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A Holistic Approach to Overcome PANDAS and PANS Part 4

Part 4: Treatment: From Acute Intervention to Long-Term Resilience

By Cristina McMullen, Bioenergetic Practitioner, Longevity Health Center 

When a child is in acute crisis, intervention must be decisive. In PANDAS cases, antibiotics are often the first step — a medical practice rooted in the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming.

Some children improve dramatically within 48 hours. Others experience partial improvement, followed by relapse.

Anti-Inflammatory and Immune-Modulating Therapies

NSAIDs may reduce inflammation. Short steroid bursts may suppress immune overactivation.

In more severe cases, IVIG or plasmapheresis may be considered to modulate antibody activity.

These treatments can be powerful. But they are not without cost or risk. And they may not address underlying terrain issues contributing to immune dysregulation.

The Antibiotic Resistance Reality

It is worth remembering that even Alexander Fleming warned about antibiotic misuse leading to resistance.

Today, biofilms and resistant bacterial forms complicate chronic infections. The National Institutes of Health estimates that a large proportion of chronic infections involve biofilm communities that are significantly more resistant to treatment.

This may help explain recurring flares despite appropriate antibiotic therapy.

A Functional Medicine Lens

At Longevity Health Center, we believe stabilization is only the beginning.

Long-term healing involves restoring immune balance.

That often includes:

  • Supporting gut integrity
  • Rebuilding microbiome diversity
  • Identifying food sensitivities
    Reducing environmental toxin burden
  • Optimizing nutrient status
  • Strengthening sleep and nervous system regulation

We don’t approach this as a quick fix. We approach it as rebuilding resilience.

Prevention and Immune Training

Modern research increasingly supports the idea that immune systems require appropriate microbial exposure early in life to develop tolerance.

At the same time, overuse of antibiotics, environmental chemicals, chronic stress, and dietary shifts may contribute to rising autoimmune conditions.

The goal isn’t fear.

It’s balance.

Public health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization continue to monitor infectious and immune trends globally. As our understanding evolves, so must our strategies for prevention and resilience.

The Bigger Picture

PANDAS and PANS sit at the crossroads of infection, immunology, neurology, and psychiatry.

They challenge traditional silos of medicine.

But they also offer a powerful reminder:

The brain is not separate from the immune system.
 Behavior is not separate from inflammation.
 And healing often requires looking at the whole child.

At Longevity Health Center, we walk alongside families navigating this complexity — carefully, compassionately, and collaboratively.

Because when the immune system is supported, and inflammation is addressed at its roots, many children find their way back to themselves.

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A Holistic Approach to Overcome PANDAS and PANS Part 3

Part 3: Diagnosis & The Ongoing Debate

By Cristina McMullen, Bioenergetic Practitioner, Longevity Health Center

 

If you’ve been navigating PANDAS or PANS with your child, you’ve probably already noticed something frustrating: Not everyone agrees on what it is, or how to diagnose it.

Some clinicians believe these conditions are often missed. Others are more cautious and feel the criteria can sometimes be applied too broadly. And in the middle of that debate are families watching very real, very sudden changes in their children.

You might hear phrases like “correlation doesn’t equal causation.” But when a child changes overnight—developing OCD, anxiety, tics, or severe behavioral regression—parents are often left trying to make sense of a pattern that feels very real in front of them.

That gap between lived experience and evolving science is part of what makes this condition so complex.

How PANDAS and PANS Are Diagnosed

One of the most important things to understand is this:

PANDAS and PANS are clinical diagnoses. They are not confirmed by a single lab test.

Instead, they are identified based on a child’s symptom presentation, timing, and medical history.

PANDAS is typically considered when there is:

  • A sudden onset or dramatic worsening of OCD and/or tics
  • A temporal association with a streptococcal infection
  • Supporting clinical history suggesting immune involvement

Labs such as ASO and Anti-DNase B titers may be ordered to evaluate for recent strep exposure, but they are not diagnostic on their own. Antibody levels can vary depending on timing, prior immune response, and whether the infection was recent or partially treated. Negative results can still be misleading because not all children will show elevated or rising levels, even when infection appears to be a trigger.

This means diagnosis cannot rely on labs alone—it requires careful clinical evaluation of symptom timing and pattern.

PANS is diagnosed when there is:

  • A sudden onset of OCD or restrictive eating
  • Along with at least two additional neuropsychiatric or behavioral symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, regression, sleep disruption, or urinary symptoms)
  • No requirement for a known infectious trigger

Because there is no single identifiable cause, PANS is also a clinical syndrome defined by symptom pattern, not a laboratory marker.

