This video, titled "Calm Kids," discusses the challenges children face today, like stress and anxiety, especially with back-to-school season. Dr. Deb Ford explains how modern diets, screen time, and lack of sleep affect kids' brain chemistry and behavior. She emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet, good sleep, and limited screen time, and introduces a supplement called Calm Kids, highlighting nine ingredients that support brain health and emotional balance in children.
Key Takeaways
1
The back-to-school season can be very stressful for children due to new routines, academic pressure, social challenges, and increased screen time.
2
Children today face epidemic rates of anxiety, ADHD, behavioral disorders, insomnia, and over-medication, largely due to fast-paced schedules, poor diet, and excessive screen time.
3
Brain chemistry relies on a delicate balance of neurotransmitters like dopamine, GABA, and serotonin, which can be affected by stress, poor sleep, junk food, and toxins.
4
Nutrition plays a crucial role in brain health, with protein, healthy fats (especially omega-3s), magnesium-rich foods, and adequate hydration being essential for balanced neurotransmitter production.
5
Lifestyle factors such as limiting screen time (especially before bed), prioritizing 9-11 hours of sleep, engaging in outdoor play, and establishing consistent routines are vital for children's well-being.
6
The Calm Kids supplement includes nine well-researched nutrients, such as B6, DHA, DMAE, and phosphatidylserine, designed to nurture a child's developing brain and support mood, focus, and attention without causing drowsiness or being habit-forming.
7
Specific ingredients like B6 act as a 'spark plug' for brain chemistry, DHA is essential for brain cell membranes, DMAE supports attention and memory, and phosphatidylserine improves memory and reduces stress.
8
Adaptogens like Rhodiola balance energy and reduce irritability, while antioxidants like grape seed extract protect brain neurons from oxidative stress caused by metabolism and environmental toxins.
9
Tyrosine helps make dopamine and epinephrine for motivation and alertness, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) boosts detoxification and calms inflammation, and Taurine supports GABA activity to reduce overstimulation and aid sleep.
10
For best results, Calm Kids should be taken consistently, starting with a low dose, and combined with healthy diet, proper hydration, and sufficient sleep, with noticeable improvements often seen within a few weeks.
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0:02
Good morning and welcome back to today's
0:04
nutrition where each week we explore
0:07
nutrition solutions for optimal health
0:09
and vibrant life. I'm Dr. Deb Ford,
0:12
registered dietician, doctor of clinical
0:14
nutrition, and a firm believer that
0:17
natural health can change everything.
0:20
Now, if you've walked through any store
0:22
lately, you've probably seen back to
0:25
school everywhere. It is back to school
0:28
season. And while some parents may be
0:30
counting the days, let's be honest, this
0:33
time of year can be really stressful,
0:36
especially for our kids. So much going
0:39
on, so many new routines, new teachers,
0:43
social challenges, academic pressure,
0:47
sports schedules, and of course,
0:50
electronic screens are everywhere.
0:53
That's a lot for a developing brain and
0:55
nervous system. And things have changed.
0:58
so much in the last decade. Our diet,
1:02
our lifestyle, and our kids are paying a
1:05
big price. Today, I'm going to talk
1:08
about the real challenges our kids are
1:10
facing, what's happening under the
1:12
surface, and what you can do right now
1:15
to keep your kids feeling calm, focused,
1:19
emotionally resilient, and ready for the
1:21
school year. I'm going to talk about a
1:24
new supplement called Calm Kids, which
1:26
I'm going to dig into fully. But first,
1:29
let's talk about the foundations.
1:32
We're going to start with the facts
1:33
because today kids are more anxious,
1:35
distracted, and more reactive than ever.
1:38
We're seeing epidemic rates of anxiety
1:42
in our children. ADHD, autism, behavior
1:46
disorders, and over medication.
1:50
Insomnia is even a thing for young kids.
1:54
And it's not because parents aren't
1:56
doing their best. I think it's quite the
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opposite. Families are stretched thin
2:02
and kids are exposed to more stressors
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than ever. They're navigating fast-paced
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schedules, food that barely resembles
2:12
food, hours of screen time, and maybe
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not even enough human connection. Our
2:20
kids' nervous systems are on high alert
2:23
and their little bodies are trying
2:24
really hard to keep up. Even the most
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loving homes can't protect against that
2:30
buzz of modern life. And the tricky
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part, kids can't tell us they're
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overwhelmed. They may not even know.
