Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast

Nancy O'Hara MD
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May 14, 2025 • 53min

Is This Immune Disorder the Missing Link in Your Child’s Recovery?

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.----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.----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.----Website: https://drtaniadempsey.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniadempseymdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtaniadempseymd/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/
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May 7, 2025 • 54min

Uncovering the Hidden Signs of PANS/PANDAS

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----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.----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.----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.----Website: https://lindseywellsnd.com/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/
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Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 6min

Resilience Starts in the Gut: Dr. Elisa Song’s Whole Child Blueprint

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.----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.----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.----Website: https://www.healthykidshappykids.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthykids_happykids/----Website: ⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/
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Apr 23, 2025 • 57min

Missed Diagnoses: How PANS/PANDAS is Overlooked in Kids with Autism

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. ----Website: ⁠https://www.nutramedix.com/pages/practitioners⁠15% Discount Code: AVEATALKS----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.----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.----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.----Website: https://drdebbyhamilton.com/----Website: ⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠---- ⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/
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Apr 16, 2025 • 53min

Why Kids With Down Syndrome Are More Susceptible to PANS/PANDAS

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.----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.----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.----Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peirsoncenterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peirsoncenter/Website: https://www.peirsoncenter.com/----Website: ⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/
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Apr 9, 2025 • 51min

Why PANS/PANDAS Treatment Fails—And What Actually Works

Homeopathy is often misunderstood, but could it be the key to addressing immune dysfunction at its core? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Bahr joins me to explore how homeopathy goes beyond symptom suppression to address the deeper susceptibility behind conditions like PANS and PANDAS.----PANS and PANDAS are more than just infections—they’re a sign of immune system dysfunction. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Bahr to explain why children with these conditions experience such extreme neuropsychiatric reactions to common triggers like strep, mold, and viruses. We break down the core concept of susceptibility, showing how homeopathy helps address the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.Dr. Bahr also discusses how homeopathy differs from conventional and functional medicine, explaining why it works uniquely to retrain the immune system rather than relying on ongoing medication or supplements. She shares insights into how parents can navigate complex cases, avoid common treatment pitfalls, and take a more holistic, sustainable approach to healing. If you’re looking for a way to move beyond the merry-go-round of symptom management, this episode is a must-listen.----Dr. Jennifer Bahr, ND, DHANP, is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Resilience Naturopathic, a practice devoted to making PANS/PANDAS a thing of the past and homeopathy the medicine of the future. Her commitment stems from her personal experience as a child who would have been diagnosed with PANS had she been born 20 years later than she was. Her life‘s work is dedicated to bringing awareness to PANS/PANDAS, teaching the world about the healing power of homeopathy, and changing the outcome for the children and families that are suffering. Dr. Bahr is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine as well as the University of Maryland, where she earned her BS in physiology and neurobiology.----Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resiliencenaturopathicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/resiliencenaturopathic/Website: https://resiliencenaturopathic.com/----Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. With a deep passion for PANS/PANDAS, she has dedicated her career to educating families and providing effective treatment solutions. Her work helps countless children and parents navigate the complexities of these conditions with clarity and confidence.----Website: ⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/
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Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 5min

Is Autoimmunity Preventable? Dr. David Brady Reveals the Truth

Autoimmune diseases are skyrocketing, but what’s really behind their rise? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. David Brady to explore the environmental triggers behind chronic inflammation, the critical role of gut health, and the overlooked connection between infections and autoimmunity. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how to protect and restore immune balance!----Autoimmune diseases are rising at an alarming rate, but is it really just bad genetics? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. David Brady joins me to unravel the real drivers behind chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. We break down why industrialized countries experience significantly higher rates of autoimmunity, the overlooked role of gut health in triggering immune responses, and how infections can set off lifelong disease.Dr. Brady also shares his top strategies for preventing and managing autoimmune conditions, from dietary interventions to targeted nutraceuticals like curcumin and specialized mucopolysaccharides. Plus, we dive into the surprising role of stress, sleep, and even cold therapy in resetting the immune system. If you or a loved one is dealing with autoimmune issues, this episode is packed with actionable insights that could change your approach to healing.----Dr. David Brady is a licensed naturopathic physician with over three decades of experience in integrative medicine and academia. He is board-certified in functional medicine and clinical nutrition, a fellow of the American College of Nutrition, and former director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport. He serves as Chief Medical Officer for Designs for Health and Diagnostic Solutions Labs and maintains a private practice in Fairfield, Connecticut.A leading expert on chronic illness, autoimmunity, and functional gastroenterology, Dr. Brady has published extensively in medical journals and textbooks. He is a sought-after speaker at major conferences and has been featured in media like Dr. Oz, ELLE, and NPR. His expertise in complex conditions, including fibromyalgia, provides valuable insights into functional medicine’s role in addressing PANS/PANDAS.----Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDavidBradyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidbrady/Website: https://drdavidbrady.com/----Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. With a deep passion for PANS/PANDAS, she has dedicated her career to educating families and providing effective treatment solutions. Her work helps countless children and parents navigate the complexities of these conditions with clarity and confidence.----Website: ⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/
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Mar 26, 2025 • 52min

