Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast

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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At NutraMedix, our mission is to address complex health challenges by supporting medical professionals and their patients with the highest quality nutraceuticals, education, and service.

With over 30 years of experience in the nutraceutical industry, we have earned a trusted reputation among healthcare practitioners worldwide.

We take a holistic approach to every step of our process from sourcing and formulation to scientific validation and sustainability. Our goal is to provide products that support not only individual health but also economic, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.

By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, NutraMedix ensures that every product is crafted with the highest quality standards, offering practitioners safe, effective, and reliable solutions for patient care.

We collaborate with healthcare professionals to create targeted solutions that support a wide range of health challenges. Our unique supplements, including our signature liquid extracts, are designed to optimize absorption and effectiveness. Many of our products have been used in clinical settings and are trusted by practitioners for their reliability and results.

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Website: ⁠⁠https://www.nutramedix.com/pages/practitioners⁠⁠

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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.

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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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PODCAST

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This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

At NutraMedix, our mission is to address complex health challenges by supporting medical professionals and their patients with the highest quality nutraceuticals, education, and service.

With over 30 years of experience in the nutraceutical industry, we have earned a trusted reputation among healthcare practitioners worldwide.

We take a holistic approach to every step of our process from sourcing and formulation to scientific validation and sustainability. Our goal is to provide products that support not only individual health but also economic, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.

By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, NutraMedix ensures that every product is crafted with the highest quality standards, offering practitioners safe, effective, and reliable solutions for patient care.

We collaborate with healthcare professionals to create targeted solutions that support a wide range of health challenges. Our unique supplements, including our signature liquid extracts, are designed to optimize absorption and effectiveness. Many of our products have been used in clinical settings and are trusted by practitioners for their reliability and results.

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Website: ⁠https://www.nutramedix.com/pages/practitioners⁠

15% Discount Code: AVEATALKS

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PANS and PANDAS are often overlooked in children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, leading to missed diagnoses and ineffective treatments. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Debby Hamilton explores the crucial connection between infections, immune dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, offering insights into how targeted interventions can help children recover.

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Children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders are at higher risk for PANS and PANDAS, yet their symptoms are often misdiagnosed or dismissed as part of their existing condition. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Debby Hamilton joins me to share her expertise on why these children are more susceptible, the role of infections and immune dysfunction, and how conventional medicine often overlooks critical diagnostic markers. We discuss real-life cases where children have experienced abrupt behavioral regressions due to untreated infections and highlight the need for a broader understanding of immune-mediated brain inflammation.

Dr. Hamilton also explores effective treatment strategies beyond traditional antibiotics, including herbal antimicrobials, immune system support, and anti-inflammatory interventions. She explains how parents and practitioners can identify immune dysfunction early and take a proactive approach to treatment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the deeper connections between PANS/PANDAS, infections, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Dr. Debby Hamilton is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative and functional medicine, with expertise in nutrition and chronic childhood conditions like autism and ADHD. She holds a Master of Science in Public Health and has conducted research in nutrition. In 2005, she founded Holistic Pediatric Consulting in Colorado, focusing on both treatment and preconception counseling, inspired by her book ‘Preventing Autism and ADHD.’

An advocate for early intervention, Dr. Hamilton serves on the executive and scientific board of the Neurological Health Foundation and contributed to The Healthy Child Guide. She is also the Director of Product Education and Clinical Research at NutraMedix. Her deep understanding of childhood developmental disorders and functional medicine provides valuable insights into conditions like PANS/PANDAS.

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Website: https://drdebbyhamilton.com/

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Down syndrome often presents overlooked health challenges in children, including gut dysfunction, metabolic issues, and PANS/PANDAS. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Erica Pierson joins me to dive deep into why these conditions are frequently misdiagnosed, how inflammation and immune dysfunction play a role, and what parents can do to optimize their child’s health with targeted interventions.

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Down syndrome presents a unique set of health challenges in children, including increased susceptibility to immune dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and conditions like PANS/PANDAS. Unfortunately, many of these issues are dismissed as typical traits of the syndrome, leading to misdiagnosis and missed treatment opportunities. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Erica Pierson joins me to explain how ‘diagnostic overshadowing’ prevents children from getting the care they need and highlights the importance of looking beyond genetics to address environmental and metabolic triggers. We dive into practical strategies for improving gut health, correcting nutrient deficiencies, and supporting immune function to help children with this syndrome thrive.

Dr. Pierson also emphasizes the importance of individualized care, urging parents to dig deeper when their child is struggling. From recognizing the early signs of PANS/PANDAS to implementing targeted interventions like high-dose folinic acid and mitochondrial support, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for families navigating these complex conditions.

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Dr. Erica Peirson is a naturopathic physician specializing in supporting children with special needs, a passion that began in childhood and deepened when her own son was diagnosed with Mosaic Down Syndrome. Frustrated by the lack of information available to parents, she dedicated herself to researching and sharing insights to help children thrive. She earned her degree from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005 and is a licensed primary care physician in Oregon and Idaho.

With a background in emergency medicine and academic teaching, Dr. Peirson blends conventional and naturopathic approaches in her practice. She spent 14 years working at Shriners Hospital for Children and later taught Cell Biology and Anatomy and Physiology at Portland Community College. Her expertise in functional medicine and developmental disorders makes her a valuable voice in understanding conditions like PANS/PANDAS.

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

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

Website: https://www.peirsoncenter.com/

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