Gut health and mood in kids - what parents need to know
Could your child’s tummy troubles be affecting their mood? Growing research says yes - and the connection might be stronger than you think.
Understanding your child’s gut health could be the key to calmer mornings, better focus and fewer meltdowns.
The gut-brain connection
Think of your child’s gut as their “second brain.” Inside the gut is the enteric nervous system - a network of nerves that talks directly to the brain via the vagus nerve. This two-way conversation affects everything from mood and sleep to energy and resilience.
In fact, around 90% of the body’s serotonin, a key mood-regulating neurotransmitter, is made in the gut.
How an unhealthy gut can impact your child’s mood
Gut imbalances like dysbiosis (an overgrowth of “unfriendly” gut microbes) and inflammation can disrupt this delicate communication. This can lead to:
Irritability or mood swings
Trouble concentrating or sitting still
Anxiety or low resilience
Sleep disruptions
Frequent tummy aches, gas or constipation
These signs aren’t just behavioural - they can be clues that your child’s digestion needs a little support.
Every child is different, but here are some common red flags to look out for:
Digestive clues:
Frequent bloating, gas, or discomfort after eating
Irregular bowel movements (either too frequent or too infrequent)
Ongoing picky eating or strong food aversions
Behavioural & emotional clues:
Unexplained mood swings or emotional outbursts
Restlessness or hyperactivity
Trouble focusing, especially in school settings
Poor sleep quality
Simple ways to nourish your child’s gut and improve their mood
The good news? You don’t need drastic diets or complicated restrictive protocols. Start with simple, nourishing changes:
Include fibre-rich plant foods like fruits, veggies, oats and legumes to feed healthy gut bacteria.
Offer fermented foods such as plain yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut or miso in small amounts (note: if your child has been diagnosed with IBS or SIBO, fermented foods may not be well tolerated)
Cut back on ultra-processed snacks as these can disrupt the gut-brain connection.
Watch for food sensitivities that might be causing inflammation (common offenders are dairy, gluten and food additives).
Establish calm mealtime routines, as stress can slow or disrupt digestion.
Consider trying a high quality probiotic (seek professional guidance first)
A healthy gut really can mean a happier, more balanced child. If you’d like personalised support to understand your child’s gut health and mood connection, get in touch to book a consultation.