Growing a Healthy Brain: What Every Parent (and Practitioner) Needs to Know

“The human brain is still under construction well after birth and what we feed it matters.”— Dr. Robert Cywes

On International Youth Day, the Nutrition Network hosted a special live discussion between registered dietitian Tamzyn Murphy and renowned pediatric surgeon-turned-metabolic health expert, Dr. Robert Cywes, to unpack a critical question:how do we grow a healthy brain in our youth?

Drawing on decades of clinical experience and cutting-edge metabolic insight, Dr. Cywes delivered a sobering yet hopeful message:while our children’s brains and behaviors are under siege, wedohave the tools to turn the tide.

This blog draws from that live session and shares the key takeaways every parent, caregiver, and health professional needs to hear.

The Alarming Rise in Developmental Disorders

Tamzyn opened the conversation by highlighting a shocking trend: the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in the U.S. has risen from1 in 15,000 in the 1970sto1 in 30 today.

“And it’s not because we got better at diagnosing,” Dr. Cywes explained. “This isn’t genetic drift. We’re talking about structural and behavioral changes in the brain that are environmental in origin.”

And it’s not just autism. Rates of ADHD, anxiety, depression, and evenchildhood suicideare on the rise.

“Our children are facing immense psychological pressure and are being failed by a modern world that doesn’t equip them with the skills or nutrition to cope.”

What Went Wrong? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Screens)

According to Dr. Cywes,two main culpritsare driving the neurological and behavioral crisis:

1.Broken Emotional Management Systems

A child learns how to regulate emotions in the first 2–5 years of life by copying their caregivers. But today?

• They’re placed in front of screens.
• They’re given sugary snacks to calm them.

“Instead of learning to self-soothe through effort-based strategies like play, creativity, or conversation, they’re learning instant gratification. That wires the brain for addiction.”

He contrasted this with traditional parenting in rural settings:

• Babies on backs.
• Active parents modelling calmness.
• Kids immersed in human connection, physical movement, and creative exploration.

2.Poor Brain Structure from Poor Nutrition

“The human brain keeps developing for up to 5 years after birth. It requiresstructural fatsto build itself,” said Dr. Cywes.

These structural fats come from long-chain fatty acids like:

• Omega-3s and 6s
• Cholesterol
• Saturated fats

But most modern infants and toddlers are:

• Weaned onto sugar-laden cereals.
• Fed ultra-processed formula.
• Deprived of animal fats.

“It’s like building a house of straw instead of bricks. Sugar-based fats don’t build brains. They just make energy.”

And it starts even earlier than infancy…

It Starts In the Womb

Dr. Cywes emphasized thatbrain development begins around week 6 of gestation— often before a mother even knows she’s pregnant. And yet, gestational diabetes and elevated maternal blood sugar levels arecommon.

“If you’re feeding the mother sugar, you’re feeding the fetus sugar. And the fetal brain is forming in that soup.”

He explained that many infant brain abnormalities can already be detected on an MRIat 3 months of age.

What Should We Feed Our Kids (and Moms)?

According to Dr. Cywes,optimal brain development depends on real food, especially animal-based food:

Top Nutrient-Dense Foods for Pregnancy and Early Life:

• Eggs: complete protein, rich in choline and cholesterol.
• Liver: micronutrient powerhouse (vitamins A, D, iron, zinc).
• Oily Fish & Shellfish: essential omega-3s and iodine.
• Dairy (esp. breast milk): complete fat + nutrient profile.

He also advocated forearly introduction of allergenic foods(like egg and cheese) at 4–6 months, not later, topreventallergies and support brain development.

“Real food — especially animal-based food — is the best ‘supplement’ for a developing brain.”

What About Teens? Is It Too Late?

Absolutely not.

“Until the nails go in the coffin, it’s never too late,” said Dr. Cywes.

Adolescence is the second major growth window after infancy, anddietary change can still optimize growth and brain performance.

He warned against authoritarian control over teens’ diets. Instead, he offered these coaching strategies:

• Model healthy eating at home.
• Keep junk food out of the house.
• Let teens come to you with questions.
• Use their goals (e.g. fitness, sports, clearer skin, period regulation) as motivation.

It’s Not Just About Food: The CHESS Model

Dr. Cywes emphasized the importance of emotional skills and lifestyle in growing a healthy brain. He recommends parents and practitioners guide children toward theCHESS framework:

Creative expression
Human connection
Exercise and physical play
Spirituality or meditation
Sleep (deep, tech-free, restful)

When kids have these tools, they don’t need sugar or screens to feel better.

“You can’t just feed a child right. You have toraisethem right — and that means modelling healthy ways to be human.”

Want to Learn More:

If this conversation resonated with you, dive deeper into the science and strategies in the following Nutrition Network trainings:

Nutrition Network Ketogenic Training

Covers the core science of ketosis, metabolic health, and therapeutic low-carb interventions for all ages. Includes Dr. Cywes’ lectures on the liver, pediatric nutrition, and carb addiction.

Metabolism and the Mind Training

Explores the link between mental health, neurodevelopment, and metabolic strategies for optimizing brain function. Includes Dr. Cywes’ landmark talk on brain development and sugar.