can create a peaceful environment that promotes better sleep and overall well-being. Visit Eczema Kids to explore our range of gentle and effective skincare products and start your journey to bedtime bliss today. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to comfort, confidence, and clear skin!
There is Always Room for Hope and Healing
Visit Eczema Kids to explore our range of gentle and effective skincare products and start your journey to clear, comfortable skin, restful nights and the assurance that you are supporting your child’s holistic health. You’re not interested in kicking the can down the road, you’re the type of parent that is going to take what you’ve learned and do something about it. We would love to support you on your journey within the free Facebook group, Eczema Solutions for Kids as well. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to comfort, confidence, and clear skin!
If you’re hoping to dip your toe in first, try our holistic, three-step non-toxic skincare routine for eczema-prone skin. It’s the easiest first step to take and supports and helps your detoxification efforts! Here’s your Eczema-Soothing Skincare Routine.
For more gut health for kids advice, check out, The Gut Brain Connection, The Best Eczema-Healing Diet and Eczema and Gut Health From a Functional Medicine Perspective.
FAQ
What role does gut health play in conditions like autism and eczema?
Gut health’s role in conditions like autism and eczema, is imperative. It’s actually the reason your child is experiencing eczema. The microbes run the show and if there is a dysbiosis happening, it doesn’t fare well for neuro or skin health. When undigestible food is consumed, fermentation of the undigested food in the gut due to compromised digestive function starts to happen. This fermentation process can lead to the production of harmful byproducts and toxins, contributing to inflammation and exacerbating conditions like autism and eczema. Hence, prioritizing gut health through dietary modifications and targeted interventions becomes paramount in managing and potentially alleviating symptoms associated with these conditions. If you’re looking for natural eczema solutions, you’re in the right place!
