Fascinating to see more evidence that when we eat can be important as what we eat⏰🍽️
Finishing the last meal 3+ hours before bed & extending the overnight fast to 13–16 hours help improve blood pressure, lower resting heart rate, reduce cortisol & enhance insulin sensitivity💪🧠
If you’ve lived with misophonia, you know how brutal it can be.
Ordinary sounds don’t just irritate you, they hijack your nervous system and trigger full fight or flight.
Families can’t eat together.
Breathing or chewing can trigger a visceral reaction, even when it is only seen, not heard.
Most research still treats misophonia as a brain based sound sensitivity, with little focus on what is driving the nervous system underneath.
What works in clinic is tackling the root causes that keep the nervous system on high alert.
In many cases lowering histamine and inflammation, balancing stress chemistry, and addressing zinc and B6 deficiencies make the biggest difference.
#PANDAS #PANS #autism #misophonia
So true!😴✨Skipping sleep to be “more productive” is just trading long‑term health for short‑term gains. Prioritising at least 7 hours of sleep🌙🛌💤 is one of the simplest ways to protect your brain, heart, and lifespan💪🧠💚
#SleepHealth#Longevity#HealthyHabits#MentalHealth
🔬New AF Research:
🦠Your gut microbiome & irregular heartbeat🫀might be linked. Patients with atrial fibrillation exhibit reduced levels of the gut bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus & lower isovaleric acid levels.
💡A healthy gut microbiome might one day help prevent or treat AFib🫀
Fascinating new systematic review & meta-analysis on the link between vitamin D levels & H. pylori🦠☀️
🔹H. pylori–positive patients had significantly lower vitamin D levels
🔹Higher vitamin D levels were associated with successful eradication
🔗Study: https://t.co/JVSKuFXHxl
How the brain talks to the immune system
This diagram shows the inflammatory reflex - a neural circuit where the brain regulates inflammation through the vagus nerve. It’s how psychological stress, inflammation, and immune activity stay linked.
1️⃣ The signal starts in the brain
The vagus nerve carries electrical impulses from the brainstem to the spleen, the body’s blood-filtering and immune-coordinating organ.
🟢 Example: Deep breathing and meditation can activate the vagus nerve, lowering heart rate and reducing circulating inflammatory markers like CRP and IL-6.
2️⃣ The spleen acts as a relay
When the vagus nerve is stimulated, it triggers the splenic nerve to release noradrenaline, which activates immune T cells to release acetylcholine.
🟢 Example: In animal models, vagus nerve stimulation increased noradrenaline in the spleen within minutes, showing how fast the nervous system can modulate immunity.
3️⃣ Acetylcholine calms inflammation
This neurotransmitter binds to receptors on macrophages, reducing the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), an inflammatory cytokine involved in chronic disease.
🟢 Example: Clinical studies using implanted vagus nerve stimulators in rheumatoid arthritis patients lowered TNF-α levels and improved joint pain without immunosuppressive drugs.
The inflammatory reflex shows that inflammation isn’t just chemical, it’s electrical. The brain can literally tell the immune system when to stand down.
10.1038/nrendo.2012.189
Cool study on hydration and stress💧🧠
Low water (~1.3 L/day)🚱 → higher stress hormones 😬
More water (~4.4 L/day)💦 → calmer stress response 😌
Daily water habit might shape how your body handles stress. 🌊✨
#Hydration#Stress#Health#Wellness#Cortisol#Lifestyle#Science
New review on the physiology of hunger🧠🍽️
It isn’t just about an empty stomach; it’s a complex interplay between:
• Homeostatic hunger (energy balance)
• Hedonic hunger (reward & emotions)
• Gut microbiota-driven hunger🦠
All shape appetite, obesity, anorexia & GLP-1 effects
Do you know how much protein🥚🥩🍗your body truly needs?🤔You might be surprised!👀
Explore this enlightening article📚filled with simple tips, scientific facts, and essential information to fuel your nutrition & take your nutrition to the next level💪
⏩🔗https://t.co/nx89C0Iyfq
Potassium isn’t just another mineral; it’s the body’s electrical currency.