2:38
They're new at this whole thing called
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life. It shows up sometimes in behavior,
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in sleep problems, and tummy aches or
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emotional outbursts or maybe just
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struggling in school. That's why it's so
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important to understand what's going on
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underneath. So, we're going to peek a
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little bit into brain chemistry. Not a
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whole lot, just the basics. And you need
3:02
to know that our brains rely on a
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delicate balance of neurotransmitters.
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The chemical messengers like dopamine,
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serotonin, and GABA. Those
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neurotransmitters
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help us feel calm, focused, stable. But
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when kids are chronically stressed, not
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sleeping well, eating junk food, pop,
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sugar, or plain food that is
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nutritionally deficient, maybe they're
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exposed to toxins. These
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neurotransmitters are affected. They may
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become depleted or imbalanced and that
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ends up with trouble focusing, trouble
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sitting still, or trouble regulating big
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emotions. So, dopamine, it's going to
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help with attention and motivation. GABA
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is like the brain's natural brake pedal.
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Calms down the nervous system. And
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serotonin regulates sleep and mood.
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When these are low, kids may feel
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restless, anxious, or easily
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overwhelmed. And here's the kicker. To
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make those brain chemicals, it comes
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from food. That is the real language of
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every cell. They're the building blocks,
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the protein, the vitamins, the minerals,
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the healthy fats. So that's where
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nutrition plays a starring role. So
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before we jump to supplements, we really
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need to talk food because
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supplements just supplement a good diet.
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So we got to get the basics down. food
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first. A steady dye of sugar, food dyes,
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seed oils, and the seed oils are the
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three C's, cotton, corn, and canola. You
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want to also avoid the three S's,
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soybean, safflower, and sunflower. And
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then palm oil and peanut oil if it's not
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processed properly. But they're going to
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be in those processed snacks. They're
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going to be in shakes and iced teas and
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all this kind of stuff that we're being
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told they're nutritious and good for us.
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No, they're not. They can cause a roller
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coaster of problems leading to mood
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swings, irritability, poor
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concentration, inability to sleep. So in
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a nutshell, what we need protein at
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every meal and the sources, eggs, Greek
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yogurt, nut butters, and clean,
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unprocessed meat, healthy fats, the most
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important. They're like the insulation
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and stimulation of the brain. So you
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need omega-3s. Salmon, chia, avocado,
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olive oil, absolute gamecher. And then
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magnesium rich foods. We talked about
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that in a couple weeks ago on their
5:51
show, but leafy greens, pumpkin seeds,
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almonds may need to supplement. Plenty
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of water. We also talked about that
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dehydration is a big problem. And when
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the brain gets dehydrated, it can
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trigger anxiety.
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Next, lifestyle. So, we covered diet.
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Now, let's go to lifestyle. You got to
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limit screen time, especially before
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bed. Blue lights from the electronics
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disrupt the brain. melatonin. It
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overstimulates the brain. It's like a
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cup of coffee keeping you alert, keeping
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you thinking, keeping you aware of
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everything, thinking about all sorts of
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things. And then we need to prioritize
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sleep. Children need between 9 and 11
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hours of sleep every night depending on
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the age and outdoor play. That's one
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thing I really notice. Kids are not
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outside playing. They need sunlight.
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They need movement to calm the nervous
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system and regulate that sleepwake
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cycle. And finally, routine. Kids like
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us thrive on routine. Predictable time
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for meals, predictable bedtime, and
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transition cues actually do help them
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feel safe and regulated. And don't
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worry, it's not about perfection. It's
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about progress. Pick her on one two
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things and start there. Every little bit
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adds up. But once the foundations are in
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place, many find that it's a world of
7:25
difference for the whole family, diet,
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sleep, routines, and lifestyle. If you
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got those thing going and your child is
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still struggling, maybe that's where
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supplements come in. not as a magic
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bullet but as part of a thoughtful
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holistic plan well researched well
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documented parents often tell me I want
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something safe that really supports my
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child's mood and attention without
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turning them into a zombie without
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making them addicted to it so their
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brain will be better calm kids that I'm
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going to tell you about checks all these
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boxes because it relies on nine
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well-ressearched that nurture a child's
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developing brain instead of blunting it.
