Could gut health be the missing link in PANS and PANDAS? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Anju Usman-Singh joins us to dive into the critical role of gut health and biofilm-related infections in children with autism, ADHD, PANS, and PANDAS. She shares practical, science-based strategies for breaking down biofilms, improving motility, and supporting detox pathways to reduce neuroinflammation and behavioral symptoms.

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In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Anju Usman-Singh joins us to unpack the often-overlooked but essential role of the gut in neuroimmune disorders. She explains how biofilms—sticky, protective layers harboring infections—can block the immune system from recognizing pathogens, distort lab results, and trap vital minerals like iron and calcium. Dr. Anju shares how breaking down these biofilms with gentle acids, enzymes, and targeted botanicals can dramatically improve symptoms, from recurring infections to behavioral outbursts.

She also emphasizes that healing is a marathon, not a sprint. Addressing chronic infections, SIBO/SIFO, and detoxification must be approached with patience and personalization. Our conversation explores the gut-brain-immune triangle in children with PANS, PANDAS, autism, and more, highlighting the critical importance of diet, vagus nerve support, motility, and stress management. Whether you’re a parent or practitioner, these insights are both scientifically grounded and deeply empathetic.

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Dr. Anju Usman-Singh is a board-certified family physician and internationally respected leader in integrative and biomedical approaches for children with PANS, PANDAS, ADHD, Down syndrome, autism, and related neuroimmune conditions. She is the founder and medical director of True Health Medical Center and Pure Compounding Pharmacy in Naperville, Illinois, and serves as the Chief Science Officer for Tru Healing Naturals, a family-owned nutraceutical company.

With decades of clinical experience and research spanning zinc and metallothionein imbalances, biofilm-related infections, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Dr. Anju brings both cutting-edge science and deep compassion to her work. She serves on the executive board of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs and contributes her expertise to organizations like Documenting Hope and the Autism Hope Alliance.

Known for her innovative protocols that gently and effectively address chronic infections, detoxification, and gut-brain-immune imbalances, Dr. Anju is a trusted teacher, speaker, and clinician. Her personalized, whole-child approach helps families uncover the root causes of complex conditions—and chart a realistic, hopeful path toward healing.

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Website: https://www.truehealthmedical.com/

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What if a personalized diet could unlock healing for your child? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, nutrition expert Julie Matthews dives deep into the power of personalized diets for children with autism, ADHD, PANS, and PANDAS. Backed by research and years of clinical experience, she explains how targeted nutrition can address inflammation, picky eating, gut dysfunction, and behavioral symptoms—one child at a time.

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In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Julie Matthews joins me to share how two decades of working with children on the autism spectrum and those with conditions like PANS and PANDAS, led her to champion personalized nutrition as a foundational therapy. She discusses how therapeutic diets—like gluten-free, casein-free, paleo, and the Feingold diet—can be strategically matched to a child’s unique symptoms, from tics and OCD to anxiety and ADHD. Her recent study with over 800 families showed that dietary interventions often surpassed pharmaceuticals in effectiveness while carrying far fewer side effects.

Julie also shares simple, practical advice for parents navigating restrictive eating and sensory issues. She highlights how nutrient deficiencies (like zinc), food cravings, and even the texture of vegetables can all be clues to deeper biological imbalances. Throughout the episode, Julie emphasizes that nutrition is a journey—one best taken with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to experiment. Her step-by-step plan for nourishing hope offers families a clear, empowering roadmap toward improved health and behavior.

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Julie Matthews is a certified nutrition consultant and globally respected authority on personalized nutrition for children with autism, ADHD, PANS, and PANDAS. With a master's degree in medical nutrition and over two decades of clinical experience, she has helped thousands of families understand the connection between food, gut health, and brain function.

Julie is the author of the groundbreaking books ‘Nourishing Hope for Autism’ and ‘The Personalized Autism Nutrition Plan.’ She is also the co-author of a recent research study evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic diets in improving autism-related symptoms. Through her company, Nourishing Hope, she educates parents and practitioners around the world on how targeted dietary changes can reduce inflammation, support detoxification, and improve behavior, mood, and overall health.

