215. How Food Is Secretly Affecting Your Child’s Behavior (What Moms Need to Know)

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Amy Sprouse, a holistic health educator who studied public health at Johns Hopkins, to explore the powerful connection between gut health, nutrition, and children’s behavior. They break down details about processed foods' effects on children that you haven't thought about yet—and what parents can do about it. Amy shares a fresh perspective on why kids today aren’t just “overstimulated,” but often physically under-stimulated, and how this imbalance affects the nervous system. The conversation also dives into the role of the microbiome, inflammation, and missing beneficial bacteria in shaping emotional regulation. If you've wondered how to improve child behavior naturally, why kids are always sick, or about foods that affect kids mood, this is a must listen. Most importantly, this episode offers simple, realistic steps for moms—from improving breakfast choices to supporting gut health with fiber and probiotics—without overwhelm. If you’ve ever wondered how much your child’s behavior could be linked to what they eat, this episode is a must-listen. And moms, you don’t need to change everything overnight—small changes over time matter most. This episode's sponsors: https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf https://soulyrested.com/coffee https://soulyrested.com/wholegrain/ https://www.ancientgrains.com/?a_aid=soulyrested Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ FREE resources: Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7 Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52 Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747 Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/ All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/ About Michelle Visser Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast. My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required. 👋Find me in all the places: My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu My website: https://soulyrested.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/ youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisser CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase