The Gut-Brain-Seizure Connection: Why Supporting Digestion Matters for Children with Neurological Diagnoses
- Felicia Sterling
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
As a pediatric therapist who works closely with families navigating chronic conditions like cerebral palsy and seizures, I’ve come to realize something powerful: we often underestimate the role of the gut in brain health.
While seizures are typically addressed through medication and neurological monitoring, there’s growing evidence—and growing real-world success—that supports looking deeper into digestive health as part of the picture.
How the Gut and Brain Communicate
The brain and gut are in constant conversation via the vagus nerve, a two-way communication line that influences everything from digestion and mood to muscle tone and immune response. When the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it can send stress signals to the brain—amplifying the conditions that contribute to seizure activity.
Children with neurological diagnoses often deal with:
Food sensitivities
Constipation or reflux
Poor absorption of nutrients
Immature gut microbiomes
Each of these can play a role in how stable (or unstable) their nervous system becomes.
Inflammation: A Hidden Trigger
When the gut lining is compromised (often called "leaky gut"), larger food particles and inflammatory molecules can enter the bloodstream. These same molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier and contribute to neuro-inflammation—a known risk factor in seizure activity.
The Nutrient Connection
When we talk about seizures, most of the focus is on medication—and for good reason. But what if nutrition could play a bigger role than we think?
Many children with seizures have deficiencies in:
Magnesium
Vitamin B6
Zinc
Omega-3 fatty acids
These nutrients are essential for calming the nervous system and supporting normal brain function—but if digestion is weak, the body may not absorb them properly, no matter how healthy the diet seems.
A brand-new study published in July 2025 took a close look at Vitamin E as an add-on therapy for epilepsy. Researchers reviewed data from 11 randomized controlled trials and found something worth talking about—Vitamin E supplementation significantly reduced seizure frequency, especially in children. In some cases, kids were more than 75% seizure-free compared to controls. Even better? It didn’t come with an increase in side effects.
And here’s where it gets even more interesting—this isn’t the first time Vitamin E has shown promise. Back in 1989, a pediatric clinical trial gave 400 IU of Vitamin E daily to children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Ten out of twelve saw seizures drop by more than 60%, while the control group saw no change at all. Some even had improvements on their EEGs.
So why might Vitamin E matter? One reason is oxidative stress—a common link between gut inflammation, brain health, and seizure activity. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, and by reducing oxidative stress, it may help calm both the gut and the brain. It’s another reminder that when we’re talking about seizures, we can’t ignore the gut-brain connection.
What About the Microbiome?
The gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria living in the digestive tract) affects mood, immune function, and yes—even seizure thresholds. Disruption of this microbiome, such as overgrowth of yeast or lack of bacterial diversity, can throw off brain chemistry.
Supporting Gut Health = Supporting Brain Health
Encouraging shifts have been observed when families begin to address gut health alongside their therapy routines. Here are a few simple steps to consider:
Eliminate known irritants: sugar, food dyes, gluten (if sensitive), and excessive dairy
Add gut-healing foods: bone broth, cooked veggies, healthy fats, fermented foods (if tolerated)
Consider probiotics and digestive enzymes (with guidance from a professional)
Support vagus nerve tone: sound therapy, deep breathing, humming, red light over the belly
Lower stress: emotional regulation supports both digestion and seizure control
It’s Not About Doing Everything—It’s About Exploring What’s Possible
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to seizures. But when we begin to look beyond the brain alone, we open up new pathways for healing, regulation, and improved quality of life.
Sometimes the most powerful interventions are the ones we can do at home, consistently and gently, as part of everyday care.
If you're supporting a child with seizures or neuro-developmental conditions, exploring the gut-brain connection could be a meaningful part of their wellness journey.
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About the Author
Felicia De Lima is a pediatric physical therapist and founder of Play & Beyond, on a mission to redefine how communities experience wellness across the lifespan. She is creating a pioneering center that serves children with chronic health issues, seniors, and their families—blending advanced wellness technologies, evidence-based therapy, and holistic care. Through pilot programs and strategic collaborations, Felicia is working to spark a shift toward proactive, empowered health for all.
Learn more: www.pandbfunctionaltherapy.com Follow on LinkedIn: Felicia De Lima | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pandbfunctionaltherapy/
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