The Root Cause Medicine Podcast Testing Kids: Gut, Genes and Metabolomics
Apr 17, 2025
58:12
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Lauren Hernandez and Dr. Devan Szczepanski join Dr. Kate Kresge to explore:
- How to identify early signs of chronic illness in children
- Why traditional pediatric testing often misses crucial health markers that could prevent chronic conditions
- The "Triangle of Health" framework for pediatric functional medicine
- How to use genetic testing to determine the most appropriate formula and dietary choices for infants and young children
- Why conventional approaches to ADHD, anxiety, and digestive issues may be missing underlying genetic and metabolic factors
Dr. Lauren Hernandez and Dr. Devan Szczepanski are pioneering practitioners at NuWell Medicine, where Dr. Hernandez serves as CMO of KidsWell, their specialized pediatric service line. With vast backgrounds in pediatric medicine, they have developed an innovative "triangle of health" approach that combines comprehensive blood work, metabolic, gut microbiome analysis, and genomic testing to provide personalized care for children. Their work has transformed traditional pediatric practice by incorporating functional medicine principles and precision testing to address chronic childhood conditions before they become severe health challenges.
Labs Mentioned:
- Comprehensive Blood Panel
- Celiac Panel
- Thyroid Panel
- Hormone Panels
- GI Map
- Genetic Testing
- Food Sensitivity Testing
- Food Allergy Panels
Guest Details:
- Dr. Lauren Hernandez’s Instagram
- Dr. Devan Szczepanski’s Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Podcast
- KidsWell Program
- NuWell Medicine Website
Rupa Health Details:
- Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
- Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine
- Dr. Kate Kresge’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube & Twitter
- Dr. Kate Kresge on Podcast
Timestamps
02:01 - Introducing the KidsWell Program
06:36 - Chronic Illness in Children
10:19 - The “Triangle of Health”
18:28 - Redefining Pediatric Blood Panels
26:59 - Pediatric Functional Tests
36:05 - The Personalized Blueprint for Lifelong Health
48:13 - Formula Fixes Based on Genetics
50:24 - Food Sensitivities and Empowering Parents
53:09 - Training the Next Generation of Clinicians