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“The biggest misconception is that there’s no science behind diet and nutrition for autism. That’s simply not true. There are hundreds of studies showing how diet can improve symptoms.” – Julie Matthews
In this episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, I interview my colleague, Julie Matthews, a certified nutrition consultant and researcher specializing in personalized nutrition for neurodevelopmental conditions. Julie has spent over 20 years studying how diet can transform the lives of children with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Her research and practical strategies have empowered parents to support their children through targeted nutrition and therapeutic diets.We discuss the powerful connection between diet and brain function, exploring how food sensitivities, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies impact behavior and development. Julie shares insights from her latest book, The Personalized Autism Nutrition Plan, which provides a step-by-step guide to customizing nutrition strategies for children. If you’ve ever wondered how dietary changes could help your child thrive, this episode is a must-listen!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Personalized nutrition is key – There’s no one-size-fits-all diet for children with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Understanding each child’s unique needs is essential.
- The link between thyroid health and neurodevelopmental conditions – Maternal thyroid dysfunction can increase the risk of autism, ADHD, and developmental delays in children.
- Therapeutic diets can dramatically improve symptoms – From gluten-free and casein-free diets to low-salicylate and ketogenic approaches, targeted nutrition can enhance mood, focus, and overall well-being.
- Gut health plays a crucial role in brain function – Dysbiosis, food sensitivities, and inflammation can contribute to neurological symptoms, making dietary changes and supplementation essential.
- Overcoming picky eating challenges – Julie shares practical strategies for parents to introduce new, nutrient-dense foods to selective eaters.
- The surprising impact of environmental factors – Hidden triggers like mold toxicity, artificial food dyes, and essential oils may exacerbate symptoms in children with neurological conditions.
- Key supplements for supporting brain function – Carnitine, medicinal mushrooms, and targeted nutrients like TMG can help optimize energy and cognitive function.
Guest Resources
- Visit Julie Matthews’ websites, Nourishing Hope and Personalized Autism Nutrition Plan
- Pre-order Julie’s book Five Key Nutrition Strategies for Autism
Freebies
- Sign up for Julie’s email list to receive your free guide – 5 Key Nutrition Strategies to Help Your Child Thrive
Supplements We Discussed
Other Tools and Resources
- For strategies to helping kids overcome picky eating, check out the book Broccoli Boot Camp: Basic Training for Parents of Selective Eaters
- Recommended lab tests for gut health and parasites – GI-MAP (GI Microbial Assay Plus) – Diagnostic Solutions Kit
- Study: Maternal thyroid hormone insufficiency during pregnancy and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
- Follow Dr. Pejman Katiraei’s discussions on mycotoxins and autism
Books and Articles About Thyroid Health
- Hashimoto’s and Low Stomach Acid (Betaine)
- Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back by Dr. Izabella Wentz
- Mold: A Potential Trigger of Hashimoto’s
- How Does Carnitine Support Hashimoto’s?
- The Mitochondria, Adrenal, and Thyroid Connection
- 2007 Lancet study and article re: artificial preservatives and mitochondrial dysfunction – read it here
Get the Full Episode Transcript
Let’s Connect!
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Host
Dr. Izabella Wentz
Dr. Izabella Wentz is a compassionate, innovative, solution-focused integrative pharmacist dedicated to finding the root causes of chronic health conditions. Her passion stems from her own diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009, following a decade of debilitating symptoms. Dr. Izabella Wentz has written several best-selling books, including the New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the protocol-based #1 New York Times bestseller Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, the Wall Street Journal bestseller Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and her latest book, Adrenal Transformation Protocol.
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Guest
Julie Matthews, MS
Julie Matthews, MS, is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and published researcher specializing in personalized nutrition for complex neurological conditions, particularly autism spectrum disorder and ADHD for over 20 years. She received her master’s degree in medical nutrition, with distinction, from Arizona State University, and she’s co-author of two research studies demonstrating the efficacy of nutrition and therapeutic diet intervention for autism spectrum disorder. And she has a brand-new book, The Personalized Autism Nutrition Plan.
Nourishing Hope Website
Bioindividual Nutrition Website
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