Over the past decade, the gut microbiome has become one of the most heavily studied areas in pediatric medicine. Researchers have investigated connections between gut bacteria and everything from allergies and autoimmune disease to obesity, autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Along the way, the term "gut-brain axis" has entered the...
Over the past decade, researchers have become increasingly interested in the relationship between inflammation and mental health. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and autism have all been studied through the lens of immune function, with mixed and sometimes contradictory results. While we still have far more questions than answers,...
Iodine is one of the most important nutrients for a baby's brain, yet it rarely comes up in prenatal conversations. This article explains why both too little and too much matter, what the first trimester has to do with it, and how parents can know if their prenatal vitamin and...
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a calming herb that has been used for generations to support the nervous system. In herbal medicine it is most often considered for children and teens who struggle with anxiety, difficulty falling asleep, or feeling “wired” and overstimulated, especially in the evenings. Parents often describe children...
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in children’s brain health, energy production, and overall development. In pediatric care, riboflavin is most commonly discussed for migraine prevention, but growing research also explores its role in skin health, mitochondrial function, and certain metabolic conditions in children....
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...
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...
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....
Are you a healthcare provider? Read our research summary on Probiotics and IBS and constipation on Naturopathic Pediatrics PRO, our website for professionals. 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...
Are you a healthcare provider? Read our research summary of Thymus vulgaris on Naturopathic Pediatrics PRO, our website for professionals. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) isn’t just a delicious kitchen herb—it’s also a powerful plant with a long history of medicinal use. From treating coughs to supporting digestion and fighting infections, thyme...
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....
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...