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Petasites (Butterbur) in Pediatric Migraine Management

September 9, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Providers

Migraines in pediatric populations present a significant challenge, both for families and healthcare providers. As the search for effective, safe, and well-tolerated preventive treatments continues, Petasites hybridus—commonly known as butterbur—has emerged as a compelling option.  In this article, I’ll dive into the clinical application of butterbur for pediatric migraine management, exploring its traditional uses, phytochemistry, safety profile, clinical evidence, and considerations for integrative pediatric practice. Traditional Uses of Butterbur in Medicine The Petasites genus, part of the Asteraceae family, is a perennial plant known for its thick, creeping underground rhizomes and large, distinctive leaves. In the first century AD, the Greek physician Dioscorides...

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The evidence for fish oil supplementation for children with asthma

August 14, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA, is gaining recognition for its potential to help manage asthma, especially in children. These healthy fats, found primarily in fish and seafood, have impressive anti-inflammatory properties, making them an excellent option for asthma treatment. When considering fish oil for children, it's essential to understand the different types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found in plant oils like flaxseed, soybean, and canola, while EPA and DHA are mainly found in fish and seafood. Since the body can only convert a...

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Valerian for Children: An Effective and Safe Alternative for ADHD and Sleep Disturbances?

July 24, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Providers

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of conditions, notably its application as a sleep aid and treatment for anxiety. Today, its application has expanded to include attention deficit and hyperactivity syndromes, helping to calm and focus the mind.1 Despite its historical and contemporary uses in adult populations, research on valerian's efficacy and safety in pediatric medicine is limited. Consider the case of a 7-year-old boy named Alex,* who has been experiencing significant hyperactivity, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating in school. His symptoms have led to frequent disruptions in the classroom and challenges in...

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what form of magnesium is best for kids?

What form of magnesium is best for kids? What do naturopathic doctors use magnesium for?

July 8, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Providers

Why is magnesium so important for children? Magnesium is an important mineral that serves as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body.1 Magnesium contributes to hundreds of ATP-requiring processes involved in metabolism, energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis. Magnesium is required to break down carbs and fat to turn them into energy. It’s required for protein synthesis, cell replication, DNA and RNA synthesis. Magnesium facilitates neural impulses that control muscle contraction and normal heart rhythms.2 It plays a role in blood glucose control, blood pressure regulation, and is a critical component of bones and teeth.1 Most magnesium...

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Safety and use of L-Theanine in Children

June 7, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

What is L-theanine? Theanine, an amino acid primarily found in tea leaves, particularly Camellia sinensis, and some mushrooms, has garnered considerable attention in recent years for its potential health benefits. Structurally similar to glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in brain function, theanine is known for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and exert various neurophysiological effects. It is believed to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness, which has led to its widespread use as a supplement aimed at reducing stress and anxiety. Research suggests that theanine increases the production of alpha waves in the brain, associated with a state of relaxed alertness,...

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What is glutathione? What are glutathione supplements used for?

May 15, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

What is Glutathione? Glutathione, often referred to as the "master antioxidant," is a naturally occurring molecule found in the cells. Glutathione is a tripeptide, meaning it is made of three amino acids (cysteine, glutamine, and glycine). It is produced in the liver and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. Glutathione is involved in various biochemical processes that help protect and maintain the health of the body. Functions of Glutathione in the Body: Glutathione has several essential functions within the body. One of its primary roles is to act as a potent antioxidant. It neutralizes harmful free radicals and protects cells from...

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Is stinging nettle safe for children? What is it used for?

April 15, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

Urtica dioica, commonly referred to as stinging nettle, boasts a rich history of culinary, medicinal, clothing and ceremonial practices. Belonging to the Urticacea family, it is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, now found in temperate regions worldwide and considered a weed in intensive agriculture due to its rapid growth and colonization.1 The plant can grow to heights of 2 meters and is covered with microscopically hooked hair-like protrusions that cause the stinging sensation it is named for. This skin-irritating effect is triggered by the release of biochemical substances like histamine and acetylcholine from its needle-like protrusions.2...

