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Where does Autism Come from, Anyway?

Currently the causes of Autism are all theoretical in nature. It is appears that many causes come together to ‘flip on the switch’ for Autism. There is no ‘one cause’ for Autism. (Some of the) Theories for Autism causes: Genetics: One of the latest studies coming out has found that Autism may begin before birth, which lends to the theory that Autism is in part caused by the genetics of the child. The study found patches of disorganized neurons in the brains of Autistic children and these patches were found throughout the patients’ brains. (1) Environmental: The pollution that infants and pregnant women are...

Louse Patrol

Lice: just saying the word is enough to make many people start scratching their heads and looking for someone to do a hair check.  With kids, lice can spread quickly and be hard to eradicate.  Before you subject your child’s waist-long hair to the clippers, read this to get a better idea of how lice do and do not spread, how to treat an infestation, and how to prevent one.   Basic facts about the spread of lice: Lice do not jump: Contrary to popular belief, lice cannot jump, do not fly, and have a hard time even walking.  They slowly climb down a...

What to do when the GAPS diet fails

A decade ago Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride published her now-famous book titled Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment for Autism, Dyspraxia, A.D.D., Dyslexia, A.D.H.D., Depression, Schizophrenia. A few years ago I started noticing a huge trend in parents trying the GAPS diet on their own, either after reading the book or getting advice from friends or other health or mom bloggers.  I have recommended the GAPS diet (or more commonly, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet) to some families as well. But what happens when the GAPS diet fails? This blog post will address some of the most common reasons why the GAPS diet doesn’t work. So...

What is Beige Syndrome?

  Beige Syndrome Does your child suffer from the “Beige syndrome?” Toddlers are the population most affected by this common affliction.  This disorder can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies, behavioral problems, and may predispose to frequent colds and ear infections. How do you know if your child has “Beige Syndrome?”  Take a look at their plate: is it all beige?  Have they eaten nothing but crackers, crustless bread, cheese, hotdogs and milk all day?  If so, then your child is affected! Sound familiar? I joke, of course, but Beige Syndrome can be a source of serious frustration for parents.  So many toddlers have multiple food...

How to treat postpartum depression naturally

Read about Dr. Erika's personal story about postpartum depression here. I'm going to talk today a little bit about how to treat postpartum depression naturally, and some things you may want to speak to your doctor about if you think you have postpartum depression or anxiety. The very first thing we should talk about is some lab work.  So when we talk about treating postpartum depression naturally I really want to know why someone has postpartum depression, and not to just treat it presumptively.  (In other words - is it really postpartum depression?)  So the first thing I want you...

The Dangers of Doctor Google

  Last week, on a beautiful walk along the river here in Missoula, I had a good talk with another Mom.  We talked about life, kids, and Dr. Google.  My new friend conveyed her thoughts on how helpful Google has been, and how she has found many more answers on the internet than in her doctors office.  I've had hit and (many) miss experiences looking things up for Annika in the early months after she was born, so we talked about that a little as well.  While we were talking I thought to myself, I should really write a blog post...

Preventing caries (cavities) in fluoride-free families

In previous blog posts I have talked about fluoride supplementation.  This week I would like to talk about ways to prevent cavities in families who decide to decline fluoride supplementation. So first I want to say that there really is no excuse for having poor oral hygiene habits  - especially if you decide to go fluoride-free.  I hate to say it, but I have seen several families who have decided against fluoride but then neglected brushing and flossing and ended up with a child with a mouthful of cavities.  Please don't go there. Remember that sometimes the "natural" route is also the...

Postpartum depression or postpartum thyroiditis?

My own experience with postpartum depression started 6 weeks after the birth of my first child, Annika.  I remember clearly that it was a Friday, Annika was “colicky” (or so they said) and had one of her fits of crying that lasted about 45 minutes.  Me, I cried for three hours straight. Before having Annika I knew I was passionate about treating children with naturopathic medicine, but it wasn’t until I became a mother that I realized the need for treating moms as well. Treatment of postpartum women is a huge part of my practice here in Missoula.  It is sadly underreported,...

Just say “NO” to Tylenol (Acetaminophen linked to autism?)

Update from Dr. Erika:  I want parents to understand that this article is not meant to place blame, or to make parents feel guilty in any way for giving their children Tylenol.  I also want parents to understand that development of autistic spectrum disorder is a multifactorial process.  There is no "one" trigger for autism.  Rather, it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of autism.  Tylenol is only one of these factors.  If your child has autism and this article is going to be a trigger for you please feel free to stop reading, close out...

Quit it! (Smoking, Carbs and Mom-Guilt)

{This is a re-post Dr. Erika originally wrote for Mothers Organic Health.  Check 'em out!} We’ve all got ‘em: things that we know aren’t good for us, but we do anyways. The Frappuccino addiction, potato chip binges, sushi in excess (that’s a lot of mercury!), the chocolate bar dependency, energy drinks, or the extra cocktail we know we shouldn’t have. Smoking, obviously, is a huge one, and is especially challenging to quit because of the physiologic addiction. But did you know that carbohydrates can be just as problematic? I’ve seen many patients go through “withdrawal” like symptoms after taking away their...