Renowned for her compassionate, science-based approach, she makes complex nutritional concepts simple and actionable, empowering families to become ‘nutrition detectives’ and transform their child's life through food. Her work continues to lead the movement toward root-cause nutrition strategies that heal the body and support neurodevelopment from the inside out.

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Website: https://nourishinghope.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliematthewsnourishinghope/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-matthews-ms-5673878/

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Could this ancient spice be the holistic healing tool you've been searching for? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Shivani Gupta shares the science and ancient wisdom behind turmeric, revealing how this powerful root can fight inflammation, support the brain and gut, and become a holistic healing tool for the whole family. From improving joint pain and neuroinflammation to boosting metabolic health and stress resilience, turmeric’s multi-system benefits are nothing short of remarkable.

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In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Shivani Gupta joins me for a compelling exploration into the ancient healing power of turmeric. Dr. Gupta explains how this vibrant root operates on multiple levels—as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune modulator, and neuroprotectant. She dives into curcumin’s clinical applications for everything from joint pain and obesity to dementia and autoimmune conditions, emphasizing its profound relevance for families dealing with chronic illness, especially children with PANS and PANDAS.

Our conversation also highlights key lifestyle changes for reducing inflammation naturally, like switching to anti-inflammatory diets, choosing non-toxic household products, and practicing circadian living. Dr. Gupta shares practical strategies for incorporating turmeric into meals, combining it with black pepper or healthy fats for better absorption, and using Ayurvedic tools like adaptogenic teas and daily self-care rituals. Whether you're managing a health condition or simply want to age vibrantly, this episode is filled with grounded, inspiring wisdom to support whole-body healing from the inside out.

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Dr. Shivani Gupta is a leading voice in the integration of Ayurvedic medicine with modern health strategies, specializing in natural approaches to inflammation, immune support, and chronic illness. With a master’s degree in Ayurvedic Sciences and a doctorate focused specifically on turmeric and its active compound curcumin, she combines ancient wisdom with modern clinical research to empower families seeking holistic, root-cause solutions.

As the founder of Fusionary Formulas, she has developed potent, science-backed supplements and adaptogenic teas designed to support the body’s healing across systems—from gut health and brain function to joint pain and hormone balance.

Dr. Gupta is known for her ability to simplify complex health concepts and teach actionable steps grounded in the principles of Ayurveda, especially for parents navigating conditions like PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune disorders. Through her clinical experience, product development, and public speaking, she continues to shift the conversation around inflammation and wellness, proving that true healing starts by honoring the body, nature, and centuries of time-tested medicine.

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Website: https://www.fusionaryformulas.com/

Website: https://drshivani.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivaniguptafl/

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Do herbs, botanicals, and immunotherapy work for PANS/PANDAS? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Darin Ingels joins us to unpack how herbs, botanicals, and low-dose immunotherapy can be used as effective, personalized treatments for children with PANS/PANDAS. Drawing from his personal healing journey and clinical experience, he explains how a multi-system, root-cause approach often leads to lasting improvement, especially when antibiotics fall short.

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In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, I welcome renowned naturopath Dr. Darin Ingels for a deep dive into herbal medicine and immunotherapy for PANS and PANDAS. Drawing from his battle with Lyme and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Ingels explains why certain herbs are often more effective and better tolerated than antibiotics, especially in children. He also explains the chemistry behind herbal synergy, why plants rarely disrupt the microbiome, and how they provide multiple benefits, including immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects.

The conversation expands to include low-dose immunotherapy (LDI), a method of retraining the immune system by introducing ultra-diluted antigens. Dr. Ingels illustrates how LDI often produces rapid symptom relief in children with PANS, even when conventional treatments fail. He also dives into the nuances of mold allergy versus mycotoxin illness, the pitfalls of standard Lyme testing, and prevention tips like permethrin-treated clothing to reduce tick exposure. The episode closes with practical guidance on using supplements, identifying immune disruptors, and empowering parents and practitioners to explore safer, holistic treatments rooted in personalized care.

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Dr. Darin Ingels is a leading expert in the natural treatment of chronic immune and neuropsychiatric disorders. A former clinical microbiologist and the author of The Lyme Solution, Dr. Ingels blends personal experience as a Lyme patient with over 25 years of clinical practice to guide families through complex, root-cause healing.

