Hello Michael
I’ve adjusted my eating along the lines of the suggestions in the clever guts book for about a week now and I’m feeling great.
Thank you.
I’m now wondering if you recommend that children follow a similar diet plan, or do they need something different as their systems are still developing? I have two children – 7 and 11 years old – and while I’m very interested in feeding them in a healthy way I don’t want to deprive them of any essential nutrients in this growing phase of their lives.
What would you recommend?
Any chance you will be releasing a children’s version of the clever guts diet in the near future?? 😉

*I am not Dr Mosley nor do I represent him.* Any responsible author or medical professional would advise checking with your family doctor/ childrens nurse/ hospital specialist/ dietician/ pharmacist before embarking on an elimination diet (cutting out an entire food group or type) or adding any supplements to your children’s diets.

However the ongoing phase of the Clever Guts Diet fits in pretty well with UK official healthy eating guidelines.

Minimising processed starches and sugars, more healthy fats inc. oily fish and olive oil, eating a really wide variety of wholefoods from all the food groups, appropriate portion sizes …

The average UK family eats too much processed stuff, and not enough overall variety. For example wheat products – cereal/ bread/ pasta/ biscuits/ cake – two or more times a day. A wider variety of foods means a wider variety of nutrients.

Eating more oily fish, certain seeds and high cocoa dark chocolate supplies vitamin D, magnesium and omega-3s, which act alongside calcium (from dairy) in bone health, immune function and brain development. The fibre, polyphenols and protein all help keep the gut healthy.

HTH!

Hi Firefox7275 😛

I have a 2.5year old with eczema on the back of his knees, which is not catastrophic, but it does cause him itchiness and irritation. Is there anything that I could add to his diet specifically that would help his immune system – is there any literature linking specific gut friendly foods to helping this? A bit of background… he was delivered naturally and breast fed to 11 months where he self weaned, otherwise generally healthy 🙂

Cheers!
Amy.

AmyOscarCharlie: The maximum recommended servings per week of oily fish for a child, supplyimg anti inflammatory long chain omega-3s and immune supporting vitamin D.

Smaller fish (mackerel/ sardines/ herring/ anchovies) are considered safer than large species. Depending on your current diet and family tastes rainbow trout or salmon or the above as fish pate may be preferred!

Cut down hard on any vegetable oils or nuts rich in inflammatory omega-6. Go for monounsaturates like extra virgin olive oil and hazelnuts (kids may digest better if toasted or water soaked).

If you have determined from the detailed food diaries that dairy is well tolerated select products from grass fed/ pastured cows and ewes milk where possible. Also organic free range eggs. These also supply some healthy fats (CLA).

AmyOscarCharlie: sorry if you already know all this, but here in the UK basic dermatology knowledge is poorly publicised.

Do not use any foaming type products, even well diluted or seemingly rinsed, that contain anionic surfactants or alkaline soap. No aqueous cream (1% SLS).

In damaged or defective skin even tiny amounts can penetrate and irritate: in eczema ALL skin is considered damaged/ defective even seemingly healthy!,

Minimise bathing frequency and length because wetting and soaking flushes out the skin’s natural moisturising factors.

AmyOscarCharlie: if there is any asthma or hayfever in the family, moisturise all over liberally daily or even twice daily.

Some research suggests this skin barrier support can reduce the risk of the ‘inflammatory cascade’ from eczema to hayfever or asthma during childhood. Yes I know it sounds unlikely but potentially an amazing health sidestep!

Hi Amy:good advice above from Firefox. Besides the dietary aspects, what comes into contact with the skin? I f you have a tendency towards eczema/dermatitis then you need to review absolutely EVERYTHING that touches the skin. Soaps, shampoo, washing powders, cosmetics. Literally any of these can cause a flare. Also try googling GLADSKIN. Which may well be worth trying