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Quick and easy egg-free, dairy-free breakfast ideas! (For KIDS!) - #Naturopathic

Quick and Easy Egg-Free Dairy-Free Breakfast Ideas!

October 19, 2018
2
0
Nutrition

As a naturopathic doctor specializing in pediatrics, I run a lot of food panels that test for food sensitivities. Why? Because I know that health starts with food, first and foremost, and more times than not, the symptoms I see most commonly arise because of an imbalance in the gut. Kids are notorious for having positive results show on their food sensitivity panels for dairy and eggs. I see both dairy and eggs come up elevated for sensitivity in as many as 7 out of every 10 symptomatic kiddos I run panels on. What symptoms, you ask? It can vary,...

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When this naturopathic doctor recommends topical steroids for eczema! - The case of baby Benjamin*

When this naturopathic doctor recommends topical steroids for eczema (!) – The case of baby Benjamin

October 5, 2018
2
0
Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

Benjamin* is the baby who was always scratching himself. This little guy had to wear baby mittens because otherwise he would scratch his skin until it bled. Poor little guy! I diagnosed him with eczema around 4 months of age during one of his well-visits. His eczema was relatively mild at that point, but he went through a few eczema flares as we tried many therapies to heal his skin. (*Benjamin is not his real name, and this is not a real photo of him, to protect his privacy.)  What is eczema? Eczema is a rash where the skin becomes rough and inflamed....

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How to do wet wraps for eczema. #Naturopathic #Pediatrics

How to do wet wraps for eczema (atopic dermatitis)

September 28, 2018
3
4
Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

It sounds weird, it feels strange, but of all the options for severe eczema treatment my favorite is wet wraps! Do you know how to do wet wraps for your child with eczema? What is eczema? Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis.  It is a red, scaly rash that is intensely itchy.  Most kids who develop eczema get their first rash under the age of 5. (Often kids get eczema when they are still babies.)  In my office I usually see kids develop eczema somewhere around 4 months of age, with it progressively worsening in the first year of life.  By age...

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The tastiest anti-viral medicine your #child will love: #Elderberry! #Naturopathic

The Tastiest Anti-Viral Medicine Your Child Will Love: Elderberry!

September 18, 2018
2
2
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

Could you imagine your child begging to drizzle their medicine over oats or pancakes, or even eat it right off the spoon? Well, if you haven’t heard of elderberry syrup, elderberry gummies, or elderberry lollipops and lozenges, you can start getting excited now! In this article you will learn why elderberry is so powerful, how to choose between its many different forms, and how to use this yummy medicine to prevent and treat illness for your kiddo(s).  As a bonus, a recipe can be found at the end of the article teaching you how to make a simple, useful, and...

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Part 2: #Naturopathic healthy breakfast ideas for #kids! From Naturopathic Pediatrics

PART 2: Naturopathic Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids!

September 14, 2018
1
2
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, General Health Tips, Nutrition

The first part of this series talked about WHY EATING BREAKFAST IS SO IMPORTANT FOR KIDS. Eating the most important meal not only improves concentration and academic performance, it reduces the risk of weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. If you have a child struggling with ADHD you may also want to check out Healing your child from ADHD What to Eat: Ditch the Carbs and go for Protein!  In America, we tend to reach for breakfast foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as cereal, toast, bagels, pancakes, pastries, etc. While carbs raise one’s blood sugar quickly, this increase is only...

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PART 1: Why eating breakfast is so important for kids!

September 6, 2018
3
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Nutrition

For a lot of my patients, eating breakfast can be a real challenge. Many people say they aren’t hungry until later in the day. Others say they don’t have time to fit in breakfast on top of getting ready, packing lunches, feeding pets, and getting out the door. Kids – teens especially – are also swept up in the crazy-hectic pace of the morning. Some families can’t afford breakfast for their kids, adding an extra challenge. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 8-12% of school-aged kids and 20-30% of adolescents and teens skip breakfast (1). But this is...

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The hidden dangers of toxic scented products. (And how to keep your kids safe!)

August 23, 2018
3
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Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

There are literally thousands of household products that contain fragrances.  Common household products that contain fragrances include laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, air fresheners, cleaning supplies, perfumes, lotions, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, perfumes, colognes, bodycare products, and scented candles. Many of my patients are surprised to learn that the body absorbs the chemicals in fragrances when they’re applied to the skin.  When you smell a fragrance, such as those in air fresheners, you are essentially breathing in chemicals, which are easily absorbed by the lungs and reach the bloodstream within a few minutes. What are the concerns with fragranced...

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Is your child getting enough vitamins and minerals? Check out this guide to testing B vitamins, and make sure your kiddo has adequate amounts! #Naturopathic #Pediatrics

Is Your Child Getting Enough Vitamins and Minerals? A Guide to Testing for Nutritional Deficiencies (Part 2 – B Vitamins!)

August 10, 2018
3
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Nutrition, Toddlers 2-4

Could your child have a B vitamin deficiency? This article is the second in a series all about nutritional deficiencies. In these articles I will discuss some of the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies seen in children and adolescents. I will also explain the lab tests that can be used to comprehensively assess your child’s nutritional status. If you missed it, here is Part 1: Vitamin D. First, let’s recap why vitamin and mineral deficiencies happen. Common Causes of Nutrient Deficiencies: Lack of adequate intake of vitamins or minerals Increased need for nutrients Health conditions may affect the ability to absorb nutrients from...

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4 sneaky sources of hidden toxic lead in your home from #Naturopathic Pediatrics.

4 sneaky sources of hidden toxic lead in your home

August 1, 2018
3
0
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12

Lead can negatively effect people of all ages, but young children are the most susceptible to the effects of lead due to the vulnerability of their developing central nervous system. Exposure to lead can cause permanent central nervous system damage, lowered IQ, developmental delays and anemia among a host of other chronic issues in children. What are the symptoms of lead poisoning/chronic lead toxicity? For a full overview of lead, lead toxicity and symptoms of chronic lead exposure check out our article What You Need to Know About Lead Exposure in Children Most parents and pediatricians are aware of the potential for lead exposure...

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The “ABC’s” of Babywearing – How and WHY to wear your baby correctly!

July 19, 2018
3
0
Babies 0-2

Before becoming a mother, I thought people exaggerated just how much babies can cry. Ha! I know now that a minute of infant crying feels like an hour, especially when you’re a new parent. When my son was an infant, babywearing was the only thing that would calm him during what felt like never-ending crying spells. Just as his Dad was getting home from a long day, he would often cry inconsolably unless we held and rocked him continuously. He was well-fed with a clean diaper and wasn’t in any pain, he just wanted desperately to be held and cuddled. It...

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Blueberry lemon popsicles - a cool treat for a hot day! #Nutrition #Naturopathic

Blueberry Lemon Popsicles – a Cool Treat for a Hot day!

July 6, 2018
2
0
Nutrition

A healthy summertime treat your kids will LOVE! Blueberry lemon popsicles make a cool treat for hot summer days, plus they're full of Vitamin C and antioxidants! To make, combine the following ingredients in your blender: 1 cup blueberries fresh juice from 5 lemons, be sure to strain out the seeds 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (you can use more or less to taste to adjust the tartness) 3 cups of water Blend thoroughly until the blueberries liquefied. Freeze in popsicle trays or BPA-free popsicle bags for 4-6 hours until frozen. Tips: For younger children, the juice can be strained to remove the blueberry...

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Healthy snacks and educational activities to occupy kids on long car and plane rides this summer

June 20, 2018
1
1
Uncategorized

Summer is here and many families (mine included) will pack up the car and hit the road for fun and adventure. What I've learned from 10 years of traveling with kids is that you MUST plan for food and the inevitable moments of boredom that come with travel. And while finding and making food can be a challenge on the road, these travel-ready snacks will keep everyone happy. Also, check out Dr. Krumbeck's blog post from a few years ago Tips for Eating Healthy on the Road FOODMuffins Muffins are hands-down my go-to for travel friendly snacks.  They can be made ahead of...

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Poison Ivy in Kids: Natural Prevention and Treatment

June 15, 2018
1
1
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

Exposure to poison ivy, oak, and sumac causes an estimated 10 – 50 million cases of contact dermatitis per year. This itchy, blistering, hot rash can be especially unpleasant for children. Kids may not be able to stop themselves from scratching the rash, and may not understand the idea that it’s only temporary and will pass. Reassure them that while it feels like the rash is lasting forever, it will probably be gone within a week or so. This post talks about some ways you can protect...

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Camping with kids: what to put in your first aid kit! From Naturopathic Pediatrics

Camping with kids: what to put in your first aid kit!

May 23, 2018
2
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12

For my kids, there's nothing better in the world than camping with their buddies.  I've always brought a first aid kit with me on hikes and camping trips, but the kit seems to get bigger every year. A lot of these things are not "natural" but are on the list because you never know when you'd need them in an emergency!  Here's what I bring with me. My "essentials" first aid kit: In my day pack, for any excursion away from home base Water - You never know...

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Is there a natural alternative to tonsillectomy surgery?

Should we really take those tonsils out?! (A naturopathic consideration of tonsillectomy.)

May 9, 2018
2
2
Children 5-12, Toddlers 2-4

Is your child snoring? Perhaps waking unrefreshed? Maybe even gasping for air in the night? Any of these problems may be met with a prescription for a tonsillectomy. Other indications for the surgery include difficulty swallowing, chronic or recurrent infection of the tonsils, tonsillar swelling that may be cancerous, and others. You may be wondering - "is there a natural alternative to surgery?" What is a tonsillectomy? Tonsillectomy is a surgery that removes the tonsils. It is sometimes called a Tonsillectomy Adenoidectomy (or T&A for short) since the adenoid is generally removed at the same time, though the adenoid is really just...