As a licensed naturopathic physician, Dr. Ingels is renowned for his use of botanical medicine, low-dose immunotherapy, and personalized treatment plans that address the whole child biologically, immunologically, and environmentally. His approach goes beyond symptom management, helping patients achieve lasting recovery through immune modulation, microbiome balance, and detoxification strategies.

Dr. Ingels has lectured extensively on tick-borne disease, environmental toxins, mold, and integrative pediatrics. His work continues to shape how clinicians understand and treat infection-triggered neuropsychiatric illness, offering practical, evidence-informed options that prioritize safety, effectiveness, and long-term wellness.

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Website: https://dariningelsnd.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdariningels/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariningelsnd/

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What if mental health conditions had a hidden infectious link? Join us in this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast as Dr. Shannon Delaney shares her journey from psychiatry to investigating infectious causes of neuropsychiatric illness, with a focus on Bartonella and other tick-borne infections. We also discuss groundbreaking research, testing strategies, and the clinical clues practitioners should never ignore.

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In this eye-opening conversation, I speak with psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Shannon Delaney about her groundbreaking work linking Bartonella and other tick-borne infections to severe psychiatric symptoms. Dr. Delaney shares how she uncovered startling connections between infections and conditions like psychosis, anorexia, OCD, and rage, often in patients previously dismissed with conversion disorder or unexplained mental illness. She details her landmark study showing Bartonella DNA in 43% of adults with psychosis, compared to just 13% of healthy controls, and unpacks why traditional testing often misses these cases.

This episode dives deep into clinical presentation, diagnostic pitfalls, treatment strategies, and the layered role of coinfections like Babesia, Borrelia, and Brucella. Dr. Delaney explains why some patients respond dramatically to antibiotics or herbals, and why others require a comprehensive, multi-system approach. Whether you're a clinician or a parent, this conversation offers vital insights into a new frontier of infectious psychiatry—and hope for healing where traditional medicine falls short.

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Dr. Shannon Delaney is a respected leader in the diagnosis and treatment of complex neuropsychiatric illnesses, with a special focus on Lyme disease and tick-borne infections affecting the brain.

As Director of Child and Adolescent Evaluation at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center, Dr. Delaney blends cutting-edge research with compassionate care, offering hope and answers to families navigating the often-overlooked neurological impact of chronic infections.

Her expertise lies in identifying infection-triggered neuropsychiatric symptoms in children and young adults, including those linked to Lyme disease, Bartonella, and PANS/PANDAS. With a background in both neurology and psychiatry, she approaches each case with a uniquely holistic lens, combining medical insight with a deep commitment to her patients' long-term recovery.

Through clinical work, research, and education, Dr. Delaney is a driving force in raising awareness about the intersection of infectious disease and mental health. Her work continues to inspire clinicians, researchers, and families alike to advocate for better diagnostics, treatment, and understanding.

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-delaney-2a0a559b/

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In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Susan Swedo to reflect on the history, science, and ongoing controversy surrounding PANS and PANDAS. We also dive into diagnosis and treatment, and why clinical understanding, not outdated titers, should guide care.

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In this foundational episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I speak with renowned pediatrician and researcher Dr. Susan Swedo, the scientist behind the original discovery of PANDAS. She emphasizes that PANS/PANDAS is a clinical diagnosis, marked by the abrupt onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and warns against over-reliance on strep titers and viral panels, which can mislead both parents and practitioners. Instead, she advocates for recognizing the immune-triggered neuroinflammation driving the symptoms and calls for more nuanced, science-based diagnostic protocols.

The conversation also addresses the current controversy surrounding the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2024 position, which Dr. Swedo critiques for ignoring decades of research and positive patient outcomes. With personal stories, clinical advice, and scientific clarity, she explains the importance of early recognition, comprehensive treatment, and strong support for families. This episode is a powerful reminder that hope and healing are possible, even when the medical establishment lags behind the evidence.

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Dr. Susan Swedo is a pioneering figure in the field of pediatric neuropsychiatry and the groundbreaking researcher behind the discovery of PANDAS.

