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.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Son's PANS/PANDAS Journey
Erin Falco's son experienced sudden anxiety, restrictive eating, and Tourette's-like symptoms at age five.
After seeing multiple doctors, a functional medicine RN diagnosed him with Lyme disease and celiac disease, potentially triggered by vaccines given during illness and antibiotics.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Erin's Celiac Discovery
Erin discovered she had celiac disease, but with neurological symptoms instead of gastrointestinal ones.
She experienced fatigue after eating and low iron, and testing confirmed celiac despite the atypical presentation.
question_answer ANECDOTE
PANS/PANDAS Treatment Challenges
Erin's son's PANS/PANDAS symptoms initially improved with antibiotics and herbals, but flare-ups continued.
This experience motivated Erin to specialize in pediatric mental health and nutrition, leading her to further education and a deeper understanding.
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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!
Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself