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The fine line between Elimination Diets and Eating Disorders

October 22, 2023
6
2
Providers

Are you a healthcare provider? Read our article on Elimination Diets and Eating Disorders on Naturopathic Pediatrics PRO. 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....

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

October 9, 2023
7
2
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

Are you a healthcare provider? Read our research summary of 5-HTP on Naturopathic Pediatrics PRO, our website for professionals. What is 5-HTP? A Parent-Friendly Guide 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring compound that the body makes from tryptophan, an amino acid found in food. After conversion to 5-HTP, it is further transformed into serotonin—a neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, appetite, digestion, cognition, and more. Often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, serotonin is critical for emotional balance, focus, impulse control, and a sense of wellbeing. Many individuals—both children and adults—may have difficulty producing adequate serotonin due to poor conversion of tryptophan to...

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Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and supplementation in children

September 22, 2023
6
1
Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, 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
7
0
Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Pregnancy, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

Are you a healthcare provider? Read our research summary of CoQ10 on Naturopathic Pediatrics PRO, our website for professionals. What is Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and what does it do? Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble compound naturally synthesized by the body. Often called ubiquinone, it is present in nearly every cell and plays a vital role in producing ATP—the body’s main energy molecule. Located in the mitochondria, CoQ10 delivers electrons to oxygen during the final steps of carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Because it’s central to energy production, CoQ10 is especially important in high-energy-demand organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, and muscles. It...

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Abortion and vaccination (and other religious objections to immunizations)

August 29, 2023
9
3
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
5
4
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12

Are you a healthcare provider? Read our research summary of L-Tyrosine on Naturopathic Pediatrics PRO, our website for professionals. 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...

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

July 19, 2023
6
0
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...

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Copper deficiency, toxicity and supplementation in children 

July 5, 2023
5
2
Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

Are you a healthcare provider? Read our research summary of copper on Naturopathic Pediatrics PRO, our website for professionals. What Is Copper and Why Is It Important? Copper is a trace mineral found in all tissues and fluids of the body. Though required only in small amounts, it plays a crucial role in multiple biological systems. Copper acts as a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in cellular energy production, iron metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and antioxidant defense. One of its most important roles is in the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), which protects cells from oxidative damage. Copper also supports connective tissue synthesis...

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

June 21, 2023
5
0
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...

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

May 24, 2023
4
0
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

Are you a healthcare provider? Read our research summary of calcium on Naturopathic Pediatrics PRO, our website for professionals. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Roughly 99% of it is stored in bones and teeth, while the remaining 1% circulates in extracellular fluid like blood and soft tissues. Its importance goes far beyond skeletal health: calcium regulates heart rhythm, nerve signaling, muscle contractions, blood clotting, and the activation of certain enzymes. The body maintains a tightly regulated balance of calcium in the bloodstream, controlled by hormones like parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin. When blood calcium levels dip...

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Quercetin supplementation for children: research, safety and efficacy

April 4, 2023
6
3
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Naturopathic, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

Are you a healthcare provider? Read our research summary of Quercetin on Naturopathic Pediatrics PRO, our website for professionals. What Is Quercetin? Quercetin is a natural plant pigment, or flavonol, found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. Known for its powerful antioxidant properties, quercetin helps neutralize free radicals that can cause inflammation and contribute to chronic diseases. It is widely studied for its anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, vasodilator, antihypertensive, and anti-obesity effects. In addition, quercetin helps protect against oxidative stress, reduces blood clots, and may prevent tissue damage caused by certain medications. Clinical Uses of Quercetin Quercetin is most commonly used...

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The evidence for fish oil supplementation in children

March 13, 2023
6
0
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...

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The Happy Brain Diet for ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorders

February 8, 2023
8
0
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...

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

January 18, 2023
6
2
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Nutrition, Providers

Are you a healthcare provider? Read our research summary of Vitamin B6 on Naturopathic Pediatrics PRO, our website for professionals. What is Vitamin B6? Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is one of the essential nutrients that helps our children grow, thrive, and feel their best. It’s a water-soluble vitamin, meaning our bodies don’t store it—we have to get it regularly from food or supplements. Vitamin B6 plays a part in more than 100 different processes in the body. It helps us make energy, supports our immune system, helps create hemoglobin (which carries oxygen in the blood), and keeps blood sugar...

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

December 7, 2022
8
0
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...

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Naturopathic Pediatrics Vitamin C

Vitamin C supplementation in children and pregnant women

October 26, 2022
5
0
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Providers, Toddlers 2-4

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, the breakdown of xenobiotics, collagen synthesis, immune support, regulation of cellular nucleotides such as...

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

October 7, 2022
6
0
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...

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Hydrotherapy for chest colds in children

September 23, 2022
4
0
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...

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Is zinc supplementation safe for children?

August 23, 2022
5
5
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...

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Choline supplementation in children and pregnant women

June 22, 2022
7
2
Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Pregnancy, Providers

What is choline? Choline is a water-soluble nutrient that is technically neither a vitamin or a mineral. However, it is open lumped together with the B-vitamin family of nutrients due to its role in multiple bodily functions. Choline is necessary for liver, muscle, and brain functions as well as for the structural integrity of cell membranes, cell signaling, lipid transport and metabolism.2 It is required for metabolizing and transporting cholesterol out of the liver and thus deficiencies can lead to an accumulation of fat in the liver. Choline is also critical in pregnancy. In prenatal nutrition conversations, folate usually takes center...

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Warning signs of Sensory Processing Disorders in children

May 13, 2022
6
0
Children 5-12

Sensory processing is a term that describes how we receive information from our environment. Sensations, such as hearing and sight, provide us with information about our body and environment. Sensory integration is a term to describe the way our nervous system organizes these sensations in order for us to interact effectively with the world around us. This unconscious process is critical for development of skill and learning. It can be as basic as turning our head toward a sound or as complex as organizing information from our touch, visual and proprioceptive (body position and force) systems to tie our shoelaces. ...

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