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3 herbs for kids with anxiety (and their parents!) from Naturopathic Pediatrics

3 Herbs for Kids with Anxiety (and their parents)

April 20, 2018
1
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Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12, Herbal Medicine, Toddlers 2-4

3 Herbs for Kids with Anxiety (and their parents) Our modern life is so stressful, isn't it? It’s no wonder that our sweet and sensitive kids can become overwhelmed by the world’s many pressures and expectations. Our blog has several great articles about the naturopathic approach to treating anxiety in children that I encourage you to check out. Today I’ll talk about 3 herbs that are known all over the world to help soothe anxiety, improve sleep, reduce stress, and restore a frazzled nervous system. They are 3 of my favorite herbs - Chamomile, Passionflower, and Ashwagandha - and I can't...

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Is Your Child Getting Enough Vitamins and Minerals? A Guide to Testing for Nutritional Deficiencies (Part 1 – Vitamin D!)

April 13, 2018
3
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Adolescents 13-18, Babies 0-2, Children 5-12, Nutrition, Toddlers 2-4

  Editors note:  A big thanks to Dr. Cori Burke for tackling the incredibly broad topic of nutritional deficiencies in children.  This is a huge topic, and she has wisely split it into multiple sections.  Stay tuned for more in this series! A quick note and comment: Naturopathic Physicians are sometimes criticized for over-diagnosing "nutritional deficiencies," or for excessively prescribing vitamins and supplements. It is always very important for physicians to have a conversation about why we are prescribing certain nutrients.  In the case of vitamin D it is to prevent true vitamin D deficiency.  In the case of some other vitamins and minerals we...

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Why this #naturopathic doctor recommends introducing solid foods at 4 months! #Naturopathic Pediatrics. #Natural #Baby #Health

Why this naturopathic doctor recommends introducing solid foods at FOUR months.

April 5, 2018
2
6
Babies 0-2

First of all, I want to say I am SO excited to get back to blogging. I've spent the last year working on my Vaccines Demystified course, and then the My Infant Health Binder, plus seeing patients (my real job!), plus editing Naturopathic Pediatrics.  All this to say - I had to take a major break from blogging.  Not to mention last year at this time I was still pretty heavily sleep deprived (I was never blessed with good sleepers). So now that my kids are (gulp!) six and two (!) I'm super excited to start regularly sharing with you...

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Do food sensitivities affect your child's asthma? (The case of 11 year old Sean.)

Do food sensitivities affect your child’s asthma?  (The case of 11 year old Sean*) 

March 21, 2018
2
0
Adolescents 13-18, Children 5-12

Mary and Jeff grew concerned when their 11-year old son, Sean,* was waking up multiple nights a week gasping for air necessitating albuterol treatments. This was a pattern that was getting increasingly worse during peaks of allergy season over the past few years. Even on his short and long acting bronchodilators, steroids and allergy medications, his asthma would worsen. Sean was equally frustrated as his asthma was causing him to lose sleep and made it hard for him to skateboard outside. Asthma is common and growing. With a staggering 8% of children in the US struggle with asthma1 and the number growing2...

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Food allergies & Breastfeeding - is my baby reacting to something I'm eating? From Naturopathic Pediatrics.

Food Allergies and Breastfeeding: Is my baby reacting to something I’m eating?

February 12, 2018
9
1
Babies 0-2, breastfeeding

My baby is exclusively breastfed and has never eaten solids, but seems to react to my milk. What could be causing it? Proteins from the foods you eat are passed to your baby through your breastmilk and may be causing an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. The foods that most commonly cause these reactions in young children are cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, gluten, soy, tree nuts, corn, fish, and shellfish. The allergies show up as digestive issues, skin rashes, and respiratory concerns, and often with multiple symptoms at once.1,2 If you or close family members have food allergies, your baby is more...

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Nipping Winter Nosebleeds - a naturopathic approach. From NaturopathicPediatrics.com

Nipping Winter Nosebleeds – A Naturopathic Approach

January 24, 2018
3
0
Children 5-12

  It’s not uncommon for children to experience nosebleeds in the winter.  The blood vessels that line your child’s nose are extremely delicate.  When air temperature and moisture drop in the winter this can dry out the nasal passages.  This leads to tiny cracks and crusting, which can cause those little blood vessels to swell and break open1,2. These small blood vessels can also break open due to inflammation from a cold, or even just by blowing a dry nose in the winter. While minor nosebleeds can be safely treated at home, more serious nosebleeds should be assessed by your naturopathic doctor...

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