Articles

Understanding the stages of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet

December 8, 2023

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...

Getting started with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet

November 24, 2023

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...

The fine line between Elimination Diets and Eating Disorders

October 22, 2023

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...

naturopathic nutrition orthorexia

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

October 9, 2023

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...

5-HTP melatonin serotonin SSRI

Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and supplementation in children

September 22, 2023

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...

beriberi naturopathic postpartum depression seizure thiamine

The evidence for CoQ10 supplementation in children

August 30, 2023

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...

asd autism CoQ10 ubiquinol

Abortion and vaccination (and other religious objections to immunizations)

August 29, 2023

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...

Clinical uses of L-tyrosine in naturopathic medicine

August 2, 2023

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...

depression fatigue L-tyrosine naturopathic pediatrics stress

What’s the difference between a picky eater and a sensory eater?

July 19, 2023

Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

Most parents have likely thought their child was a picky eater at some point. It’s normal for kids to go through phases where they’re more or less picky during periods of growth and as their taste buds develop. In some cases, picky eating is less about the food, and more about the sensory experience of that food. The term “picky eaters” typically describes children who consume a limited number of foods and/or have multiple food aversions. Sometimes, picky behaviors can contribute to nutrient deficiencies, impacting the child’s growth and development. The difference between picky eaters and children with sensory eating issues...

nutrition picky eating

Copper deficiency, toxicity and supplementation in children

July 5, 2023

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

Copper is a mineral found in all body tissues and most secretions. It serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production, iron metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis.1 Additionally, copper is a cofactor for superoxide dismutase, an important part of the body's antioxidant defense against oxidative stress. Copper is necessary for the synthesis of connective tissues like collagen and elastin, has a hand in blood clotting, immune function, and the activation of several hormones.2 Copper is also involved in the development of new blood vessels, regulation of gene expression, and brain development.1 Food sources of copper Copper can be found in a...

asd Autism Spectrum Disorder copper copper:zinc ratio nutrition Wilson's disease zinc

4 ways your child may not tolerate cow’s dairy: allergy, milk protein sensitivity, cerebral folate deficiency, and lactose intolerance

June 21, 2023

Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

People may choose to avoid milk products for a variety of reasons, but often they don’t understand the differences in a true milk allergy, a milk protein intolerance, and lactose intolerance. In this article, we’ll discuss the unique causes, symptoms, and treatments related to each condition. Milk Protein Allergy (IgE-mediated response) A milk allergy differs from a milk intolerance in how the immune system responds. A milk allergy involves an immunological response to the proteins in milk, typically casein or whey. A milk intolerance is a non-immunological response that’s often the result of digestive issues. A milk allergy is diagnosed using a skin prick...

cerebral folate deficiency dairy IgE IgG lactose milk protein naturopathic

Why do children need so much calcium? What do naturopathic doctors use calcium for?

May 24, 2023

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

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Approximately 99% of calcium is found in the bones and teeth with the remaining 1% in extracellular fluid like blood and soft tissues. Calcium is critical for many cellular processes, including regulating heart rhythms, nerve function, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and enzyme activation.1 Calcium is so important for physiological functions that the body has built in mechanisms to tightly control the amount of calcium in the blood and tissues. If calcium in the blood drops too low, the parathyroid hormone sends a signal to the bones to release more calcium into the...

Calcium children food sources Growing Pains integrative pediatrics naturopathic nutrition RDA

Quercetin supplementation for children: research, safety and efficacy

April 4, 2023

Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Naturopathic, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

What is Quercetin? Quercetin is a plant pigment found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid known as a flavonol, important for its antioxidant properties.1 Its antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals that may otherwise cause inflammation and contribute to a wide range of chronic diseases. Quercetin is best known for its use in treating seasonal allergies, although research continues to demonstrate its versatility in other conditions. In fact, quercetin is known for having “anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antihistamine, vasodilator effects, antiobesity, antihypercholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic activities."1 Furthermore, it helps reduce blood clots and oxidative stress in the arteries...

The evidence for fish oil supplementation in children

March 13, 2023

Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Naturopathic Tricks and Tips, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

Studies show that children and adolescents with ADHD have significantly lower plasma and blood concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially omega-3s.4 This has led researchers to investigate the relationship between supplemental omega-3s and the attention and behavior problems associated with ADHD in children.4 Some data suggests mild improvements with combined omega-3 and omega-6 supplements, while others show positive effects on cognition in children who are omega-3 deficient, but no evidence of improvement in those without a deficiency...

asthma children DHA eczema EPA fish oil safety

The Happy Brain Diet for ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorders

February 8, 2023

Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Naturopathic

What is the Happy Brain Diet? The Happy Brain Diet is rooted in principles from the Feingold diet, with a special emphasis on balancing blood sugar. It is a one month elimination diet followed by a systematic re-introductory phase. A temporary elimination and subsequent reintroduction can help you better understand how foods uniquely impact your child’s body. The Feingold diet became popular in the 1970s after a psychiatrist named Ben Feingold published the book Why Your Child is Hyperactive. In the book, Feingold attributed hyperactivity to the large amounts of food colorings, flavorings, and preservatives consumed by children. He claimed that hyperactivity...

