Dr. Crista joins us to talk about her new book, A Light in the Dark for PANDAS & PANS. PANDAS and PANS is a condition that is estimated to affect up to 1 in 200 children and adolescents.

Both PANDAS and PANS fall under the umbrella of autoimmune encephalitis and can have devastating effects on the child and the family. Sadly, many of these children will suffer for years without a proper diagnosis and treatment.

In this interview, we discuss what this condition is, causes, how it affects the body, and the resulting symptoms. Dr. Crista highlights a frequently overlooked piece of the puzzle to treating these children - exposures to environmental triggers like weed killer, mold, external electromagnetic frequencies (eEMFs), and mercury.

According to Dr. Jill Crista, “Environmental toxins predispose children to PANDAS and PANS, and impede their healing.”  The good news is it is possible to test for and mitigate exposure to these toxins for better health well-being!

Even if you don’t have a child with PANDAS or PANS, be sure to check out this interview. These four environmental triggers can prime the body for many other conditions.  

 Episode Highlights:
 

·       What is PANDAS & PANS? What causes it? What are some symptoms associated with this condition? (2:00)

·       What is the connection between our gut microbes and our immune system? (7:05)

·       Infections and toxins can literally change a child’s brain. Can you talk to us briefly about how that happens? (12:19)

·       For many PANS & PANDAS families, the fable about the straw that broke the camel’s back is very applicable. Why is it so relevant to this illness? (16:37)

·       What are the top four environmental burdens for individuals with PANS & PANDAS? (20:13)

·       What test can be used to confirm mold-related illness? Why can’t a mold allergy test be used to rule out mold-related illness? (29:10)

·        What test can be used to determine glyphosate exposure? (33:04)

·        What test can be used to test for mercury exposure? (34:22)

·       What are your “The Core Four” for treatment for a child with PANDAS & PANS? (36:24)

·        Help us understand the role of obsessive compulsive behavior in a child with this condition and how it might require a different approach? (38:54)

Get in touch with our guest:

https://drcrista.com/

Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:  

https://changetheairfoundation.org/

Sign up for our newsletter: 

https://changetheairfoundation.org/stay-informed/

Donate: 

https://changetheair-bloom.kindful.com/

Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.