Nature’s soothing secret: clinical use of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) in pediatric medicine
Is lemon balm safe for kids? ...
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The fine line between Elimination Diets and Eating Disorders
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,...
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...
Abortion and vaccination (and other religious objections to immunizations)
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...
Clinical uses of L-tyrosine in naturopathic medicine
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...
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...
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...
Supplementing vitamin B6 in children and teens: PMS, ADHD, autism and more!
What is Vitamin B6? Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin known as pyridoxine. The active coenzyme forms of vitamin B6 are called pyridoxal 5 phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine 5 phosphate (PMP). Vitamin B6 performs a wide variety of functions throughout the body in these active coenzyme forms. It is involved...