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Clinical evidence for the use of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) in children

April 1, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

The Timeless Appeal of Chamomile Chamomile, scientifically known as Matricaria chamomilla, is a widely used herb in traditional medicines around the world. Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman medical texts describe using chamomile as a calming tea infusion and for treating dry, weatherworn skin.1 Chinese medical traditions first detailed chamomiles’ (known as “Bamu Nai”) attributes during the 10th century in Uyghur medicine.2 Similarly, the Unani medicine system, prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, boasts a centuries-old association with chamomiles’ therapeutic potential.3 For thousands of years, chamomile served as a symbol bridging the spiritual with the wonder of medicine. Egyptians and Saxons regarded chamomile as...

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Safety and the use of Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) for common children’s conditions

March 15, 2024
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Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

Mullein is a wonderful, abundant herb used for a number of children's conditions. In this article we will explore the clinical research, safety and efficacy of Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) for use in children. Introduction Mullein, scientifically known as Verbascum thapsus, is a versatile flowering plant belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family, widely recognized for its medicinal properties across various cultures throughout history. Native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, mullein has also naturalized in other regions, including North America, where it thrives in diverse habitats such as meadows, roadsides, and wastelands. From ancient civilizations to contemporary herbal medicine, mullein has been revered for...

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Probiotics and Their Role in Alleviating IBS and Constipation in Children 

March 1, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and constipation are common gastrointestinal issues that can significantly impact the well-being of children. Treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are notoriously inadequate or come with potentially serious side effects and risks.1 It's crucial to explore gentle, holistic approaches (that actually work) to address these concerns. Probiotics have the potential to modulate the gut microbiota and have emerged as a promising solution. In this article, we’ll delve into the relationship between probiotics, IBS, and constipation in children, examining specific probiotic strains, prebiotics, and their mechanisms of action.  Understanding IBS and Constipation in Children  IBS is a functional...

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Is Echinacea Safe for Children? Is it Effective?

February 15, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

Introduction to Echinacea in herbal medicine Have you ever strolled through the pharmacy section at your local grocery store and noticed cold and flu medications boasting echinacea as a key ingredient? While the flashy labels are clearly promising relief from stubborn bugs, you might be wondering: does echinacea work? Is it safe? What exactly is echinacea?  Echinacea is an herbal gem with roots stretching back through time. In this article we will unpack some of the potent history of this plant ally as well as take a peek into the latest scientific discoveries from the past decade (ish). We’ll dig deep into...

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Medicinal use of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) in naturopathic medicine

January 22, 2024
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Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

The historical use of thyme Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, has a rich and varied history of use that dates back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians used thyme in their embalming practices, recognizing its strong preservative and antibacterial properties. In Ancient Greece, thyme was widely used for its aromatic qualities; it was burned as incense in sacred temples and was also a symbol of courage and admiration, with soldiers often given thyme before battles as a sign of bravery. During the Roman era, thyme was valued for its culinary and medicinal qualities. The Romans used it in bathing and massaging....

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Understanding the stages of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet

December 8, 2023
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

What is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet? For a full intro into the Specific Carbohydrate Diet see Getting Started with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. For children who are struggling with inflammatory bowel disease, like Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis you may want to check out Seattle Children's Hospital article: "Can the Specific Carbohydrate Diet Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease?" Listen to some of their success stories! Overview of the Stages of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is broken down into a short introductory phase and five proceeding stages. The initial stage of SCD is called the “Intro Diet”. Details on how...

