Master your minerals. Harmonize your hormones. Start your mineral journey here.

What if the root of your child’s health struggles isn’t another cream, pill, or quick fix, but something much deeper?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nina Marie Rueda, a naturopath who works with children and families through a functional, integrative lens. Her own journey started during her first pregnancy, when she realized how little she’d supported her body and baby with nutrition. This pregnancy completely changed her perspective, and she went from wanting to become a university professor to birth work, nutrition training, and eventually naturopathy.

We get into why minerals matter so much for kids, especially when it comes to challenges like picky eating, eczema, and sleep struggles. Dr. Nina explains how testing works, why hair analysis often gives a clearer picture than blood work for children, and what common mineral patterns she sees in practice. The conversation is raw, practical, and full of insights for parents trying to make sense of their kids’ health struggles without getting lost in overwhelm.

You’ll Learn:

How a Bradley Method class shifted Dr. Nina’s path to naturopathy
What minerals actually do in kids’ bodies and why they’re essential
The link between taste buds, zinc, and picky eating
Why hair mineral tests show the long game while blood work is a snapshot
Common mineral patterns seen in children with eczema
How heavy metals disrupt gut microbes and fuel skin issues
The mineral imbalances behind sleep struggles in kids
Why parents’ own mineral status affects mealtime stress
The reason some kids’ multivitamins should avoid iron and copper
How minerals shape digestion, detox, and resilience in children

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction

[05:47] Why minerals are the non-negotiable foundation for children’s health

[07:40] Hair testing versus blood work for understanding mineral balance in kids

[13:05] Why picky eating in kids often comes down to mineral imbalances and taste buds

[22:46] Eczema in kids and the role of mineral imbalances and heavy metals

[39:43] How mineral imbalances and heavy metals disrupt children’s sleep patterns

[45:22] Choosing the right multivitamins for kids and why avoiding copper and iron matters

[49:10] Making supplements part of daily family routines

Resources Mentioned:

Minerals & Gut Health Connection for Eczema Course | Website

Gut and Minerals Free Resource | Website

Picky Eaters Protocol | Website

Find more from Dr. Nina:

Nerdy Notes with Nina Marie | Substack

Dr. Nina Marie | Website

Dr. Nina Marie | Instagram

Find more from Amanda:

Hormone Healing RD | Instagram

Hormone Healing RD | Website

Hormone Healing RD | Facebook

Hormone Healing RD | YouTube

Hormone Healing RD | TikTok