Lisa Edmondson – Women’s and Children’s Health Lead, Nurse, Master Holistic Health Coach (Nutrition & Metabolic, Mental Health)
The Gut–Brain Connection in Children
Parents often notice that when their child has tummy troubles, their behaviour changes too. They may become moody, restless, unable to concentrate, or complain of feeling tired all the time. Increasingly, research confirms what parents instinctively know: a child’s gut health is directly linked to their mood, sleep, learning, memory, and resilience.
At Global Health in Auckland, we are seeing more children affected by gut-related issues that go far beyond digestion. These imbalances often lead to:
- Behaviour changes such as irritability or hyperactivity
- Difficulty concentrating and learning at school
- Poor memory and information recall
- Sleep disturbances and night waking
- Frequent absences from school due to fatigue or illness
What Is Happening in the Gut?
The gut is often called the “second brain.” It is home to trillions of microbes that help regulate digestion, mood, and immunity. When a child’s gut is imbalanced, it can cause:
- Inflammation that affects the immune system and energy levels
- Reduced absorption of nutrients needed for growth, brain development, and concentration
- Lower serotonin production (90% of serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is made in the gut) leading to low mood and anxiety
- Leaky gut – where small holes develop in the gut lining, allowing toxins and food particles into the bloodstream, which may trigger behaviour changes, skin issues, or fatigue
This gut–brain disruption explains why many children with digestive problems also struggle emotionally, academically, and physically.
Why Is This Happening?
Several modern factors are driving gut issues in children:
- Diet high in processed foods – Sugary snacks, refined carbohydrates, and processed oils fuel inflammation and reduce beneficial gut bacteria.
- Food intolerances – Gluten, dairy, and artificial additives are common culprits that irritate the gut lining.
- Antibiotics and medications – While sometimes necessary, they can wipe out good bacteria, leaving the gut vulnerable.
- Stress and anxiety – Emotional stress impacts digestion and alters the gut microbiome, creating a feedback loop between worry and gut discomfort.
- Reduced outdoor play and movement – Lack of time in nature and physical activity weakens both gut health and immunity.
How Global Health Can Help
At Global Health, we take a whole system approach to children’s health and wellness. We don’t just treat symptoms — we look at the underlying causes of gut imbalance and how they affect behaviour, learning, and overall wellbeing.
Our team brings together unique skills to support children holistically:
- John Coombs – Holistic Wellbeing Specialist
John integrates advanced quantum healing and holistic coaching, helping children and families reduce stress, restore emotional balance, and reconnect to purpose and resilience. His work is particularly powerful in supporting families through grief, loss, emotional overload, and resilience training. - Lisa Edmondson – Women’s and Children’s Health Lead, Master Holistic Health Coach & Nurse
Lisa brings expertise in children’s health, female hormones, metabolic nutrition, and emotional fitness. She provides families with practical coaching on nutrition, sleep, and daily routines, using functional analysis such as live and dry blood analysis to identify hidden imbalances. Lisa specialises in empowering children and parents with clear, actionable steps that improve wellbeing in the home and school environment. - Hester Scott – Optimal Health & Wellbeing Coach, Anxiety Consultant & ADHD Specialist
Hester specialises in anxiety, ADHD coaching, epigenetics, and child wellbeing programmes. She uses advanced tools such as the Epigenetics Wellbeing Assessment (EWA) and Thyroflex analysis to design personalised programmes that balance gut health, hormones, and nutrition. Trained in PSYCH-K® and mBIT coaching, Hester helps children and families shift patterns, reduce stress, and build resilience.
Together, our practitioners help families create lasting changes that restore balance and resilience in children’s health.
My Wellbeing Solutions: Epigenetics & Nutritional Programme for Children
To make personalised wellness easy, Global Health proudly offers My Wellbeing Solutions’ Baby & Child Hair Test + Consultation Programme.
My Wellbeing Solutions: Epigenetics & Nutritional Programme | Baby & Child | $229.00
- 90-Day Optimised Wellness Plan designed specifically for babies and children
- Smart personalised epigenetics, lifestyle, and nutritional programme
- Only 4–8 strands of hair with follicles needed
- Quick – Convenient – High Tech – Affordable
- Available nationwide across New Zealand with postal and online consultations
This programme takes the guesswork out of children’s health. With just a few hairs, we can:
- Identify priority nutrients your child needs
- Optimise digestion and absorption
- Support immunity and circulation
- Reduce stress load and balance energy
- Personalise diet and lifestyle recommendations
Parents tell us this programme is a game-changer, helping their children improve mood, concentration, sleep, and resilience — while reducing school absences and behavioural struggles.
Leading the Way in Holistic Child Health
At Global Health in Auckland, we are proud to be leading the way in holistic health for children and young people. Our integration of advanced epigenetics testing, nutritional guidance, and holistic coaching ensures families receive the very best support for long-term wellness.
Next Steps for Your Child’s Wellbeing
If your child is struggling with gut issues, behaviour changes, or frequent tiredness, we invite you to explore a whole system solution.
✨ Book a consultation today and discover how Global Health and My Wellbeing Solutions can help your child thrive — naturally, holistically, and with lasting results.
📍 Serving families across Auckland and nationwide throughout New Zealand.