Herbs vs. Antibiotics: The Lyme Treatment Doctors Overlook

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. ----Website: https://www.nutramedix.com/pages/practitioners15% Discount Code: AVEATALKS----Curious about how herbal treatments stack up against antibiotics for Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Theresa Haller to explore the power of botanical medicine for complex chronic illnesses. We’re diving into how herbs can support healing, ways to ease Herxheimer reactions, and what practitioners need to know to better care for patients battling tick-borne diseases and immune dysfunction. Tune in—you won’t want to miss this eye-opening conversation.----In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Teresa Holler to dive into the power of herbal protocols for treating Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia. We explore how botanical medicine can be a highly effective alternative to antibiotics—sometimes even more effective for persistent infections.Teresa also shares her journey from conventional to functional medicine and how she became a sought-after expert in treating complex chronic illnesses. Together, we break down why certain herbs are game-changers in fighting these infections and discuss the science behind their antimicrobial and immune-modulating effects. You’ll learn how herbs can help regulate the immune response for deeper, more lasting healing.If you or a loved one is struggling with tick-borne illnesses and co-infections, this episode is full of practical insights you won’t want to miss!----Teresa Holler is a renowned integrative medicine expert, educator, and author dedicated to uncovering the root causes of chronic illness. With a background in family practice and functional medicine, she has helped countless patients navigate complex conditions, including Lyme and PANS/PANDAS. A former assistant professor of medicine at the Jefferson College of Health Sciences and founder of CME Opportunities, Teresa has been a driving force in medical education for physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Teresa is also the author of multiple books, including Cardiology Essentials, Holler for Your Health, and On Medicine and Miracles, and has been featured on NPR, FOX TV, Good Morning Arizona, and The Dr. Jill Show.----Website: ⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----Website: http://www.teresaholler.com/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/
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Mar 19, 2025 • 55min

Genomics: The Missing Piece in Treating PANS/PANDAS and Autism?

In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen, co-founder of IntellxxDNA, joins me to dive into the role of genomics in understanding and treating complex conditions like autism, cognitive decline, and PANS/PANDAS. We explore how genomic testing can uncover hidden genetic factors affecting immune function, inflammation, and brain health—helping you personalize treatments and improve outcomes.----Genomic medicine is transforming the way we understand and treat complex conditions like autism and PANS/PANDAS. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen joins me to discuss how genomic testing can reveal hidden genetic factors that impact immune function, inflammation, and brain health in children. We explore the difference between genetics (inheritable diseases) and genomics (how genes interact with the environment), highlighting how factors like nutrient absorption, detoxification, and neurotransmitter balance affect a child's overall health.Dr. Hausman-Cohen also introduces IntellxxDNA, a groundbreaking clinical decision-support tool that helps doctors personalize treatment plans based on genetic insights. She shares real-world examples of children whose lives have dramatically improved through targeted interventions, from addressing serotonin deficiencies to resolving immune dysfunction. Whether you’re a parent seeking answers or a clinician looking to refine your approach, this episode offers invaluable insights into the future of precision medicine.----Dr. Hausman-Cohen received both her master’s degree and medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Medicine and a diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Medicine. She is the medical director and co-founder of IntellxxDNA, an evidence-based genomics tool designed specifically to help functional and integrative physicians practice personalized medicine. Dr. Hausman-Cohen has been a co-author on numerous papers and textbook chapters relating to the use of genomics for identifying contributing factors and improving outcomes in individuals with cognitive decline, autism, and environmental illness and is proud that her research and the tool that she and her team built has been able to help so many across the world.----Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. With a deep passion for PANS/PANDAS, she has dedicated her career to educating families and providing effective treatment solutions. Her work helps countless children and parents navigate the complexities of these conditions with clarity and confidence.----Website: ⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intellxxdna/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intellxxdnaWebsite: https://intellxxdna.com/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/⁠
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Mar 12, 2025 • 57min

Is Mold Making You Sick? The Overlooked Trigger Behind PANS/PANDAS

In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, join me as I sit down with Dr. Jill Crista to explore the often-overlooked dangers of mold exposure—especially its impact on our children’s brains and immune systems. We also discuss the critical links between mold and PANS/PANDAS and talk about antifungal therapies, detox strategies, and simple yet powerful lifestyle changes that can make a real difference in recovery. ----Dive deep into the hidden dangers of mold toxicity and how it affects brain health, the immune system, and chronic illness! In this episode, Dr. Jill Crista joins me to shed light on how mold exposure can be the missing link behind conditions like PANS/PANDAS. We discuss why diagnosing mold illness can be so challenging, why some people in the same household react differently, and how common environmental toxins—like pesticides and mercury—can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections.We also share science-backed strategies for healing, from proper mold remediation and antifungal treatments to natural detox methods using food-based binders and herbal therapies. This episode is full of insights and actionable steps that could make all the difference in your family’s lives.----Dr. Jill Crista is a pioneering naturopathic doctor and renowned educator on complex, chronic illnesses, including PANS/PANDAS. She’s the author of the highly acclaimed best-seller, ‘Break The Mold: 5 Tools To Conquer Mold and Take Back Your Health.’ Through her physician training program, she’s trained hundreds of doctors, helping them uplevel their skills to become mold literate. She has now turned her efforts to supporting children and teens struggling with PANS/PANDAS. As a mother of children affected by this condition, she has combined the knowledge gained through her clinical and personal experience into an indispensable book titled ‘A Light In The Dark for PANDAS and PANS.’----Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. With a deep passion for PANS/PANDAS, she has dedicated her career to educating families and providing effective treatment solutions. Her work helps countless children and parents navigate the complexities of these conditions with clarity and confidence.----Website: ⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjillcrista/Website: https://drcrista.com/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/⁠

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