Dr Leila Masson

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Dr Leila Masson

Up-to-date research about children and health: covering my area of professional interest ranging fro

09/11/2025

Did you know that if your child never feels hungry, constipation might be the hidden cause?

When kids don’t pass a healthy daily bowel movement (think smooth, banana-shaped), their tummy can stay full of stool. This doesn’t just block appetite—it can cause bloating, discomfort, irritability, and even worsen behaviour because of the chemicals gut bacteria release.

Constipation is up to 3x more common in children with ADHD, and it impacts so much more than digestion.

The good news? Small changes can make a big difference:
🥝 Add an extra portion of fruit (like kiwi)
🥗 Boost fibre with chia, flax, LSA, or legumes
💧 Make sure they drink enough water
🍲 Swap some meat meals for beans, chickpeas, or tofu

When the gut feels better, kids feel brighter, calmer, and hungrier for real food again.

Type FOOD in the comments to get more tips on Nutrition and AHDH

03/11/2025

Is your child restless at night or waking up frequently? One common cause that parents often overlook is pinworms. These tiny parasites crawl to the a**s at night to lay eggs, which leads to itching and disturbed sleep.

A healthy gut means fewer pinworm infections, better immunity, and improved overall well-being., seeds, and whole grains. Cutting down sugar and processed snacks can help build a stronger, more resilient microbiome.

At home, wash bedding, pajamas, and underwear in hot water, and keep fingernails short to prevent eggs from spreading.

But here’s the bigger picture: if your child gets pinworms repeatedly, it may point to an imbalanced gut microbiome. Diets high in sugar and processed foods make the gut more vulnerable.

Support your child’s gut health with plenty of fiber-rich foods—fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Cutting down sugar and processed snacks can help build a stronger, more resilient microbiome.

A healthy gut means fewer pinworm infections, better immunity, and improved overall well-being. Type SLEEP in the comments to get my top tips on sleep and ADHD.

27/10/2025

Did you know that artificial colours and preservatives can make ADHD symptoms worse?

Research shows that food colourings like Tartrazine (Yellow 102) and preservatives such as Potassium Sorbate (202) are linked to hyperactivity, mood swings, and sleep issues, especially in sensitive kids.

Here’s why:

🔹 Colours like Tartrazine can trigger inflammation in the brain and release histamine, which disrupts neurotransmitters tied to focus, emotions, and regulation.
🔹 These additives can also deplete zinc, a key nutrient already low in many kids with ADHD, and essential for healthy dopamine and serotonin levels.
🔹 Preservatives like Potassium Sorbate can damage mitochondria, increase oxidative stress, and disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation and “leaky gut.”

Everything is connected — the gut, brain, nutrients, mitochondria, and inflammation. Choosing foods free from artificial additives can make a powerful difference in your child’s focus, mood, sleep, and overall well-being.

Parent tip: Read labels carefully. Healthier, additive-free options are now easier to find than ever!

Type FOOD in the comments to get more tips on Nutrition and ADHD

22/10/2025

Did you know the right room temperature can make bedtime smoother?
Children drift off faster when their environment supports the body’s natural cooling rhythm. Keeping the bedroom around 19–20°C helps signal the brain that it’s time to sleep.

Too warm? Expect tossing, turning, and longer settling times. A simple trick: give your little one a warm bath an hour before bed—the cool-down afterwards tells the body it’s ready for rest.

Type SLEEP in the comments to get more tips on sleep and ADHD.

05/10/2025

Did you know that certain scents can gently train the body to switch into rest mode?
Aromas like lavender, chamomile, or lemon balm signal safety and calm, activating the parasympathetic nervous system—the part that helps your child unwind and drift into sleep.

Try a diffuser, a light pillow spray, or even a drop of essential oil on a cloth placed near the bed (not directly on the skin). When used consistently as part of a bedtime routine, these calming scents can make nights more peaceful and mornings brighter.

