Feeding Families is a part of the EcoParent Podcast Network: https://www.ecoparent.ca/podcasts

This episode was generously sponsored by the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition: https://csnn.ca

About the episode:
Did you know Nitric Oxide plays a crucial role in brain health, energy, and mental clarity? In this episode, our guest Dr. Nicole Berkins discusses with Jess why nitric oxide is crucial for kids. She shares her personal experience using Nitric Oxide and explains why we need it, how we make it, why some people (including kids) might not have enough and how to know, and what to do to maintain optimal levels. 

Takeaways:

• Nitric oxide helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues
• Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in brain function, including neuroplasticity and the development of neural networks
• Children are now experiencing cardiometabolic issues that were previously only seen in adults, indicating the importance of addressing nitric oxide levels in children
• We make nitric oxide from nitrate-rich foods; poor diet, genetic variants, and even a poor oral microbiome can impact nitric oxide production
• Testing nitric oxide levels through saliva can provide valuable insights into overall health 
• Breathwork, exercise, good sleep, and maintaining a healthy oral microbiome can all support healthy nitric oxide levels

Guest Bio:
Dr. Nicole Beurkens’ career has spanned many areas of human development, health, and wellness. While she has served in diverse roles of licensed psychologist, teacher, consultant, board-certified nutritionist, researcher, and advisor, her guiding principle has always been the same - to provide people with information and tools that empower them to become the best version of themselves. 

Nicole’s advanced degrees in education, psychology, and nutrition have allowed her the opportunity to support children and adults in a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, including her own award-winning clinic. She’s partnered with companies and brands to reach people around the globe with innovative research, strategies, and products that get to the root of their challenges, and help them feel and function better. 

Now she is proud to be leading the team at Berkeley Life as CEO, to bring the life-changing power of nitric oxide to the forefront of medicine, mental health, and people’s everyday lives. This represents the continued evolution of her mission to show the world that with the right foundations in place, every human being has the capacity to thrive.

Host Bio:
Jess is a Family Health Educator, nutritionist, and mother of three focused on nutrition for brain health and resilience in kids. A certified teacher, Author, Speaker, and practitioner of Functional and Holistic Nutrition, Jess is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children who face challenges such as anxiety, ADHD, and mood disorders. Her integrative approach involves unraveling hidden stressors and deeply nourishing the body to foster resilience and optimal health. Jess's best-selling book, "Raising Resilience", and her online resources have reached a global audience, equipping parents and practitioners with practical tools to bring simplicity and joy back into family life.

Guest Links
https://berkeleylife.com/ -- use code JSHER1 

Further Links for Jess:
Guide: www.JessSherman.com/anxietysupportforkids
Courses: www.JessSherman.com/learn
Book: www.RaisingResilience.ca
Membership: www.JessSherman.com/membership
Social: instagram.com/askJesssherman

About our Podcast Network:
The EcoParent Podcast Network helps busy families live a healthier, greener lifestyle. Our host experts are imperfect, real, busy parents just like you who share ways to lower our collective carbon footprint and practical strategies that make a difference to your family’s health, the planet and to our children’s future. We offer raw, honest conversations and actionable advice in the following six areas: pregnancy & birth, pediatric wellness, kids nutrition, healthy home, beauty, and parenting. Join us and get inspired to live a more sustainable, healthy life!

About the Feeding Families Podcast:
No matter where you are, if you’re a parent I’m pretty sure you and I want the same thing - to build strong mental and physical health in our kids and set them up for a bright future. In our episodes, we break down the nuts & bolts of kids’ nutrition and bring you inspiring food stories and practical strategies so you can overcome real-life food challenges shared by parents everywhere. We want you leaving our episodes with more clarity, new ideas, inspiration, and unwavering confidence in the food decisions you make every day.

Credits:
This episode was edited, mastered, and produced by RanserSound.