A former Chief of the Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Swedo has dedicated her career to uncovering the biological underpinnings of childhood-onset neuropsychiatric conditions. Her trailblazing work has redefined how the medical community understands the link between infections, the immune system, and sudden changes in a child’s behavior.

With decades of clinical research and published studies to her name, Dr. Swedo’s contributions have shaped treatment protocols and sparked a global movement among parents, clinicians, and researchers advocating for better recognition and care of children affected by PANS and PANDAS.

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In this powerful episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge shares her decades of experience helping children with PANS/PANDAS by addressing one often-overlooked root cause: nervous system dysregulation. We also break down how regulating the nervous system can unlock healing, improve therapy outcomes, and transform the lives of both children and their caregivers.

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In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I welcome Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a mental health expert and neurotherapy pioneer, to discuss why regulating the nervous system is critical for healing children with PANS/PANDAS. Dr. Roseann emphasizes that trauma, chronic stress, and inflammation keep both children and parents locked in a state of sympathetic overdrive, making healing difficult or impossible. We also delve into how stress responses derail treatments and how parents’ own dysregulation often contributes to the family’s struggles.

This conversation explores practical and empowering tools like neurofeedback, magnesium supplements, and daily habits like breathwork and mantra repetition to bring calm to chaotic households. Dr. Roseann also explains how OCD can take root in activated brains, why talk therapy alone often fails, and how lifestyle changes can unlock the path to real progress. This episode is a call to action for both parents and practitioners to prioritize nervous system health, not as a luxury, but as the foundation for everything else.

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Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a distinguished expert in children's integrative mental health and the visionary founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health.

Holding credentials as a Connecticut Certified School Psychologist and a Board Certified Neurofeedback Provider (BCN), Dr. Roseann also hosts the insightful podcast, “It’s Gonna be Ok! with Dr. Roseann,” a valuable resource for navigating children's behavior and mental health.

With over three decades of experience, she has empowered thousands of children and families to overcome complex behavioral and mental health challenges through her innovative BrainBehaviorReset™ program. Having conducted more than 10,000 QEEG brain maps, Dr. Roseann is recognized by Forbes as a “thought leader in children’s mental health.”

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Website: https://drroseann.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009512658853

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroseann/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseanncapannahodge/

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Dr. Tania Dempsey joins me in this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast to unravel the complex role of mast cells in PANS/PANDAS. Tune in now to gain powerful insights into mast cell activation syndrome and how it could be a missing piece in your child’s recovery puzzle.

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In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Tania Dempsey, a leading expert in mast cell activation syndrome, to explore how mast cells can fuel chronic inflammation, especially in children with PANS/PANDAS. Together, we discuss how mast cells are embedded throughout the body, especially in the brain, and how their dysregulation can lead to everything from severe anxiety to skin and respiratory issues.

We also dive deep into how mast cell activation syndrome can be triggered by infections, mold, trauma, or environmental toxins, and how these triggers can keep the immune system stuck in a loop of constant activation. Dr. Dempsey outlines her diagnostic strategies, the limitations of current tests, and the critical importance of ruling out excipients in medications that may cause unwanted reactions. She also provides practical, hope-filled guidance on using over-the-counter antihistamines, nutraceuticals, and environmental interventions to help stabilize symptoms. If your child is struggling with unresolved symptoms and standard treatments aren’t working, this episode may shed light on an overlooked root cause—and offer new pathways toward healing.

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Dr. Tania Dempsey is an internationally recognized expert in chronic disease, autoimmune disorders, and mast cell activation syndrome. She is known for her work in chronic immune dysregulation and is sought after by patients and colleagues around the world.

As founder of the AIM Center for Personalized Medicine, Dr. Dempsey combines integrative and functional medicine to uncover the root causes of illness and help patients understand the complex mechanisms behind their symptoms. Her practice serves individuals across the United States and worldwide, including patients from Israel, England, Thailand, and France.

With deep expertise in mast cell activation syndrome, mold-related illness, and Lyme disease, Dr. Dempsey is a leading voice in the functional medicine community. She regularly speaks at conferences, leads educational events, and appears on podcasts and panels to share her clinical insights with both peers and the public. Through her work, she continues to advance the understanding and treatment of chronic illness worldwide.

