Your Child’s Brain Is Shaped by More Than Genes
✨ At a Glance
• A 2026 research review in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that nutrition, environment, sleep, movement and stress may all influence brain health, alongside genetics.
• Low levels of vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D and magnesium have been linked with changes in thinking, mood and behaviour.
• Most of the research was done in adults, so it does not prove these steps will help any one child.
• Gentle foundations for children include colourful whole foods, omega-3 rich foods, a calm bedtime routine, daily movement and simple swaps to reduce household chemicals.
What the research says
The review was published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in February 2026. The authors looked at a large body of existing research on nutrition, environment, lifestyle and the brain.
Their conclusion was that brain health is shaped by many factors working together. Genetics plays a part, and so do the things we live with every day.
They highlighted a few key areas:
• Nutrients. Low levels of vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D and magnesium have been linked with changes in thinking, mood and behaviour.
• Healthy fats and plant foods. Omega-3 fats and polyphenols (natural compounds found in colourful fruits, vegetables and herbs) are being studied for their role in keeping inflammation in check and nourishing the brain.
• Environment. Air pollution, heavy metals, pesticides and some household chemicals have been linked with stress on the brain.
• Lifestyle. Movement, good sleep and managing stress may help the brain adapt and stay resilient.
A gentle note on the research
It is important to be honest about what this review is, and what it is not.
It is a summary of other studies, not a new trial. Most of the research it covers was done in adults, with conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It did not look at children specifically.
So we cannot say "this will help your child". What we can say is that the same body systems are at work in children too. And the foundations it describes are gentle, sensible and worth paying attention to.
The threads that connect it all
One of the most helpful parts of the review is how it connects the dots. Food, sleep, stress and environment seem like very different things. Yet they often affect the brain through the same few pathways.
• Inflammation. This is the body's natural protective response. When it stays switched on for too long, it can affect how the brain feels and functions.
• Oxidative stress. Think of this as a kind of "wear and tear" inside cells. The body has its own ways to protect against it, and nourishing food supports them.
• Energy. Brain cells need a steady supply of energy, made by tiny structures called mitochondria. When energy is low, focus, mood and sleep can all feel harder.
This is why I always look at the whole child. A child who is tired, anxious or struggling at school may have several small things adding up, rather than one single cause.
Four everyday foundations for your child's brain
None of this needs to be perfect. Small, steady steps often matter more than big changes. Here's what I see in clinic, and what may help.
1. Nourishment
• Offer colourful vegetables, fruits and herbs where you can. Their natural plant compounds may support a calmer immune response.
• Include omega-3 rich foods, such as oily fish (salmon, sardines), chia seeds and walnuts.
• Think about protein at breakfast. It can help steady energy and mood through the morning.
• If your child is a picky eater or has a restricted diet, they may be low in key nutrients. Ask your GP whether testing for vitamin D, B12, iron or folate makes sense, rather than guessing.
2. Sleep
• Sleep is when the brain rests and repairs. Many children with complex health concerns struggle here.
• A calm, predictable bedtime routine can make a real difference over time.
• Dim lights and screens away for an hour before bed, where possible.
3. Movement and calm
• Daily movement, especially outdoors, supports mood, sleep and focus.
• Children feel stress too. Quiet time, play, cuddles and time in nature all help the nervous system settle.
• If your child is unwell or in a flare, gentle is enough. Rest is also part of the plan.
4. Everyday environment
This is not about fear or throwing everything out. It is about small, practical swaps.
• Open windows and air out the home regularly.
• Choose fragrance-free cleaning and personal care products where you can.
• Wash fruit and vegetables well.
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers. Glass or stainless steel is a simple swap.
Working together with your child's care team
The review makes an important point. These approaches work best alongside medical care, not instead of it.
Your GP and your child's specialists are an essential part of the picture. In my practice, I see myself as one member of your child's care team. I'm always happy to share notes and work with your doctor.
If your child has new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, eating or sleep, please speak with your GP first. Sudden changes always deserve a proper medical assessment.
You don't have to figure this out alone
If you feel like it's one thing after another, and nobody is looking at the whole picture, I understand. You are doing one of the hardest things a parent can do.
Together, we can gently explore what may be contributing to your child's symptoms. Then we can build a care plan, step by step, that fits your family's real life.
If you'd like to talk it through, book a Free 10-Minute Clarity Call. Let's connect the dots together.
Warmly, Ayelet
Reference
• Nutritional, environmental, and lifestyle factors impact on neurological disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2026. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1765786
About the Author
Ayelet is a Sydney-based clinical naturopath, herbalist, nutritionist and homeopath, and the founder of Botanic Artisan Bespoke Holistic Health. She specialises in root-cause, evidence-informed care for women and children, with a focus on children's gut, immune and nervous system health, PANS/PANDAS, sleep and behavioural regulation, and hormonal balance during perimenopause.
She holds formal qualifications in naturopathy, herbal medicine, nutrition and homeopathy and supports families across Australia through personalised, gentle and practical care plans. Through her clinical work, Ayelet has supported many children with complex chronic health concerns including PANS, neuroinflammation and gut-brain dysregulation.
Her work integrates herbal medicine, nutrition, homeopathy and functional testing, combining modern science with traditional wisdom to support balance, resilience and long-term wellbeing.
Learn more about her clinical approach: https://www.botanicartisan.com.au/about
Book your free 10-minute clarity call: https://www.botanicartisan.com.au/bookings
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