A Holistic Approach to Pediatric Autoimmunity

Autoimmunity occurs when the immune system begins to attack otherwise healthy cells, tissue and organs. This can cause a variety of symptoms and requires a very specific approach, especially in children & youth.

Within my Whole Family Nutrition practice, one of my primary areas of focus is Pediatric autoimmunity in the form of PANDAS. PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus, which is characterized by sudden and drastic changes in behaviour and/or movement following a strep infection. There are some controversial theories as to what predisposes a young person to develop PANDAS, but as a nutritionist I don’t look to the past so much as I help families look forward. I do this by educating and empowering families to take control of one of the most important aspects of overcoming illness- FOOD. In order to do this, it is critically important to examine the effects of food on the immune system. It is important to note that this is not just applicable to PANDAS, but also to all other Pediatric autoimmune diagnoses (Celiac Disease, Type 1 Diabetes, Crohn’s & Colitis etc.).

Let’s start from the beginning…

A baby’s immune system begins maturing in-utero as they navigate particles passed from the placenta of the birth person (mom, parent, surrogate etc.) and start to colonize healthy bacteria. During a vaginal delivery, a baby is exposed to even more good flora from the birth canal to help kickstart immune system development, helping them to handle exposures of the world. The human body is wise and puts other protective measures in place too, like antibodies from breast milk that act as surveillance cameras to protect the baby from pathogenic offenders. Through the help of the birth person and the way that an infant’s body naturally prepares for the world and responds to it, immune systems are built for survival.

Historically, babies were brought into a relatively chemical-free environment. Food was grown locally, seasonally and was not sprayed with pesticides, herbicides and other contaminants. Food was from the earth, not from a factory. Babies were introduced to foods without developing severe allergies (even to baby boomers, food allergies to things like peanuts were unheard of) and we certainly did not see the current high number of childhood digestive and autoimmune diagnoses.

Now, food is not what it used to be. It is processed, packaged, genetically modified, sprayed and transported. It is just plain SAD (Standard American Diet), and it is an immune system dysfunction waiting to happen. The body was not meant to digest and metabolize these “food like” substances. The body’s way of telling us this is through immune reactions, which often are suppressed by pharmaceutical drugs which do not target underlying imbalances/root causes.

Symptoms of potential childhood immune system reactions:

• Sinus Infections

• Bedwetting

• History of Colic

• Behavioural Regression

• Mental Health Diagnosis (OCD, ODD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression etc.)

• Headaches

• Anxiety

• Bowel Issues

• Food Cravings

• Skin Issues (Eczema, Psoriasis, Rashes)

• Ear Infections

Autoimmune conditions don’t have any “one” cause. A cascade of events usually creates the perfect storm to trigger an autoimmune condition and food almost always plays a role.

Factors that can create the perfect storm of events to trigger autoimmunity:

• Underlying Food Sensitivities (common culprits are wheat/gluten, cow dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts and peas)

• Chemical Sensitivities & Exposures

• Underlying Bacterial/Viral/Pathogenic Infection

• Trauma

• Chronic Stress

Whether or not your child has an autoimmune diagnosis, if they present with a combination of the symptoms and risk factors listed above, it is important to focus on nutrition as a preventative or healing modality.

So, what can a nutritional approach look like?

• Time-limited removal of common food culprits by following an Autoimmune Paleo Protocol (what is this? contact me!). After a uniquely determined amount of time, re-introduce foods one by one under the guidance of your nutritionist

• Switching to strictly Organic/chemical free foods

• Reduce pathogenic overload by using food and/or supplements (if applicable)

• Replenish the body (nutrients, gut bacteria etc.)

What else can I do?

• Address your child’s feelings of overwhelm and stress through applicable modalities (counselling, energy work)

• Address physical imbalances through Osteopathic and/or Chiropractic care

• Reduce environmental reactants by switching to all-natural household & hygiene products like this one

For families who are just venturing into a food-based approach, let this serve as a reminder that you are doing an amazing thing for the long-term health of your child. Food is powerful medicine when we zero in and use it. The strategies I’ve listed are some fundamental steps I may use within my practice, however it is important to note that this information is not to be used as a diagnostic tool or medical advice. For individual needs, please click here to find out how we can work together!

If you have a child with PANDAS/PANS and would like to join my free Facebook group for nutritional support, click here.

Healthfully,