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So, I'm going to unpack the nutrients
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one by one, but also to tell you it is
8:21
from Terry Naturally,
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trusted name, evidence-based products.
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My favorite kurcumin BCM95 extract
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that's in extra strength kuramin. They
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also have the anxio calm that is
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fabulous. They have the Bourberine Met
8:38
X. They have the best Boswellia.
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All of their products top-notch
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guaranteed. And Calm Kids formula is no
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exception. It is designed to help
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children of all ages feel calm, focused,
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emotionally balanced without drowsiness,
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without harsh medicines.
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Okay, so it's starting off from the top.
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First thing is B6. It is like the spark
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plug for healthy brain chemistry. It's
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involved in all the neurotransmitters
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and will help regulate mood, focus, and
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the stress response. Kids low in B6 tend
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to be more irritable, anxious, restless,
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or even depressed. In studies that link
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B6 deficiency, find problems with
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behavior and learning issue. So, calm
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kids is uses the form of B6 that's
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highly absorbable. It'll support the
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mood. Emotional volatility is reduced
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and it just helps the brain function its
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best. Next thing, DHA. So, B6 is the
9:45
spark plug. DHA is the brain's motor
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oil. It's part of the good healthy fats.
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Omega-3 literally builds the cell
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membranes for brain development and
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cognitive function. Ooiled membrane
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means thoughts connect more smoothly and
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calmly. And this is important at every
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age. But here's the kicker. Kids aren't
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getting nearly enough, especially if
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they're not eating fatty fish several
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times a week. No one gets enough of this
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one. 90% of all of us children adults as
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well are deficient and that is so
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important for the membranes of the
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brain. Third thing DM ae it's a compound
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that supports the neurotransmitter
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linked to attention learning and memory
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acetylcholine think of it as the pay
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attention neurotransmitters. When
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acetylcholine is plentiful, kids can
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follow instructions, remember the next
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step, and switch tasks without flying
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off the handle better than ever. Parents
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often notice fewer where did I leave my
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homework moments when DMA is on board.
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Number four, phosphatidal serene, often
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called PS. It is a superstar when it
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comes to memory and stress regulation.
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It's actually part of the brain's cell
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wiring. So supplementing with this
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studies have shown it helps improve
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memory, sharpens attention, and reduces
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the stress hormone cortisol. So in
11:28
studies of schoolage kids, supplemental
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PS was found to improve auditory memory.
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They remember what they hear. processing
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speed, faster, being able to get through
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things faster, and a big one here,
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reduced restlessness in about 30%. So
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that means fewer wiggles and more
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productive desk time. Number five, I
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love this one. Rodeiola. Rodeiola is an
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adaptogen. The cool, calm, collected
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cousin of the adaptogen family. It's
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been used, you know, in Ayurvedic and
12:04
traditional Chinese medicine to help
12:07
improve endurance and Russia loved that.
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But also for focus and mood during times
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of physical and mental fatigue. So in
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kids, rodeiola balances energy levels
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and reduces irritability. Not sedating
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though, but it helps smooth out the
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highs and lows. So we love that low dose
12:30
big payoff without mutine enthusiasm.
12:35
Next thing, grape seed extract, an
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antioxidant, a really powerful
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antioxidant that is really needed today
12:44
because kids brains burn through a lot
12:47
of energy and that creates kind of
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oxidative exhaust.
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This antioxidant heavyweight is going to
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mop up that exhaust, protect the brain
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neurons, and even support blood flow to
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the brain. Better circulation means
13:06
brighter headlights for those morning
13:08
classes. So, this antioxidant super
13:12
overlooked in behavior and focus issues.
13:15
I think it's absolutely essential in
13:17
this day and age because not only do we
13:20
have the metabolism that creates the
13:24
oxidative stress, we've got toxins in
13:27
our environment. So, this one's really
13:29
important. Next thing, number seven,
13:31
tyrosine. It's used to make dopamine and
13:34
epinephrine. Those two brain chemicals
13:37
that influence motivation, alertness,
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and emotional balance. ugh those raw
13:43
materials all comes back to that. So
13:45
really is going to help support
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attention, help prevent burnout and can
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even improve mood under pressure. Knack
13:54
number eight n acetylcyine.
