Thanks for your post! Wonderful to hear that you are exercising!

I understand that the cost of supplements for the whole family can be daunting. How long a particular supplement may be necessary for an individual depends on many factors, most of all how well you are supporting your health with nutrition, exercise, sleep, breathing, and reducing environmental toxicants and stress. Supplements are just that–supplementing a foundation of sound nutrition and health, not creating one. While each of us has particular areas of genetic/behavioral/health-history “weaknesses” that may need supplemental support for a longer period, we should be able to get most of our nutrition from a whole foods diet with minimal ‘insurance’ through supplements unless we are in an acute health crisis or healing from one.

One of the best things we can do to lessen our need for too many supplements is to get a wide variety of plant-based foods (vegetables, low-sugar fruits, nuts, seeds, etc.) in order to make sure we are getting the benefit each one offers us (specific minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients, etc.). The larger the net we ‘cast’ with our whole foods diet through a variety of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and high fiber plants, the less we have to rely on supplements. 

Very generally speaking (without knowing your health history/status/goals), most of us do well with a basic multivitamin, omega-3, and vitamin D, though we can get these things for ‘free’ through regular sunlight exposure, adequate consumption of omega-3 rich foods, and eating a wider variety of micronutrients through eating a wider array of whole foods. I would recommend starting with creating a whole-foods based nutrition plan and then work in supplements as needed from there. Let us know if you need more help with that!

Best!

Zoe

Oh, wow. My heart goes out to you and your precious son. There is so much that can be done to support and heal a suffering brain, and I would highly recommend you speak with one of our integrative physicians even if just for a consult to see what the best direction is for his care and what supplements would be most beneficial for him.

My first thoughts are nutrients to support calming his nervous system and help him to heal from the effects of the neurotoxicity that he experienced in utero. Make sure all stimulants that can exacerbate his aggression be completely removed from his diet: sugars of all kinds, artificial sweeteners, MSG, dyes, caffeine, and any food allergies/sensitivities he may have (there are simple at-home finger prick tests you can do for that information). Other essentials include:

Nutrition: Regular protein intake (every 3 hours), lots of healthy fats through nuts/seeds, wild fish, avocado, oils (olive, avocado, coconut, ghee), plenty of filtered water, ample vegetables and fruits. The cruciferous vegetables in particular (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, chard, etc.) are very helpful for supporting the liver’s detoxification pathways, which is essential for lowering toxic load from things like medications and environmental pollutants. Maintaining regular bowel elimination through adequate fiber and water is key since the function of the gut and the brain is interdependent. Probiotic foods are key here as well: unsweetened, organic yogurt or kefir (non-dairy such as hemp or flax if dairy sensitivity/allergy), sauerkraut, or taking a probiotic supplement can be very beneficial for many people.

Exercise: 1 hour of exercise daily such as jumping, running, biking, swimming, etc. This is incredibly important. Sweating helps detoxify, and getting more oxygen and blood flow to the brain is vital for the health of the nervous system.

Psychological support: This should be ongoing, and if you haven’t tried already, you might use expressive arts therapy or wilderness therapy for him if traditional therapy has not been as beneficial. I would recommend therapy that involves the family as well if possible.

Developmental: Aside from his personal history, at 6 years of age, your son is going through specific developmental growth, so supporting that with appropriate outlets and understanding can be key to lowering some aspects of conflict and opposition. Check out the CDC’s guide for middle childhood (6-8 years).

I hope this is helpful. If you would like more personalized support for your son, please consider making an appointment with myself or one of our integrative physicians.

Best to you-Zoe