Here’s how it works 👇
1️⃣ Where Potassium Lives
About 98% of potassium is stored inside cells, while only 2% circulates in the blood.
This delicate balance is maintained by the sodium–potassium pump (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase), constantly exchanging Na⁺ for K⁺ across cell membranes.
🟢 Think of it as the electrical wiring that keeps your heart and muscles firing properly.
2️⃣ What Regulates Potassium
Three main systems control potassium balance:
Kidneys: Excrete excess K⁺ under the influence of aldosterone.
Insulin: Moves K⁺ into cells after meals to prevent spikes.
Epinephrine: During stress or exercise, shifts K⁺ into cells to prevent dangerous elevations.
🟢 Example: After a workout, insulin and adrenaline work together to stabilize potassium levels.
3️⃣ When Potassium Is Too High (Hyperkalemia)
Potassium builds up in the blood when:
The kidneys can’t excrete it (e.g., kidney disease, low aldosterone).
Acidosis pushes K⁺ out of cells.
Tissue damage (burns, trauma) releases stored K⁺.
🟢 Result: Overexcited cells, erratic heart rhythm, and, in severe cases, cardiac arrest.
4️⃣ When Potassium Is Too Low (Hypokalemia)
Potassium drops when it’s lost or driven into cells:
Losses: Diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea.
Shifts: High insulin or alkalosis (low blood acidity).
🟢 Result: Fatigue, muscle cramps, and heart rhythm irregularities, often seen in patients using loop or thiazide diuretics.
5️⃣ How Potassium Affects the Heart
Potassium determines how quickly heart cells reset between beats:
High K⁺: Speeds up repolarization → shortened ECG segments, risk of arrhythmia.
Low K⁺: Delays repolarization → “U waves” on ECG and reduced cardiac output.
🟢 Both extremes can be life-threatening — that’s why cardiac patients’ potassium is tightly monitored.
6️⃣ Why Balance Is Everything
Potassium balance reflects kidney function, hormone regulation, and acid–base status.
Too little or too much disrupts the body’s electrical equilibrium, affecting the heart, nerves, and metabolism.
🟢 Example: Diets rich in potassium (bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes) support normal blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Maintaining balance through healthy kidneys, adequate diet, and careful medication management keeps every beat, movement, and thought running on schedule.
5 children with PANS.
3 also had autism.
1 infusion of IVIG.
Immune cells shifted within a day.
Clinicians judged 4 of 5 children to improve.
Headache was the only side effect noted.
But what exactly changed?
And how strong is the evidence?
That’s where it gets complicated.
I’ve written a new blog breaking down this study - what it really shows, what it doesn’t, and why it matters for families.
Read the full critical analysis here.
Link in comments below 👇
#PANS #PANDAS #IVIG #Neuroinflammation #AutismSupport #Neuroimmune
I’m looking forward to sharing with you some exciting new research on how Long COVID might be affecting kids with PANDAS and PANS. A recent study reveals that disruptions in the cholinergic system could be worsening symptoms like brain fog 🧠, fatigue 😴, and POTS, especially in children who’ve regressed after COVID.
In tonight’s newsletter at 9:00 PM 📧, we’ll discuss how this research works, why it matters, and explore natural solutions 🌿 that could help support your child.
To join the newsletter, on the link below
https://t.co/LWCXg0XdwA
As a thank you, you’ll receive a FREE GFCF recipe ebook 📚 to support your child’s health journey.
I look forward to sharing more insights and solutions with you!
Stella x
Read about Jack, who I've been working with lately. It's always a work in progress but it's lovely to speak to the parents every 6-8 weeks to hear how their child has been doing with the latest recommendations and how we can work on the next steps.
A year ago, everything changed for Jack and his family.
Jack had always been full of energy, adventurous, funny, and full of life. But after scarlet fever, anxiety, OCD, and exhaustion took over. His parents felt helpless as their vibrant boy seemed to vanish.
Four months into a personalised plan with targeted supplements, small diet changes, and lifestyle tweaks, Jack’s spark returned. He started laughing again, walking the dog, and playing with his sister.