Dr. Erika’s Anti-Monster Spray

Bedroom monsters can be a serious medical condition contributing to fear, insomnia, irritability and fatigue.  Bedroom monsters frequently occur in closets, dark corners, under beds and cribs, or behind lamps and dressers. How do you know if your child suffers from bedroom monsters? The symptoms typically present as reluctance to go to bed, frequent night-time wakings, and the child verbalizing the presence of monsters.  If left untreated bedroom monsters can pose a serious threat to quality of life for children and their parents alike. This is why I have developed Dr. Erika's Anti-Monster Spray.  Clinically proven (n=1) to remove dangerous monsters if...

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3 steps to solving your child’s ADHD

Update: Dr. Erika now has an ebook outlining her 3-step approach to ADHD.  Check it out here! Last Saturday, June 1st, I gave a talk at Meadowsweet Herbs here in Missoula about ADHD and the steps I take to heal it naturally. I am happy to share a shortened version of the talk with you if you happened to miss it! I have found this 3-step approach to ADHD to be very effective. I always tell my patients that my long-term goal is to permanently restore health. When we use this 3-step approach we systematically rule out other conditions that may either...

Dr. K’s favorite herbs for kids!

Good news for you who are in the Missoula, Montana area!  Together with Meadowsweet Herbs and Walking Stick Toys we are having a wonderful Kids event starting next Wednesday May 29th through Saturday June 1st.  Meadowsweet Herbs and Walking Stick Toys will be having sales on kids products, in addition to lots of fun events. On Saturday, June 1st at 11:30 a.m. I will be having a talk entitled "Natural Remedies for ADHD." Does your child have a diagnosis of ADHD? I will discuss some factors that commonly trigger ADHD-like symptoms, as well as talk about how ADHD is commonly...

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Skip the Centrum! (A guide to a good multivitamin)

I’m not a “supplements” doctor. I know many naturopathic patients who have had the experience of coming home from a visit with a bagful of pills and potions.  I really try not to do that. My long-term goal as a physician is always to treat the underlying cause so we can permanently restore health.  When that happens my patients no longer need to be on a supplement regime, they can use diet and lifestyle to maintain their health. (With maybe an occasional multivitamin and probiotic - because if you have a refrigerator, you probably need a probiotic.)  That said, getting people back...

Vaccines Demystified webinar available for sale.

You asked for unbiased information regarding vaccines.  Well, you got it! This recorded lecture includes all the latest research regarding vaccines, vaccine adverse events and immunology.  Written and recorded by Dr. Erika Krumbeck, naturopathic physician (and worried Mom) who specializes in pediatrics and vaccine safety. Also included is an e-book workbook filled with the data included in the lecture and a blank vaccine worksheet. This is not a “pro-vaccine” or an “anti-vaccine” webinar.  This lecture presents all the facts regarding vaccines in a non-biased, non-judgmental atmosphere.  This course also sifts out the facts regarding the link between vaccines and autism.  You will...

Let them eat dirt (The Hygiene Hypothesis)

  Have you guys heard of something called the "Hygiene Hypothesis?" The Hygiene Hypothesis states that much of the chronic disease in the First World is due to lack of exposure to dirt and "healthy" microbes.  In our Lysol-friendly American households we come into contact with way less germs than developing nations (or really any other nation for that matter). What's the consequence?  HUGE healthcare costs for our whole country because of the higher incidence of chronic disease. So two weeks ago we talked about the difference between the Th1 and Th2-mediated immune systems.  If you haven't read that post you should read it...

Be happy with the child you have

I did a bad thing. I Googled. Annika is due for her 12 month appointment in a few days and she's been speaking a couple of words (and rapidly picking up more it seems). I know that's pretty normal, but I wanted to find out how many words other kids are speaking at that age and whether or not she was "advanced" for her age. Bad Mom. First of all because I should not be comparing. Secondly because "advanced" or "gifted" children aren't "better" than any other kid. Thirdly because anytime I Google anything about parenting I always end up feeling guilty. And...

Allergies, asthma and eczema: The Th1/Th2 story

  It's spring here in Missoula and you know what that means: hay fever season is just around the corner. If you're a hay fever sufferer and you feel like the only way to cope is to dress yourself in a hazmat suit then you probably want to read on.  Ditto if you have asthma, eczema or food allergies (the anaphylactic kind). Allergies, asthma and eczema are all interrelated.  In fact, many patients who have one of these symptoms actually have all three. This blog post will explain why these issues are primarily an immune-system balancing problem.  Skip the first part if...

Play Smart! (How to increase your child’s intelligence with imaginative play)

This last Saturday I had the wonderful pleasure of teaching a short class on imaginative play at Walking Stick Toys here in Missoula.  Walking Stick Toys is an awesome toy store dedicated to selling all natural wood, wool, silk and cotton toys - toys that are healthy and stimulate the imagination!  I love it! For those of you who missed the class, or want a refresher, here are my notes: Intro: Why play?  Play is a fantastic way to learn. Play engages the brain in a way that no other activity can. It uses language, spatial reasoning, planning, cooperation, strategy and social understanding. ...