ADHD asd feingold integrative medicine naturopathic Sensory Processing Disorder

Supplementing vitamin B6 in children and teens: PMS, ADHD, autism and more!

January 18, 2023

Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Nutrition, Providers

What is Vitamin B6? Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin known as pyridoxine. The active coenzyme forms of vitamin B6 are called pyridoxal 5 phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine 5 phosphate (PMP). Vitamin B6 performs a wide variety of functions throughout the body in these active coenzyme forms. It is involved in over 100 enzymatic reactions, many of which are a component of protein metabolism and to a lesser degree in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Vitamin B6 is necessary for hemoglobin formation, immune health, nucleic acid production, homocysteine and glucose regulation, and energy production.1 Much of this article focuses on the function...

ADHD asd autism integrative medicine magnesium naturopathic nutrition pyridoxine toxicity vitamin B6

Is methylfolate safe for kids? What do naturopathic doctors use folate for?

December 7, 2022

Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Providers

What is folate? What is the difference between folic acid and folate? Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin found in many plant and animal foods. It may also be referred to as vitamin B9 or folic acid. However, the term “folic acid” is often used inappropriately and synonymously with folate. Folic acid is not found in nature or food sources, rather it is the synthetic form found in fortified food products. The term folate refers to the type found in nature and in food sources. The activated form of folate is called methyl tetrahydrofolate (MTHF) or methylfolate. It becomes activated...

depression folate folinic acid holistic nutrition methylfolate naturopathic nutrition

Vitamin C supplementation in children and pregnant women

October 26, 2022

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

This article was compiled by Kayla Martin, CNS candidate and edited by Erika Krumbeck, ND. How is vitamin C used in the body? Vitamin C is one of the most well known and widely used vitamins. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning it dissolves in water and travels through the body to various tissues, but isn’t effectively stored. Therefore, it must be consumed on a daily basis to ensure adequate intake. Vitamin C is probably best known for its antioxidant properties that help control infections like the common cold. However, its functions are vast and include playing a role in neurotransmitter synthesis,...

ascorbate ascorbic acid food sources integrative pediatrics naturopathic nutrition vitamin C

Easy hydrotherapy – how to do magic warming socks for kids!

October 7, 2022

Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

The use of hydrotherapy is one of the oldest traditional treatments. There are many different types of hydrotherapy, including baths, steams, pour-over therapies, and the application of wet towels or sheets. In this case we are interested in contrast hydrotherapy, or using water that alternates from hot to cold to stimulate circulation and immune system function. Warm water vasodilates, improving circulation to peripheral tissues (like the nose, sinuses, hands and feet). Cold water vasoconstricts, reducing circulation to peripheral tissues and increasing circulation to vital organs (like the heart and lungs). Alternating warm and cold water further increases circulation and acts...

cold Hydrotherapy naturopathic uri

Hydrotherapy for chest colds in children

September 23, 2022

Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

Why hydrotherapy? The use of hydrotherapy is one of the oldest traditional treatments. There are many different types of hydrotherapy, including baths, steams, pour-over therapies, and the application of wet towels or sheets. In this case we are interested in contrast hydrotherapy, or using water that alternates from hot to cold to stimulate circulation and immune system function. Warm water vasodilates, improving circulation to peripheral tissues (like the nose, sinuses, hands and feet). Cold water vasoconstricts, reducing circulation to peripheral tissues and increasing circulation to vital organs (like the heart and lungs). Alternating warm and cold water further increases circulation and...

bronchitis cold Hydrotherapy integrative naturopathic pediatrics uri

Is zinc supplementation safe for children?

August 23, 2022

Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Naturopathic, Providers

Dr. K here. Zinc is one of my most-used supplements in my practice, both for pediatrics and adult patients. I use zinc most often for diarrhea, picky eating, eczema, general immune support, and anxiety in children. (Of course, this is all very patient-specific, and depending on the overall need/s of the child.) Though true zinc deficiency is rare in developed countries, functional zinc deficiency is quite common, especially in patients with impaired absorption or in times of increased need (e.g., growing children). Zinc lozenges are tasty and compliance tends to be good. Personally, I like Seeking...

holistic nutrition integrative pediatrics naturopathic nutrition pediatrics supplement zinc

Articles

Check us out on IG