For those of you who believe these issues are purely psychiatric or solved only with medication, I invite you to chat with me. I’ve seen time and again how immune and inflammatory factors play a huge role in what can look like mental health struggles.
Tomorrow at 7:30 PM I’ll share Jack’s full story in our free newsletter, what we did, why it worked, and how his family found hope.
📩 Sign up for free here: https://t.co/LWCXg0WFH2
You’ll also receive my free GFCF recipe eBook to get started.
Stella x
Brain-Boosting Gummies with a Sweet Sleep Bonus 🎯
What if a simple gummy could nourish your child’s brain, support their immune system, and offer a bonus benefit of better sleep? Meet the High-Protein Brain-Boosting Gummy!
Created by the talented @GrizzlyClaws, this recipe uses just three powerful ingredients- raw honey, egg yolks, and gelatine - and it’s a hit with parents and kids alike.
Why These Gummies Are Brilliant:
🧠 Brain Food: Egg yolks are packed with choline, essential for memory, focus, and supporting children with complex needs like autism, PANDAS, and PANS.
🛡️ Immune Support: Raw honey is a natural powerhouse of enzymes and antioxidants, helping to support overall health.
💪 Protein Power: Gelatine is a fantastic source of protein and supports the gut lining - a big win for kids with sensitive systems.
How to Make Them:
Ingredients:
½ cup raw honey (tip: grease your measuring cup with olive oil for easy pouring!)
1 tablespoon set honey
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons gelatine (bloomed in 2 tbsp cold water, dissolved with ¼ cup boiling water)
Method:
1. Beat the honey until it turns pale- use a mixer or whisk if you’re feeling energetic.
2. Add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking continuously.
3. Stir in the dissolved gelatine quickly (it sets in under a minute!).
4. Pour into silicone moulds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
💤The Bonus Sleep Surprise
Some parents have shared an unexpected outcome: these gummies seem to help with those pesky 3–4 am wake-ups. It’s likely thanks to the combination of protein and honey, which stabilises blood sugar and helps prevent a cortisol spike. A happy coincidence - but we’ll take it!
Enjoy!
Stella x
#BrainBoostingSnacks #KidFriendlyRecipes #ComplexNeeds #PANDASKids #AutismParenting #GutHealth #ImmuneSupport #HomemadeSnacks #HealthyGummies #GrizzlyClawsRecipe #SleepSupport #HighProteinSnacks #FunctionalNutrition #BrainFoodForKids #parentingtips
🙌🥰Jake’s Story Could Be Yours Too…
When Jake’s family came to us, they were at their wit’s end—struggling with his anxiety, food challenges, and constant illnesses. With the help of our practitioner Emma and some small but powerful changes, Jake’s world began to transform.
I’m sharing his story tonight in our newsletter, going out at 7:30 pm (22nd November). 💛
🌟 And because I know how hard this journey can be, you’ll also get my FREE GFCF Recipe Ebook when you sign up – filled with simple, family-friendly ideas to make life just that bit easier. 🥗🍴
👉 Click the link below to join!
https://t.co/LWCXg0WFH2
You’ve got this, and we’re here to help. 💌✨
Stella x
#ComplexNeedsSupport
#GFCFDiet
#ParentingJourney
#AutismSupport
#BrainstormHealth
#ChildhoodAnxiety
#HealingThroughNutrition
✨ Tonight at 7:30 pm! ✨
I’m so excited to share Benji’s story with you in our newsletter. Six-year-old Benji went from a tough start, battling constant constipation and infections that kept him out of school, to a completely transformed life thanks to a few small changes in his diet. Now, he’s thriving, loving food, and even getting creative in the kitchen with his family. 🍓🥦
If you’ve ever wondered how food could make a real difference for your child’s health, this is a story you won’t want to miss. It’s packed with the steps that made an impact on Benji and how his family turned things around, proving that even small changes can bring big results.
Sign up now to get the full story delivered at 7:30 tonight.
Benji’s journey could be just the inspiration you’ve been looking for.
https://t.co/LWCXg0WFH2
#BenjisStory #BrainstormHealth #ChildNutrition #ThrivingKids #autism #PANDAS #PANS