39: Gut Brain Connection with Kiran Krishnan

On this week's edition of Soaring Child, we're joined by Kiran Krishnan, a research microbiologist who's a renowned expert on the human microbiome. Your microbiome, or gut, is a dense set of neurons that cover the entire digestive tract and can control the brain through circulation, the neurological system, immune system and lymphatic system. All these highways allow the gut and brain to constantly be influencing each other because they're two parts of the same system. In kids with ADHD, the gut-brain connection can be disrupted as early as in the womb through the mom's gut bacteria. Many spectrum disorders are related to gestational stress. However, it's never too late to make significant improvements. If your child has neurodevelopmental concerns or symptoms, start by getting your child a quality stool test recommended by your practitioner. Alpha diversity is very important for the gut as well. Without big groups of different microbes, we lose functionality which can cause developmental disorders, allergies and asthma. So how do you grow alpha diversity in your gut? First, diversify your diet. Visit an ethnic market or buy different foods once a week. Eat lots of fiber-rich foods, use less cleaning products in the home, and get outside in nature with your family. Also getting a dog helps the microbiome. There isn't a magic bullet when it comes to your microbiome – it's a complex ecosystem where small changes add up to big changes over time. It's equally important to take care of yourself, not just your kids. Make it a family affair.   Key Takeaways: [4:18] The gut-brain connection in general [7:32] The gut-brain connection in relation to ADHD [10:51] Stress test done on mice [12:18] How a parent knows if there's a gut-brain issue where the brain is compromised [16:09] Starting with a stool test [22:55] Black box technology [27:33] Chronic conditions that occur when we lose microbes [29:13] How to diversify your diet [31:23] Why you should reduce cleaners in your household [33:26] Why eating outside in nature is important [36:00] The quality of probiotic products on the market   How To Connect With Kiran: www.microbiomelabs.com https://www.facebook.com/microbiomelabs  https://www.instagram.com/kiranbiome/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mq2w90UmLQ   Memorable Quotes: "You absolutely have to go after the gut no matter what the central nervous system or brain-related issue is, because it is going to be a component of the problem." "You should never ignore the gut as you're looking at improving your child's development and as you're looking at improving a child's cognitive performance. It's absolutely critical." "Microbes influence each other's behaviors by their presence. So you could find a pathogen in the gut and go, holy cow, I have a pathogen. That's bad. Well, that's not necessarily bad. It depends on who else is there to control the pathogen and facilitate other functions out of it." "Most of your genetic elements come from the microbiome. We have 150 times more genes in our microbes than we do in our own cells. So we are essentially a very complex microbial structure." "It's equally important for you to take care of yourself as much as your kids, because there is something called a microbiome cloud around your home. We share a biome within our household."   Dana Kay Resources:  Website - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/  Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute     International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/  Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl ADHD Parenting Course - https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd  ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/