Nature’s soothing secret: clinical use of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) in pediatric medicine
Is lemon balm safe for kids? ...
Children 5-12
Understanding the stages of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet
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...
Getting started with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet
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...
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin
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...
Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency and supplementation in children
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...
The evidence for CoQ10 supplementation in children
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...
What’s the difference between a picky eater and a sensory eater?
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...
Copper deficiency, toxicity and supplementation in children
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...
4 ways your child may not tolerate cow’s dairy: allergy, milk protein sensitivity, cerebral folate deficiency, and lactose intolerance
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...
Why do children need so much calcium? What do naturopathic doctors use calcium for?
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...
Quercetin supplementation for children: research, safety and efficacy
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...
The evidence for fish oil supplementation in children
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...