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Website: https://drtaniadempsey.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniadempseymd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtaniadempseymd/

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At ReligenDX, we are revolutionizing diagnostic testing by equipping healthcare professionals with cutting-edge tools for early detection, targeted interventions, and improved patient outcomes. Our innovative solutions, including the Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT) for PANS, PANDAS, and Autism, provide critical insights into neurological and immune-related conditions. With a commitment to scientific excellence and personalized medicine, ReligenDX empowers clinicians to make informed decisions and optimize treatment for every patient.

Website: fratnow.com or religendx.com

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Feeling lost and overwhelmed by your child's sudden behavioral changes? You're not alone. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Lindsey Wells joins me to share her holistic approach to treating children with these complex disorders, emphasizing the impact on the entire family. We also discuss her three-pronged treatment strategy, the connection between tick-borne diseases and neuroinflammation, and the critical role of caregiver well-being in a child’s recovery.

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Beyond medication, there's a powerful, holistic path to healing PANS/PANDAS. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Lindsey Wells to highlight the importance of a holistic, family-centered approach to treating these complex disorders. We discuss how these conditions often run in families, with siblings sometimes showing mild symptoms before full-blown flares occur.

Dr. Wells elaborates on the critical role of early intervention in identifying underlying infections like Bartonella and Babesia, which are frequently overlooked but can significantly impact neurological health. Through a three-pronged approach—including antimicrobials, immune modulation, and symptom support—she has helped countless children stabilize and recover.

Dr. Wells also stresses the profound impact of caregiver well-being on a child’s healing process. She shares research showing that parental stress, particularly in mothers, can trigger or worsen the symptoms of PANS/PANDAS. She discusses how implementing simple self-care strategies, such as intentional breathing exercises and structured breaks, can help parents improve their own well-being and their children's health outcomes. This episode is an invaluable resource for families navigating PANS/PANDAS.

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Dr. Lindsey Wells is a naturopathic physician based in Trumbull, Connecticut, specializing in pediatric integrative care for PANS/PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, and tick-borne illnesses. She uses a personalized, whole-family approach that incorporates botanical medicine, nutraceuticals, homeopathy, nutrition, and counseling. Her goal is to support not only the child but the entire family unit, believing that when a child struggles, the whole family is affected—and healing must be a shared journey.

Dr. Wells is a fellow with the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs and the first author of a key publication on folate receptor alpha autoantibodies in individuals with PANS/PANDAS. She frequently lectures on neurodevelopmental disorders and is the author of Super Sam and the Battle Against PANS/PANDAS. A past president of the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association, she also created the Well-Minded Mommas Club, a support community for mothers of children with complex medical needs.

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Website: https://lindseywellsnd.com/

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In this empowering episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Elisa Song joins me to share how parents and practitioners can build ‘whole child resilience’ by prioritizing gut health, vagus nerve regulation, and integrative medicine. From food as medicine to vagus nerve magic, this episode delivers practical, science-backed strategies to support healing in children with PANS/PANDAS.

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What if you could build your child’s resilience—not just emotionally, but biologically—starting with the gut?

In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, integrative pediatrician and bestselling author Dr. Elisa Song shares a powerful framework for creating what she calls ‘whole child resilience.’ She dives into how gut health, vagus nerve activation, and daily lifestyle habits can transform a child’s immune system, brain function, and ability to recover from chronic conditions like PANS/PANDAS.

You’ll learn how to work with your child’s biology, not against it, using practical tools like microbiome-friendly foods, sugar swaps, vagus nerve stimulation techniques, and mindfulness. Whether your child is in the midst of a flare or you're simply looking to prevent one, this episode is packed with science-backed strategies and real-life hope.

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Dr. Elisa Song is a Stanford, NYU, and UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, bestselling author of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, and founder of an online holistic pediatric resource for families and practitioners. A passionate advocate for whole-child wellness, Dr. Song combines the best of conventional medicine with functional and natural therapies—from nutrition and homeopathy to herbal medicine and vagus nerve regulation. She’s helped thousands of children uncover root causes and recover from chronic illness, and she’s on a mission to change the future of pediatric care.

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Website: https://www.healthykidshappykids.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthykids_happykids/

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