#386 ADHD, Autism, Eating Disorders and PANDAS with Erin Falco, RD
Jan 22, 2025
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Erin Falco, a functional medicine dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition, discusses her journey into treating complex conditions like ADHD and autism, inspired by her son's battle with PANDAS. She explains how targeted nutrition can transform mental health, sharing remarkable case studies, including a nonverbal young adult who spoke after dietary interventions. Erin highlights the impact of nutrient deficiencies, gut health, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on healing, emphasizing the critical role of holistic approaches in managing neurodevelopmental disorders.
Addressing underlying health issues like autoimmune conditions is vital for accurately diagnosing and treating pediatric mental health symptoms.
Targeted nutrition, including key nutrients like zinc and omega-3s, plays a crucial role in managing ADHD, autism, and eating disorders.
Mitochondrial health significantly impacts developmental disorders, with dietary interventions showing promise in improving communication and behavior in affected children.
Deep dives
The Importance of Understanding Underlying Health Conditions
Understanding the underlying health conditions affecting children is crucial for effective treatment. For example, a child who appears to have anxiety or restrictive eating might be facing an autoimmune issue that isn't immediately recognized, such as Lyme disease or strep. These conditions can manifest in various ways, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it's essential to look deeper into a child's health history to understand symptoms fully and address the root causes.
The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
Nutrition plays a significant part in mental health, especially in children dealing with conditions like autism and ADHD. A dietitian discussed how gluten and dairy removal could have substantial effects on managing these symptoms. Nutrients like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are also critical for brain function, and deficiencies can exacerbate issues related to mental health disorders. Incorporating targeted nutritional interventions has shown promising results in various cases, leading to significant improvements in both behavior and cognitive function.
Personal Experiences Drive Professional Practice
The personal journey of a dietitian with her son highlighted the complexities of managing pediatric autoimmune conditions. After navigating through numerous doctors and facing intense emotional challenges, she turned towards functional medicine and nutrition as a solution. This transformative experience not only shaped her approach but also fueled her passion in the field of pediatric care. By learning through her struggles, she aims to support other parents facing similar battles, enabling them to advocate effectively for their children.
The Emotional Complexity of Parenting Children with Health Issues
Parenting a child with health challenges often involves navigating an emotional rollercoaster. Parents may experience anxiety about their child's health, especially when dealing with fluctuating symptoms or flare-ups related to conditions such as PANDAS. Building a support system and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help ease some of the stress. Ultimately, empowering parents with knowledge and actionable insights allows them to feel more in control of their child's wellbeing.
The Impact of Mitochondrial Health on Developmental Disorders
Mitochondrial health is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in developmental disorders, such as autism. Interventions targeting mitochondrial function through specific nutrients have shown promising results, facilitating improvements in communication and social behaviors in affected children. Case studies illustrating the benefits of such targeted nutritional approaches emphasize the potential for dietary changes to lead to significant developmental milestones. Thus, understanding the link between nutrition and mitochondrial health opens new avenues for treatment in pediatric care.
This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Erin Falco, a functional medicine dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition, mental health, and autoimmune conditions. I met Erin at a national registered dietitian conference and LOVED her presentation because it was loaded with case studies.
Inspired by her son’s journey with PANS/PANDAS, Erin shares how she helps families tackle complex conditions like ADHD, autism, eating disorders, and anxiety by addressing nutrient deficiencies, gut health, and inflammation.
Erin highlights the critical role of targeted nutrition in mental health, with case studies that showcase life-changing transformations, including a nonverbal young adult with autism who spoke his first words after dietary and mitochondrial interventions. She also shares how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been a game-changer in her and her son’s healing journeys.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The difference between PANS and PANDAS and how infections can trigger mental health symptoms
Key nutrient deficiencies like zinc, omega-3s, and cholesterol that impact brain function and mental health
How gut imbalances, like clostridia overgrowth, can drive symptoms of OCD and anxiety
The role of mitochondrial support in improving symptoms of autism and ADHD
How hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) reduces inflammation and supports healing for neurological and autoimmune conditions
ABOUT GUEST: Erin Falco is a functional medicine dietitian specializing in mental health, pediatric nutrition, and autoimmune conditions. Certified in Functional Medicine for ADHD and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, she integrates targeted nutrition and therapies to support healing. Erin is also dedicated to educating healthcare providers and mentoring dietetic interns. Outside of work, she enjoys surfing, yoga, and creating allergen-free recipes with her family.
Subscribe to Erin's newsletter at the bottom of her homepage to access her FREE Mental Health Guide!
Over restriction is dead; if your practitioner is recommending this, they are stuck in 2010 and not evolving
Whole food is soul food and fed is best
Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
You don’t have to figure it out alone
Do your best and leave the rest
SPONSOR: Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Try their MagSoothe or MagSRT for better sleep and less stress. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!
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