Where Testing Fits In

Laboratory testing can still be helpful, but primarily as supporting information, not confirmation of diagnosis.

Testing may be used to explore:

  • Evidence of recent or past infections
  • Immune system activation
  • Inflammatory or metabolic contributors that may be worsening symptoms

However, no lab test currently available can definitively confirm or rule out PANDAS or PANS. These results must always be interpreted in the context of the full clinical picture.

What About the Cunningham Panel and Other Advanced Testing?

You may also hear about the Cunningham Panel, a specialized test developed to evaluate certain antibodies and immune signaling patterns that may be associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms.

It measures markers such as:

  • Anti-dopamine receptor antibodies (D1 & D2)
  • Anti-lysoganglioside antibodies
  • Anti-tubulin antibodies
  • CaMKII activation (a signaling marker related to immune activity in the brain)

The intention is to explore whether immune dysregulation may be contributing to symptoms.

However, there are several important considerations for families:

The Cunningham Panel is not a diagnostic test for PANDAS or PANS, and its clinical reliability remains debated.

It is also:

  • Expensive, often costing close to one thousand dollars
  • May not be covered by insurance
  • Variable in its results, which can shift depending on whether a child is in a symptom flare or relatively stable at the time of testing

Because of this, results may look very different at different points in a child’s journey.

Some clinicians still use the panel as a supportive tool in complex cases, while others do not rely on it due to inconsistency and lack of broad clinical consensus.

A More Accessible Option: Neural Zoomer

Another test some integrative providers may consider is the Neural Zoomer, a broader panel that evaluates immune reactivity to a wide range of brain and nervous system proteins.

This test looks at antibodies associated with:

  • Neuroinflammation
  • Brain and nerve tissue reactivity
  • Neurotransmitter receptors (such as dopamine and GABA)
  • Blood–brain barrier integrity
  • Infection-related immune responses

Because it casts a wider net, it may help identify patterns of immune activation affecting the nervous system that standard labs do not capture.

In many cases, it is:

  • Somewhat more affordable than the Cunningham Panel (though still typically out-of-pocket)
  • More commonly used in integrative and functional medicine settings
  • Available as a simple blood test

However, it’s important to understand:

  • Like the Cunningham Panel, it is not diagnostic for PANDAS or PANS
  • Pediatric reference ranges are limited, so results require thoughtful interpretation
  • It reflects immune reactivity, not necessarily causation or active disease

The Bigger Picture

Both of these tests can offer insight into immune patterns—but neither provides a definitive answer.

They may help answer questions like:

  • Is there evidence of immune activity affecting the brain?
  • Are there patterns that suggest inflammation or barrier disruption?

But they cannot answer:

  • Is this definitively PANDAS or PANS?

That diagnosis still comes back to clinical history, symptom pattern, and timing.

In many cases, families gain more clarity by focusing first on patterns and response to treatment, rather than relying heavily on advanced testing alone.

Is PANDAS/PANS Underdiagnosed or Overdiagnosed?

The honest answer is that both perspectives exist.

Some children with sudden neuropsychiatric changes may go years without anyone considering an immune or post-infectious component. Others may receive a PANDAS/PANS label without a clearly supported trigger.

This is part of why diagnosis can feel so confusing—it relies heavily on clinical judgment rather than a single definitive test.

Our Approach: Looking at the Whole Picture

At Longevity Health Center, we take a step back from one-size-fits-all answers.

Instead, we focus on patterns:

  • When did symptoms begin, and how quickly did they change?
  • What infections, immune stressors, or environmental triggers came before onset?
  • What does the child’s immune and health history show over time?
  • How do symptoms shift with treatment or stress?

Because in complex neuroimmune conditions, no single lab test or checklist tells the full story.

Careful observation, clinical pattern recognition, and individualized evaluation are essential.

Encouragement for Parents

If you’re in the middle of this journey, it’s okay to feel uncertain.

Science is still evolving. The opinions can be conflicting. And yet—your observations about your child matter.

You are often the first to notice the pattern. And in conditions where timing and subtle changes are important, that insight can be one of the most valuable pieces of the clinical picture.

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A Holistic Approach to Overcome PANDAS and PANS Part 2

How Infections and Inflammation Reach the Brain

By Cristina McMullen, Bioenergetic Practitioner, Longevity Health Center 

 

In Part 1, we explored how an autoimmune response can target the brain in children with PANDAS and PANS.

Now let’s go deeper.

Because understanding how inflammation reaches the brain helps explain why some children spiral into chronic symptoms — and why others recover.

When Inflammation Doesn’t Turn Off

In a healthy immune response, inflammation is temporary.

A pathogen enters. The immune system responds.
The invader is eliminated. The immune system quiets.

But in autoimmune states, that final step fails.

Macrophages and other immune cells continue releasing inflammatory cytokines. Antibodies remain active. The immune system stays on high alert.

This prolonged immune activation doesn’t just circulate in the bloodstream — it affects barriers designed to protect vital organs.

One of the most important of those barriers is the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

The Blood–Brain Barrier: The Brain’s Security System

The blood–brain barrier is a tightly woven network of capillaries that separates circulating blood from brain tissue.

Under normal circumstances, it prevents bacteria, viruses, large proteins, and circulating antibodies from entering the brain.

But during systemic inflammation, those tight junctions can loosen.

Cytokines increase vascular permeability. Capillaries expand. The barrier becomes more permeable than it should be.

This is where autoimmune conditions become neurological conditions.

When neuroactive antibodies cross into brain tissue, they don’t behave passively. They bind. They signal. They alter neurotransmitter activity.

In PANDAS and PANS, the region most consistently implicated is the basal ganglia.

The Basal Ganglia: Where Movement, Emotion, and Habit Intersect

The basal ganglia are not a single structure but a network of nuclei located deep within the brain. They include:

The caudate nucleus

The putamen

The globus pallidus

The substantia nigra

The subthalamic nucleus

Each region contributes to coordination between movement, cognition, motivation, and emotion.

The caudate nucleus, for example, plays a role in inhibitory control and procedural learning. The putamen influences movement patterns and habit formation. The substantia nigra helps regulate dopamine — a neurotransmitter central to reward and motor control.

When inflammation affects this network, the results can be profound:

Repetitive motor movements

Intrusive thoughts

Compulsive behaviors

Emotional volatility

Impulsivity

Sensory dysregulation

Imaging studies during acute PANDAS episodes have demonstrated enlargement of the caudate and putamen. In some documented PANS cases associated with Lyme neuroborreliosis, MRI findings have even shown infarction within basal ganglia structures.

These are not subtle findings.

They underscore an important reality: this is not “bad behavior.” This is inflamed neural circuitry.

Beyond Strep: Other Triggers of PANS

While PANDAS is specifically associated with Group A Streptococcus, PANS expands the list of potential triggers.

Let’s walk through some of the most commonly investigated.

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV)

EBV is incredibly common. Many children are exposed to it early in life.

Testing typically includes:

VCA IgM (indicating recent infection)

VCA IgG (which persists long term)

EBNA antibodies (which appear later)

Early Antigen (EA) antibodies (which may suggest active infection)

Interpreting EBV labs can be complex. Some antibodies remain positive for life, making it difficult to distinguish past from current activity.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma is unique among bacteria because it lacks a cell wall. That makes it harder to detect and treat.

Testing may involve:

IgM and IgG antibody levels

PCR assays that detect bacterial DNA

Because Mycoplasma can be small and elusive, false negatives are possible.

Lyme Disease and Coinfections

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is typically evaluated using ELISA followed by Western Blot testing.

However, both tests have limitations. False negatives are common, especially early in infection. PCR testing may detect bacterial DNA, but even that depends on where the sample is drawn.

When neurological symptoms overlap with immune dysregulation, Lyme and coinfections often enter the differential diagnosis.

Environmental Factors: Metals and Mold

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminum, and arsenic can be measured through blood, urine, or hair analysis.

Mold exposure may be evaluated through antibody testing or organic acid testing. However, mold mycotoxin testing can yield false negatives if the body is not actively excreting toxins at the time of testing.

These environmental contributors don’t directly “cause” PANS in most cases. But they may increase inflammatory burden, lower immune resilience, and contribute to chronic immune activation.

Why False Negatives Are So Common

One of the most frustrating aspects of PANDAS and PANS is that testing is imperfect.

Strep titers (ASO and Anti-DNase B) don’t always rise significantly. In fact, studies have shown that only about half of confirmed strep infections produce a significant increase in ASO titers.

Timing matters. Age matters. Individual immune response variability matters.

This diagnostic uncertainty is part of why controversy persists.

 

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Understanding PANS, PANDAS, and Lyme Disease

Podcast Spotlight: Cristina McMullen on Integrative Lyme Solutions 

Longevity Health Center’s Bioenergetic Practitioner Cristina McMullen recently sat down with Dr. Michael Karlfeldt, host of the Integrative Lyme Solutions podcast, for an in-depth discussion on pediatric neuroimmune conditions and integrative healing.

In this compelling conversation, Cristina dives deep into PANS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections), shedding light on how these often-misunderstood conditions intersect with Lyme disease and chronic infections.

Understanding the Root of Complex Pediatric Symptoms

Children with PANS or PANDAS can experience sudden and dramatic changes in behavior, mood, cognition, and physical health. Cristina explains why these symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked and how infections such as Lyme, strep, and other immune triggers can play a central role in driving neuroinflammation.

Drawing from her own professional journey, she shares the realities of diagnosing and treating these complex conditions, especially when conventional approaches fall short. Her insights offer both clarity and validation for families navigating confusing and often overwhelming healthcare paths.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

This jam-packed episode offers practical, actionable information, including:

  • Key symptoms and red flags of PANS and PANDAS
  • The role of infections, including Lyme disease, in triggering neuropsychiatric symptoms
  • How immune dysfunction and inflammation impact the developing brain
  • The use of bioenergetic testing to uncover hidden stressors
  • Integrative treatment strategies, including herbal and natural remedies
  • Why individualized care is essential for meaningful recovery

Cristina emphasizes a whole-child approach that looks beyond symptoms to address underlying immune and infectious drivers, offering a roadmap rooted in both science and compassion.

A Message of Hope for Families

Perhaps most importantly, this episode delivers something every parent and caregiver needs: hope. Cristina shares why recovery is possible and how the right combination of testing, treatment, and support can help children regain their health and quality of life.

If you’re a parent, practitioner, or advocate seeking deeper understanding of PANS, PANDAS, and their connection to Lyme disease, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in on Apple Podcasts     Listen on Spotify      

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Podcast Spotlight: Cristina McMullen on Lyme & Beyond with Tanya 

Healing Lyme from the Inside Out: Mind, Body, and Soul Support

In this episode of Lyme & Beyond with Tanya, Longevity Health Center’s Bioenergetic Practitioner Cristina McMullen joins host Tanya Hoebel for an insightful conversation on what it truly takes to support healing from Lyme disease.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been on a treatment journey with limited progress, this episode highlights why addressing the mind, body, and soul is essential for meaningful, lasting healing. Cristina breaks down foundational support strategies, including the impact of chronic stress, the role of the vagus nerve, dietary considerations, and reducing toxic burden.

Cristina also provides a clear, approachable explanation of PANS and PANDAS, outlining key symptoms parents should be aware of and discussing how infections and mold exposure can contribute to these conditions.

Listeners will walk away with practical tools, simple shifts, and empowering insights that can make a real difference for those navigating Lyme disease and other vector-borne infections.

 

Tune in on Apple Podcasts     Listen on Spotify      

 

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Podcast Spotlight: Cristina McMullen on The Silver Lyming 

The complex world of Lyme disease and PANS/PANDAS

In this episode, our very own Bioenergetic Practitioner Cristina McMullen shares her two decades of experience helping children and adults heal from tick-borne infections through holistic, individualized care.

Together, show host Ann Desjardins and Cristina dive into the complex world of Lyme disease and PANS/PANDAS. They discuss the importance of building immune resilience in children, emphasizing that despite potential exposure to pathogens like Lyme disease, children can be protected and empowered to lead healthy lives. You’ll hear success stories of patients who recover from chronic health conditions and thrive academically. Cristina also stresses the need for education and preparation rather than fear, encouraging outdoor activities while teaching practical measures to handle potential infections.

This is an important episode as children are the hardest hit population when it comes to Lyme and tick-borne illness, and they experience a litany of symptoms related to their cognitive abilities which could derail their academic life, as well as their physical health permanently if left undiagnosed and untreated. PANS/PANDAS is something that often accompanies tick-borne illness so being informed and aware is crucial.

Tune in to hear how families can replace fear with empowerment, helping kids stay healthy, active, and thriving both physically and mentally. 

Tune in on Apple Podcasts     Listen on Spotify       Watch on Youtube

 

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Your Holistic Summer Survival Guide: First Aid, Prevention & Everyday Wellness

By Cristina McMullen, Certified Traditional Naturopath, Longevity Health Center 

Summer is full of sunshine, ball games, pool days, and road trips,  but it can also bring bee stings, belly aches, scraped knees, and mystery rashes just when you least expect them. As a naturopath and a mom of four very active kids, I’ve learned that a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to keeping your family healthy and calm through it all. Having a well-stocked holistic first aid kit can make a huge difference when you’re out and about, and building in simple daily supports helps prevent most of those issues before they even begin.

This guide offers both: the remedies I don’t leave home without, and the daily wellness tools I use to keep my own family thriving all summer long. Because truly, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And when you’re juggling kids, sports, travel, and sunshine, a little planning now saves a lot of stress later.


The Holistic First Aid Kit

This super simple kit contains most of the remedies I bring with me to the park, pool, ballfield, on hikes, or on road trips. With just a few key additions, you’ll be ready for just about anything summer throws your way,  from bug bites and belly aches to bruises and burns.

It isn’t about packing a whole pharmacy for every possible ailment. It’s about being prepared for the most common things you’ll encounter on your summer adventures. It’s peace of mind in a pouch.

Homeopathics

  • Apis 30c – For bee stings, bug bites, or allergic skin reactions with swelling and heat.
    Dose: 2 pellets every 15–30 minutes for up to 3 doses, then as needed. 
  • Ledum 30c – First-line for tick bites, puncture wounds, or cold, bruised-feeling bites.
    Dose: 2 pellets after a bite or sting, repeat every few hours if needed. 
  • Rhus tox 30c – Helps with poison ivy, itchy rashes, or joint stiffness worsened by rest.
    Dose: 2 pellets 2–3 times per day until symptoms improve. 
  • Arsenicum album 30c – For vomiting, diarrhea, or food poisoning with restlessness.
     Dose: 2 pellets every 30–60 minutes for acute symptoms, space out as they  improve.

Topicals

  • No Bites Bug Spray – A clean, DEET-free insect repellent made with essential oils.
    Spray on exposed skin and reapply every couple hours or after swimming or    sweating.
  • Calendula salve – Natural antiseptic that speeds healing for cuts, scrapes, mild rahes, and even sunburn.
    Apply topically 2–3 times a day on clean skin. 
  • Arnica salve – Eases bruising, bumps, and sore muscles. (Not for open wounds.)
    Rub gently into the affected area as needed. 
  • Argentyn 23 gel – Broad-spectrum antimicrobial that helps prevent infection in cuts, bites, or  burns.
    Apply a thin layer to the affected area 1–3 times daily. 
  • Sting Stop Gel – Fast relief for itching and irritation from bug bites or stings.
     Apply directly to the irritated area as needed.

At Home Add-Ons to Complete It All

  • Band-aids (assorted sizes) – Always useful for cuts, blisters, or minor scrapes.
  • Gauze pads + medical tape – For larger wounds or when a regular bandage won’t do. 
  • Tweezers or Tick Remover Tool – For splinters, thorns, or safe tick removal. 
  • Small scissors – Handy for cutting tape, gauze, or clothing in a pinch. 
  • Natural, mineral-based sunscreen – For safe sun protection without harsh chemicals. 
  • Alcohol/vinegar ear drops (50/50 blend) – Use after lake or pool swimming to help prevent swimmer’s ear.
    A couple drops per ear after swimming can dry out moisture and discourage infection.

Simple Daily Supports

Now you have your first aid kit for the “just in case” moments. But what about the daily rhythm that helps avoid those moments in the first place? In my house, we keep a few core supplements in rotation year-round, our wellness “security blankets” that help fill in dietary gaps and support growing, active bodies. Then, as the seasons shift, we layer in a few smart additions to help our systems adjust to our environment. 

Daily Core Summer Supplements

  • High-quality probiotic – For gut health, digestion, and immune support.
  • Omega-3s – Supports brain health, focus, inflammation, and mood.
  • Multivitamin – Helps bridge nutritional gaps and supports energy and development.

Smart Summer Add-Ons

These give an extra layer of support for the most common seasonal stressors:

  • Glutathione or NAC – For detoxification and antioxidant protection. A must for kids exposed to chlorine, mold, or pesticides/herbicides (like glyphosate on ball fields or public parks).
  • Milk Thistle or Liver Support Blends – Gentle support for the liver, especially helpful during a summer of pool chemicals, moldy air, and other environmental chemicals.
  • Quercetin Seasonal Shield or D-Hist Jr. – Natural histamine support for seasonal allergies triggered by grasses, trees, ragweed, and mold.
  • Astaxanthin (around 7mg daily) – A powerful antioxidant often called “internal sunscreen”  that protects skin from UV damage from the inside out.

Everyday Summer Wellness Hacks

Prevention isn’t just about supplements. Sometimes the simple, daily things make the biggest difference. These habits help support the body’s natural ability to detox, heal, and stay balanced, especially when summer gets hot, busy, and full of exposures.

  • Rinse Off After Swimming
    Especially important after chlorinated pools or natural water sources. A quick shower helps wash off residues, bacteria, or algae that can irritate skin or ears.
  • Detox Baths After Pool or Lake Days
    Chlorine, lake water, sunscreen, and bug spray all build up. A warm detox bath helps the body reset. This is  great for calming the nervous system, easing muscle tension, and supporting lymph flow.
    Try: 1 cup Epsom salt + ½ cup baking soda and soak for 20–30 minutes.
  • Hydrate with Electrolytes
    Don’t just chug water, balance it with electrolytes. Clean, dye-free electrolyte powders or coconut water help keep kids hydrated, focused, and headache-free.
  • Rotate Wet Clothes & Shoes
    Swampy socks and damp swimsuits create the perfect breeding ground for rashes or fungal issues. Get kids into fresh clothes when you can.
  • Regular Tick Checks
    Do quick evening tick checks, especially after wooded play, hikes, or ball fields. Then, if you happen to find a tick, stay calm and pull out your first aid kit.
  • Cool, Clean Snacks
    Pack whole food snacks like fruit, cucumbers, clean protein bars, or nut butter packets to avoid sugar crashes and food dye overload.
  • Prioritize Sleep (Even When It’s Still Light Out)
    Longer days and later nights can throw off circadian rhythms. Try to maintain a calming bedtime routine, limit screens after sunset, and use blackout curtains if needed.
    Tip: Magnesium, L-theanine, or calming herbs like chamomile can support winding down when excitement is high.

You don’t have to do everything perfectly to raise resilient, thriving kids, especially in the chaos and joy of summer. Just a little intention, a few smart tools, and a rhythm of prevention can make a huge difference.

If you’re ready to build your own holistic first aid kit or want help choosing the right supplements for your family’s unique needs, stop by the Longevity Nutrition Shop! We have prepped kits ready to go, and we’re happy to walk you through recommendations that fit your child’s age, sensitivities, and lifestyle.

Whether you’re heading to the ballfield, the beach, or just into your backyard, you’ve got this, mama!

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Bioenergetic Practitioner, Christina McMullen on the Homeopathy at Home with Melissa podcast

Tune in to hear Bioenergetic Practitioner, Christina McMullen on the Homeopathy at Home with Melissa podcast

Learn How to Detox in a Toxic World 

 

Did you catch our very own Bioenergetic Practitioner, Christina McMullen on the Homeopathy at Home with Melissa podcast? In this episode, Cristina answers the question, “Can natural detoxification transform your health?” She  brings her extensive knowledge to the table, offering insights into how our bodies naturally detoxify and why it’s essential to support these processes in today’s toxin-laden environment. 

 

Cristina also sheds light on common misconceptions around detoxing and shares practical, everyday strategies for enhancing our natural detox pathways. Tune in for a wealth of practical tips that can help you optimize your body’s natural detox pathways and achieve better health! 

 

Listen Here

 

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Interview Spotlight: Julie Miles from Beauty for Broken Life Coaching

Pediatric Spotlight: Chronic Illness and immune Function in Children with Bioenergetic Practitioner Cristina McMullen

Our very own Cristina McMullen was recently interviewed by Julie Miles of Beauty for Broken Life Coaching. In addition to being a caring and compassionate Patient Coordinator at Longevity, Julie works with women who desire to discover the broken rhythms in their lives and move forward to a beautiful transition to whole health: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

Cristina sat down with Julie for a Pediatric Spotlight Session, discussing chronic illness and immune dysfunction in children, and what we can do to support their wellness during these formative years.

As a mom to 4 children, and a practitioner seeing children for nearly two decades, Cristina has so much knowledge and wisdom to share on the topic of kids’ health. 

Be sure to tune in for this great conversation! 

Watch on YouTube Now! 

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Baby is On The Way: Holistic Steps for Bringing a Healthy New Life into the World 

By Cristina McMullen, Bioenergetic Practitioner

One of the most exciting times in a woman’s life is when she decides that she wants to become a mom.  The thought of creating a tiny human that will call you mama stirs up so many emotions of joy, wonder, and excitement.  Unfortunately, all of the wonderful emotions surrounding pregnancy can quickly be met with those of worry and even fear.  

Any woman who has been at this crossroad in life before knows these fears all too well.  We want to get pregnant at the drop of a dime but fear about the rising rates of infertility.  Once pregnant, we want to be the perfect little host for our growing babies and are constantly worried about doing or not doing something that would negatively affect their health.  And then, once they are born, we quickly realize that these helpless little humans rely on us for everything and so many decisions can easily become daunting ones with the never ending fear of whether or not you will make the “right” decision for them.  

Whew!  It’s stressful and exhausting just writing this!  But it shouldn’t be this way!  All of our worries should never hold enough power to rob us of the incredible joy that comes with parenting!  Fortunately, we live in a time where science has uncovered so much about what a little baby’s body needs in order to develop into a healthy adult.  And as a Naturopath, one of my jobs is to teach my clients everything I know about these scientific discoveries.  Together, we can ease these mama fears with medical facts and take charge of what we can control while also learning how to pivot if and when need be. 

So grab some tea or coffee, find a comfy spot to sit, and let’s explore some of the things we can do here at Longevity to help support you, your husband, and your future babies in your journey to becoming a happy, healthy family.  

 

The Biggest Ounce of Prevention Starts Before Conception

When we think about the fact that life is formed by the combining of two cells that come from two other humans, it only makes sense that the health of that new life starts with the health of those two humans.  Whether you have underlying symptoms or health conditions you want to address or feel generally healthy, there is so much we can do to optimize your health before you conceive.  

Now, I know this is an exciting time in a couples’ life, but I always advise these couples to take anywhere from 3-6 months to really focus on their own health before even trying to conceive.  I know it may seem like a long time to some, but this “slow down phase” really optimizes our cellular health and improves fertility rates as well as both the short and long term health of our babies.  Plus, more energy is a common result of better overall health and you are going to need all the energy you can get once you are busy taking care of that little one.  So what do we need to be doing during these 3-6 months?  

 

Clean Up Your Diet

It is no secret that the standard American diet is not only void of our necessary nutrients but is also loaded with a slew of harmful chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and emulsifiers.  This combination of nutritional deficiencies and toxic burdens can really wreak havoc on the health and integrity of our cells and completely disrupt our gut’s microbiome (something we will talk about in a minute because it plays a major role in the health of our babies).  And, no matter how hard someone might try, no amount of supplements is going to overcome a poor diet and lifestyle. This is why our first focus needs to be on cleaning up our diet.  

We need to remove the harmful processed foods while also increasing nutrient dense produce.  Simply avoiding the aisles of the grocery store as much as possible and focusing on the perimeter of the store is a great way to start.  Reading labels of the packaged items you do buy will allow you to avoid ingredients like pro-inflammatory seeds oils and hydrogenated oils, as well as emulsifiers and preservatives.  Buying organic produce as much as possible, or at least learning about the “dirty dozen” and making sure those produce items you buy are organic will significantly reduce your exposure to pesticides and herbicides in your food.  

If you feel like you need an extra helping hand as you navigate through some dietary changes, scheduling a nutritional consultation with Carrie Rutledge here at Longevity would be a fantastic idea. She can walk you through how to easily make some changes that will truly set you up for success!

 

Focus on Lifestyle Factors

Aside from the types of foods we are putting into our bodies, the environment around us and how we live in it is the next thing that has the biggest impact on our overall health.  So, while we are cleaning out our diets we also have to look to see how we can clean up our environment and balance our lifestyle.  

Some of the obvious factors include our quality and quantity of sleep, our activity levels, and our overall stress levels. We have all heard time and time again how important it is to get enough restful sleep at night and how exercise helps improve metabolic health and overall immune function.  We have also heard of one if not multiple couples who were so stressed out trying to conceive and it wasn’t until they gave up and went on a relaxing vacation that they finally got pregnant.  

So, while we all innately know better, the time leading up to conception is when you really want to prioritize sleep, movement, and ways to decrease overall stress levels.  I know first hand, though, that this is so much easier said than done.  Life has a way of “getting the best of us” when we want or need things to be as uneventful as possible.  This is where some herbal and nutritional supplements can be very helpful in allowing our bodies to wind down, get out of fight or flight, and allow our bodies to get into a more restful, parasympathetic state of functioning. 

Other, less common environmental factors people tend to forget about but still have a huge impact on the overall health of our bodies include the toxicity of personal body care products and the air quality in our homes and work environment.  Our skin is our largest organ and absorbs every single thing that we put on it.  This includes shampoos, conditioners, lotions, deodorants, makeup, and hand sanitizers to name a few.  We want to reduce the level of toxins we are putting on our skin because so many of them are endocrine disruptors and can impact fertility rates by throwing off our own body’s hormones.  

Toxins in our air also easily make their way into our bodies by the simple act of breathing and things like mold can wreak havoc on every single cell in our bodies.  You also do not want to bring your newborn baby home into a moldy environment so navigating through any mold remediation before your baby begins growing both inside the womb or in their new home is going to prevent a lot of stress on everyone involved.  

 

Get On An Individualized Detox Protocol

While we are cleaning up our diet and lifestyle to prevent the accumulation of more toxins into the body, we also want to discover what underlying pathogens and toxins we might already be dealing with that need some help getting eliminated.  This is where setting up an appointment with one of our bioenergetic practitioners is going to be extremely beneficial.  Yes, there are dozens upon dozens of detox programs on the market, but detoxing is not a one size fits all and many of the programs out there overlook the fact that many people’s detoxification pathways are blocked and end up causing more harm than good.  

This is why no two Longevity patients are ever put on the same detox protocol.  Instead, each person’s unique toxic load is discovered during an evaluation along with uncovering which organs and systems need to be supported so that the toxins can actually be removed from the body.  This information then helps guide each practitioner towards a unique blend of supplements that will allow each person to detox without causing more cellular damage than there already may be.  

This step is unfortunately what can take the longest amount of time to complete but is such a vital step before conceiving.  This is because both mom and dad run the risk of transferring some of their toxic burdens on to their offspring.  And, even though this isn’t completely unavoidable, I know we all would like to minimize this as much as possible.  It definitely reduces or even eliminates much of the need for our kiddos to have to go through a rigorous detox program at young ages. 

 

Heal Your Gut And Balance Your Microbiome

Our GI tracts and microbiomes are hot topics these days, and for good reason.  So much of our overall health seems to stem back to the health of our guts.  This is also why gut health is such an important part in every single one of our detox protocols.  But what does mom and dad’s gut health have to do with the baby?  You might not initially think very much but emerging science is showing that it might actually have the biggest impact on your baby’s health.  Mom’s microbiome in particular is going to play an extremely important role in the immune development of baby during pregnancy, delivery, and in infancy and is why we really need to get our guts happy and healthy before conceiving. 

 

The Importance of Mama’s Microbiome

I know 3-6 months of working on your own health can feel like quite a journey, but once this time has passed and you have been given the green light to start trying, you should quickly see the fruits of your labor in an easy conception.  Yay, you’re pregnant!!!  But now what?  This little one still has to grow in utero for 9 months before making his or her debut into this world.  And contrary to original belief, the uterus is not a sterile environment that protects a baby from the outside toxic world.  

This is why the health of the expectant mama needs to be the center of attention.  No, we do not want to put mama on any detox program during the time she is pregnant or even nursing, but we can impact the health and development of baby’s immune system by focusing on the health of mama’s microbiome.    

Believe it or not, microbe-mediated immune education begins during gestation!  That’s right!  While your precious little one is growing inside your uterus, it is getting messages from your gut and immune cells and learning what is good vs bad.  A healthy microbiome that sends healthy messages to the baby has been shown to prevent infant obesity and other metabolic issues, improve infant brain health, decrease infant eczema and allergies, and reduce the risk of autism. 

And it doesn’t stop there.  Mom’s microbiome has been shown to even modulate neurodevelopment in kids, so much so that it may even provide protection from neurological diseases later on in life!    

Thankfully so much of what mama was doing leading up to pregnancy will continue to support her microbiome during pregnancy.  Healthy fibers from fruits and vegetables will provide food for the good bacteria in her gut that she is either supporting through a probiotic supplement or fermented foods.  This will then ensure that the bacteria have what they need to produce short chain fatty acids like butyrate, which is a major component of breast milk and is currently being studied on its ability to reduce food allergies in little ones.  

What we want to be cautious about is upsetting the microbial balance in mama’s gut through things like antibiotics.  Granted, there are times when antibiotics are necessary, but those who do end up having to take antibiotics while pregnant really should follow up with one of our naturopaths to make sure we get the microbiome back to where it needs to be as fast as possible.  

 

Supporting Mama During Pregnancy

Every phase of pregnancy is different, and with that comes different nutritional needs and symptoms for mama.  During the pregnancy, we want to periodically check mama for nutritional deficiencies.  There may come times when she might need more iron, magnesium, or calcium to support her growing baby while also preventing common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, muscle cramping, etc.  

Other therapies can be very relaxing and beneficial as well.  I don’t think I have ever heard an expectant mama turn down a prenatal massage and we have an absolutely amazing massage therapist!  Acupuncture can also really help with first trimester nausea as well as possible round ligament pain and discomfort towards the end of pregnancy.

 

Building Baby Up During their First 1000 Days

The importance of supporting your baby’s developing gut and immune system continues after they are born all the way up until things seem to become fully established by the time they are around 3 years old.  This is when they continue to learn and begin to differentiate between good and bad and are taking messages both from mama’s immunity in breast milk and from the environment around them.  

This is why mama’s health still needs to be at the forefront, but also the baby’s environment.  Gut health for both is front and center as is their exposure to environmental toxins and specific nutrient needs.  And, just like each phase of pregnancy takes on different needs and potential challenges, so does every phase in baby’s development.  

We absolutely love seeing babies and establishing care with them sooner than later.  This way we can come alongside parents during each growing phase, cold and flu season, and nutritional milestones to help ensure that we can build up the microbiome and immune system within these first three years as best as possible.  It also helps us keep track of moms to make sure they are adjusting well to parenting, getting the support they need, and that their body and hormones are adjusting during the postpartum phase.  

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