53: Is Your Child’s Gut the Missing Piece? – The Surprising Root of Mood, Immunity & Focus with Dr. Elisa Song

Made for Health - A podcast by Aaron Hartman, MD

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In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman is joined by Dr. Elisa Song, a trailblazing holistic pediatrician and founder of Healthy Kids Happy Kids, for an inspiring and empowering conversation on integrative pediatric care.Dr. Song shares her personal journey from conventional pediatrics to a more holistic approach that blends functional medicine, homeopathy, and lifestyle practices. Together, they explore the deep connection between gut health, the microbiome, and nervous system regulation in childhood development. The discussion also includes simple, effective tools for parents—ranging from diet and environmental detox to breathwork, tapping, and neurostimulation—to help kids thrive emotionally and physically.This episode is a must-listen for any parent seeking a natural, science-informed path to raising healthy, resilient children.✅ Show Highlights:Dr. Song’s shift from traditional to integrative pediatricsThe critical role of gut health and the microbiome in childhood developmentHow the vagus nerve influences mood, immunity, and digestion in kidsDietary foundations for kids: whole foods, fewer additives, and nutrient densityHow trauma and stress affect children's nervous systemsTools for calming and regulating: breathwork, tapping, and neurostimulationPractical, everyday strategies for building resilience from an early age🎯 Some Questions We Explore:How can parents support their child’s gut health naturally?What role does the vagus nerve play in emotional and immune regulation?How do food additives impact mood and focus in kids?What non-pharmaceutical tools help regulate the nervous system in children?How can families build lifelong wellness habits without overwhelm?💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why gut health is foundational to pediatric wellnessHow to use holistic tools to support emotional regulation and immunityThe long-term benefits of reducing toxic exposure in your home and dietSimple, accessible practices that empower kids and parents alikeHow to bridge the gap between conventional and holistic pediatric care🌐 Resources & Links:Dr. Elisa Song – Healthy Kids Happy Kids: healthykidshappykids.comInstagram – Dr. Elisa Song: @healthykids_happykidsDr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.comYouTube – Richmond Functional Medicine: Watch HereLinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here🎧 Closing Call to Action:👉 If you’re ready to take a more proactive, natural approach to your child’s health, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to start. Subscribe to Made for Health, share this with a fellow parent, and explore Dr. Song’s resources to begin building wellness from the inside out.