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Getting started with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet

November 24, 2023
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

What is the rationale behind the Specific Carbohydrate Diet? The rationale behind the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) centers around the idea that certain harmful gut pathogens flourish on carbohydrates that are more difficult to digest. In people with inflamed intestines or dysbiosis, breaking down and transporting large molecules (such as most carbohydrates) across the small intestines becomes impossible.1 The undigested sugar molecules become the primary food source for bacteria and fungus, encouraging pathogens to colonize the small intestine.1 In addition, excess pathogens produce more toxic byproducts than the small intestines can rapidly eliminate, leading to intestinal mucosal injury.1 Bacterial overgrowth can...

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The fine line between Elimination Diets and Eating Disorders

October 22, 2023
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1
Providers

As a pediatric naturopathic doctor I have over ten years of experience using therapeutic elimination diets in children. I have seen many cases of dramatic reversal of chronic disease or behavior concerns. That said, in the last few years I have found myself increasingly hesitant to recommend restrictive diets, especially as elimination diets have exploded in popularity in the last few years. Food sensitivity tests can now be purchased online and social media is enamored with all sorts of elimination diets. Although they can be a powerful tool for healing, there’s certainly some nuance that we collectively seem to...

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5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin

October 9, 2023
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

What is 5-HTP? 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical the body makes from tryptophan, an amino acid found in food. After tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP it is converted again, but this time to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries messages from the brain to various parts of the body and plays a role in sleep, appetite, digestion, impulse control, PMS, mood, cognition, reward, learning, memory and more. It’s often referred to as the “feel good” neurotransmitter because of its ability to create a sense of happiness or wellbeing. Appropriate serotonin levels are essential for a healthy brain and normal levels support...

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Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and supplementation in children

September 22, 2023
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Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

What is thiamine? Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is a water soluble vitamin found naturally in some foods and added to others. All of the B vitamins are essential for energy production because they help convert carbohydrates to glucose, the body's primary fuel source. Thiamine is important for nutrient metabolism, a healthy liver, skin, hair, eye and nervous system functions. Thiamine is sometimes called the “anti-stress” vitamin because it strengthens the immune system and thus increases the body’s tolerance to stress.1 Recommended dietary allowance for thiamine (Vitamin B1) The RDA for thiamine is as follows: Newborns, 6 months: 0.2 mg (adequate intake) Infants, 7 months to...

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The evidence for CoQ10 supplementation in children. Is CoQ10 Safe?

The evidence for CoQ10 supplementation in children

August 30, 2023
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Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Pregnancy, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

What is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and what does it do? Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat soluble compound synthesized in the body. It is commonly referred to as ubiquinone because it is found in almost every cell in all living organisms, making it ubiquitous in nature. CoQ10 is found in the mitochondrial membrane where it helps convert food to ATP, the energy used by cells.1 More specifically, it converts carbs and fats to ATP by delivering electrons to oxygen as part of the electron transport chain in the final steps of fatty acid and glucose metabolism.1 Therefore, CoQ10 is an essential...

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Abortion and vaccination (and other religious objections to immunizations)

August 29, 2023
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Babies 0-2, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

This video is from Dr. Krumbeck's vaccine education course, Vaccines Demystified. Before you listen to this video please understand: this video is not meant to judge, comment upon, or endorse any particular faith group or religious belief. At Naturopathic Pediatrics we understand that many families have deep spiritual or religious convictions that may affect the way they want to immunize their child. This video is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult your own faith leader if you have questions about the moral issues regarding vaccination. Why were vaccines derived from an aborted fetus in the first...

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Clinical uses of L-tyrosine in naturopathic medicine

August 2, 2023
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4
Providers

What is Tyrosine and what is it used for? L-Tyrosine, commonly referred to as just tyrosine, is a conditionally essential amino acid that the body makes from another amino acid, phenylalanine. Tyrosine is essential for the production of a family of neurotransmitters called catecholamines that includes epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine.1 Neurotransmitters are cell messengers that send signals from neurons to other cells in the body and in this case, play a role in mood regulation, memory, and alertness. Additionally, tyrosine is a precursor to thyroid hormone and melanin synthesis.1 Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Tyrosine Technically, there isn’t an RDA established for tyrosine...

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