Type SLEEP in the comments and get my top tips on sleep and ADHD

28/09/2025

Comfort is more than just a luxury—it’s essential for kids, especially those with sensory sensitivities. When a mattress is too hard or too soft, or when pajamas have tight waistbands or scratchy tags, your child’s sleep can be disrupted.

Choose soft, breathable sheets (cotton, bamboo, or silk) and loose, tag-free pajamas. When children feel comfortable, their nervous system can settle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Better comfort = better rest = better mood and focus the next day. 💫

Prioritising comfort helps your child’s body and brain recharge overnight—small changes can make a big difference.

Comment SLEEP below to get my top tips on sleep and ADHD.

25/09/2025

💤 Struggling with kids’ sleep? Magnesium might be the missing link.
Most children (and adults!) don’t get enough magnesium—yet it’s one of the most powerful nutrients for calming the nervous system, easing anxiety, relaxing muscles, and supporting deeper, longer sleep.

Kids with ADHD or frequent “growing pains” often have low magnesium levels. The good news? You don’t need pills. A warm Epsom salt bath 🛁 or magnesium cream rubbed into their legs can work wonders—soothing cramps, reducing anxiety, and helping them drift off peacefully.

✨ Better sleep. Less anxiety. Happier kids.

18/09/2025

Did you know that infections during pregnancy can affect a baby’s brain development?

When a mother’s immune system is activated—what researchers call Maternal Immune Activation (MIA)—inflammatory signals cross the placenta and may disrupt how the baby’s brain matures.

This can change the way the dopaminergic system (attention, motivation, emotion) develops, and can overstimulate the brain’s own immune cells (microglia) too early. That can interfere with key steps like neurogenesis, synapse building, and pruning—processes that shape a child’s future brain health.

Studies show MIA raises the risk for ADHD, Autism, and PANS, especially if the child later has a strong infection (the “second hit” that fuels neuroinflammation).

💚 What lowers the risk?

Vitamin D – reduces inflammation and supports immune balance

Zinc – vital for antiviral defence and immune regulation

Good sleep – less sleep = higher risk of infection

Whole food diet + stress reduction – calm the immune system

Supporting mothers in pregnancy is one of the most powerful ways to protect children’s long-term brain development. 🌱✨

13/09/2025

Does your child have trouble falling asleep or waking through the night? You’re not alone — sleep struggles are so common in kids today. The good news: there are safe, natural herbs that can calm the nervous system and gently support deeper, more restful sleep.

✨ Chamomile – The classic bedtime tea. Gentle, soothing, and perfect for calming anxious or overstimulated kids at the end of the day.
🌿 Theanine – An amino acid (from green tea, but caffeine-free in supplement form) that helps quiet busy thoughts, reduce bedtime worries, and improve sleep quality without grogginess.
🌸 Saffron – A powerful but lesser-known herb. It balances serotonin and supports natural melatonin production, even helping counteract blue light exposure from evening screens.

These herbs can be used as teas, powders, or herbal drops — gentle, evidence-based options to help your child unwind and get the restorative sleep their body and mind need.

Rested kids are calmer, happier, and more focused — and that means a more peaceful home for the whole family.

Comment "SLEEP" to get my top tips on ADHD and Sleep.

07/09/2025

Is your child waking up tired or congested? The air they breathe at night might be the missing piece. Poor indoor air quality can seriously impact sleep — especially for kids with asthma, allergies, or sensitive lungs.

Here’s how to make their bedroom a breathing-friendly zone:
🌬️ Air out the house every day — open windows for at least 15 minutes
🛡️ Use dust mite-proof covers on pillows, duvets & mattresses
🧺 Wash sheets weekly in hot water to reduce allergens
👃 Check for signs of mould, musty smells, or dust buildup

When the air is clean, breathing becomes easier — and that means deeper, more restful sleep for your child (and for you too).

As a paediatrician, I always remind parents: improving air quality is one of the simplest ways to support your child’s health — starting tonight.

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