13:58
It helps the body produce glutathione,
14:02
the most powerful antioxidant
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that helps detoxify
14:08
not only the body but the brain and calm
14:11
inflammatory responses. High glutathione
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means the brain can detoxify all the
14:18
pollutants we see today. Think food
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dyes, think plastics, think excess
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screen blue light.
14:28
before it can ever spark inflammation
14:31
that'll derail the brain. So the
14:34
translation here we go back to the
14:36
engine, it is going to be a cleaner
14:39
neurological engine. So research is even
14:43
supporting knack for its effect on
14:46
emotional outbursts or obsessive or
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impulsive behavior in kids. So, what
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it's doing is calming the noise in the
14:55
brain and soothing the overactive
14:58
circuits. Number nine, last, torine.
15:02
It's an amino acid that supports GABA
15:06
activity. Helps the brain hit the brakes
15:10
and reduce overstimulation. It's like
15:13
the crossing guard for overexited
15:16
neurons. Smooths things out so that
15:18
they're not highs and lows. supports
15:21
good sleep,
15:23
heart health, and cognitive function.
15:26
Especially goods for kids that are
15:29
easily triggered or have trouble calming
15:32
down or wake up a lot at night. So
15:35
whether your kid is 4 to 14, honestly,
15:40
when you read about all that it's good
15:43
for, I know a lot of big kids, adults
15:46
that would benefit.
15:48
Notice what's not here. No stimulants,
15:52
no sugar, no artificial colors, no habit
15:55
forming products. Instead, they're
15:59
nutrients that may fill a unique gap.
16:03
Non-drowsy,
16:04
it's gluten-free, dairyf free, soyf
16:06
free. It's chewable with a mild taste
16:09
but no sugar. And it's formulated by
16:13
Terry Naturally, one of the most trusted
16:15
brands we carry. High quality ingredient
16:20
transparency
16:21
guaranteed. So it doesn't mask symptoms.
16:26
It's about supporting the child's
16:28
natural ability to focus, feel calm, and
16:32
respond to life. Typical dose is two a
16:34
day. Start one in the morning and then
16:37
one after school. Start low, go slow.
16:40
Can take up to eight a day, but give
16:44
each one time to work. That's why I
16:47
think it's really good to start now to
16:50
see exactly what your child needs. Super
16:54
safe longterm and works best when taken
16:57
consistently like a multivitamin. You'll
17:00
often see subtle changes in the first
17:02
few days, but the best results show up
17:05
over a couple weeks, especially combined
17:07
with all the diet and lifestyle, the
17:09
better food, the hydration, and sleep.
17:13
So, here's the daily plan. Start the day
17:16
with protein.
17:18
Add calm kids every morning. Limit
17:21
screen time before school and before
17:25
bed. Creating a calming bedtime routine.
17:31
Lights down. Magnesiumrich snack. No
17:34
electronics in bed. Watch for little
17:37
wind. Sometimes it'll be simply less
17:40
arguing, less resistance, smoother
17:43
transitions, better focus. Celebrate the
17:46
progress, not perfection. And if your
17:49
child is really struggling, don't wait.
17:52
There are natural answers. And calm kids
17:55
may be that missing piece. So there you
17:58
have it. a natural, safe, effective
18:00
formula to help calm, focus,
18:04
perfect right now with the start of the
18:07
new school year. So, if you'd like to
18:09
try Calm Kids, we have it in stock at
18:13
the good earth. Stop by, let me or my
18:15
team help you get started.
18:18
And if you have any questions, you can
18:20
always reach out to me at dabdfor.com.
18:23
And you might want to share this podcast
18:25
with another parent or grandparent
18:26
because calmer kids make for calmer
18:29
homes. Thanks for tuning in to today's
18:31
nutrition and together we can raise
18:34
healthier, calmer kids and that's a win
18:37
for all of
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Calm Kids
Deb Ford DCN RDN
3 views
Aug 3, 2025
18:39
It’s back-to-school season! And while some parents might be counting the days (can I get an “amen”?), let’s be honest: this time of year can be stressful, especially for our kids. New routines, new teachers, social challenges, academic pressure, sports schedules, and of course—screens everywhere. It’s a lot for a developing brain and nervous system. Today, I want to talk about the real challenges our kids are facing, what’s happening under the surface, and what you can do right now to help your kids feel calm, focused, and emotionally resilient. I’ll even tease a fantastic natural option from Terry Naturally called Calm Kids, which I’ll dive into fully in next week’s episode.