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

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

From Simple Doesn't Mean Easy by Michelle Visser

March 23, 2026 · 39 min

About this episode

Michelle Visser discusses the connection between food, gut health, and children's behavior with guest Amy Sprouse.

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…

Sponsors

Souly Rested, Souly Rested, Souly Rested, Ancient Grains

More episodes of Simple Doesn't Mean Easy

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Simple Doesn't Mean Easy podcast page.