Are you or a loved one living with dyslexia? Traditionally overlooked and poorly understood, staggering statistics reveal that 15% of all schoolchildren have dyslexia. This increases to a quarter of the classroom when we add in all children with neurodivergent brains. Meanwhile, shockingly, half of all prison inmates are living with dyslexia.
What does this tell us about the previous generations of less supported neurodivergent humans? Something has to change.
If you’re keen to understand how best to support yourself or a loved one with dyslexia, read on to find out more.
The brains of people with dyslexia and other neurodivergent brains work differently to those of neurotypical people. The condition affects language and reading skills, creating problems recognising words and letters and understanding text.
Dyslexia is not related to overall intelligence, however these issues can make it difficult for these children to express their inner thoughts, perform well, and ‘fit in’ in a traditional school setting. Because of this, children with dyslexia often experience negative messaging from early on in life. This can seriously affect their self-esteem, self-confidence and performance in school and the workplace, and not surprisingly can lead to heightened anxiety and withdrawal, or certain behavioural coping strategies.
However, instead of concentrating on its negative effects, it’s time to understand what additional support can benefit dyslexic brains.
But first let’s discover what may contribute towards issues with brain development. Here at Embracing Nutrition our favourite question is always WHY? Only by supporting the WHY, can symptoms be addressed.
Scientists have found significant differences in the microbiomes of people with neurodivergent brains compared with neurotypical ones. Meanwhile, many neurodivergent people experience gut issues like constipation, bloating and diarrhoea 1.
The brain and the gut are in constant communication, and there’s a strong link between the health of the gut and that of the brain. In fact, the gut is often called the second brain.
However, the bacteria living in the gut, known as the microbiome, is rarely nowadays in good shape. In fact, dysbiosis – disordered gut bacteria – is more or less the norm from an early age. Food is laden with chemicals that disturb the natural balance of the microbiome. It’s depleted of nutrients and laden with sugar and additives, feeding the wrong types of bacteria.
Dysbiosis of the microbiome has a significant effect on brain health. Pathogenic bacteria release substances provoking chronic inflammation, including within the brain. On the other hand, beneficial bacteria manufacture helpful neurotransmitters like serotonin, helping brain cells communicate and playing a role in mood and sleep.
Not only this, but the microbiome determines the health and effectiveness of the immune system. If the immune system isn’t functioning well, pathogens may find it easier to access the body, potentially adversely affecting the brain. In fact, many neurodivergent children experience immune dysregulation. This can manifest itself in issues like allergies and sensitivities related to immune hyperstimulation. Or they may experience frequent infections, pointing to an under-functioning immune system 2.
One other important factor is the intestinal lining. If it’s too permeable, it can allow toxins and inflammation-producing substances through. These should ideally never gain access to the bloodstream. Often known as leaky gut, this can arise because of stress, a poor diet, infections, or from using medications such as anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
A leaky gut can trigger the immune system and lead to widespread inflammation. A second barrier, this time between the blood and the brain, is meant to exclude harmful substances from accessing the brain. However, inflammation can in turn make this blood/brain barrier more permeable. Toxins may then pass over into the brain, creating further inflammation.
A significant source of toxins worth investigating are the airborne toxins emitted by moulds, known as mycotoxins. These act as potent neurotoxins, adversely affecting brain cells.
Brains, especially developing brains, need good nutrition. Ensuring the brain has sufficient nutrition can have a positive impact on dyslexia.
Sadly, the modern diet is devoid of nutrients – soil is depleted by successive intensive crops and heavy rainfall. Nutrients important for brain development and function include zinc, B vitamins and iron. Meanwhile, the brain is 70% fat, yet the essential omega 3 fats brains depend on are now scarce in food. Good sources are oily fish and fresh nuts and seeds.
Studies have shown many neurodivergent people experience problems with energy production by their individual cells, known as mitochondrial dysfunction. Tiny genetic differences can mean some people need higher-than usual levels of certain nutrients to produce cellular energy.
Brain cells are packed with energy-producing mitochondria and therefore always have a high need for nutrients. Science has discovered a large percentage of people with neurodivergent conditions have mitochondrial dysfunction in their brain cells 3.
Functional Medicine Practitioner with Embracing Nutrition, Lottie Strutt, understands the challenges brought by dyslexia – because she has lived through it herself.
She says, ‘I struggle with the concept that dyslexia or neurodivergence is a ‘superpower’. I don’t deny it could be: I feel more empathetic, more creative, more able in certain aspects of life than someone who doesn’t have this brain. But if you are living in a brain that feels like you need to wade through mud when thinking about a question at school when someone else walks through air to get the answer, life is hard’.
‘If we can clear out some of the mud – the cause of the symptoms – and be left with the beauty lying beneath, we will see the superpower show. But please don’t leave it until the mental struggle is deeply engrained into your or their very core being!’
Maximising digestive health and nutritional status, minimising toxins and feeding the brain can help you or your loved one reach full potential.
A comprehensive health, nutrition and lifestyle history, alongside functional tests to dig deep and discover what is happening inside the body, enables Lottie to recommend the most effective dietary, supplement, and lifestyle strategies for each situation. For example, if you are interested in understanding more about the gut, Lottie often recommends a stool test. A Metabolomix test examines nutrient levels along with the energy cycle in the mitochondria. If you want to understand neurotransmitters, we have a urine test you can do. If you need help deciding on the best test for you, Lottie can advise.
Understanding how to contribute to the amazing minds that need extra support can unlock incredible potential. To start your journey, book a Discovery Call with Lottie here.
Do you need help with any health issues. Having a functional medicine practitioner review your lifestyle could be the answer. Speak to one of our practitioners by booking a FREE discovery call to see if Functional Medicine is for you.
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