150 My Son's Unbelievable Health Mystery: Insights Relevant for All Parents and Caregivers
32m
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Thyroid Mystery Solved: Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism Revealed
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The Connection Between Strep, PANDA/PANS and Strange Behavior in Kids
The Investigation
I’ve helped thousands of patients and have even overcome my own health mystery, but in this episode, I share one of the hardest health mysteries I’ve ever faced because it involved my son Jake.
As someone who has triumphed over health challenges and now helps others do the same, I believe in the power of sharing our stories - especially this one that shook my world.
Suddenly Everything Mysteriously Changed
My son Jake was a lively five-year-old gearing up to start kindergarten. It was the summer of 2022, and I noticed shifts in his behavior. He craved more independence, which was only natural as he was growing older. However, alongside this newfound desire for autonomy, something else was brewing.
He started acting out, displaying anxiety, mood swings, and becoming increasingly oppositional. The changes were concerning, but as a loving parent, I attributed them to the whirlwind of transitions he was facing—starting a new school, meeting new people, and adjusting to a different routine. However, as time passed, the signs became more distinct and concerning.
The Symptoms Escalated
In September of 2022, Jake's issues took an even more perplexing turn. He began chewing on his shirt and experiencing frequent urination. I continued to think it might be anxiety and adjusting to his new school environment but deep down, I knew that something was just not adding up. These challenges persisted as the months went by, and his mood swings and oppositional behavior escalated.
Seeking Answers: Behavioral Therapy and Listening Therapy
Determined to help Jake overcome these challenges, I embarked on a journey of exploring various therapies and solutions. Behavioral therapy gave us some valuable tools but didn’t alleviate the symptoms. We then tried listening therapy which is a very cool concept that involved having kids listen to music. Unfortunately, these didn't fully alleviate Jake's struggles.
And, they would continue for months to come.
The Surprising Strep Connection
Fast forward to February of 2023, a crucial turning point in our journey. My husband Scott woke up with a fever and a bad sore throat. He went to the doctor and had it tested. It came back as a streptococcus infection. He was taking antibiotics and was feeling much better but it occurred to me that the whole family should get tested. We didn’t have any symptoms but knowing how contagious Strep is, I thought it would be good to do the test.
I was surprised to discover that we all came back positive. Listeners of the show will know that I am hesitant to use antibiotics when not absolutely necessary given the impact they had on my long-term health but in this case, it was imperative. Strep can cause long-term health issues if left untreated. While I, Jake and my daughter Juliette didn’t have any symptoms, the test and and culture showed that we absolutely did have Strep and so we had to treat it.
Reluctantly, but knowing we had to, I got antibiotics for everyone including Jake. What happened next was beyond interesting. Within days of starting on Amoxicillin, the shift in Jake’s behavior was remarkable. The tantrums ceased, the frequent urination subsided, and Jake's sweet nature returned. It was as if a veil had been lifted, and my son was back.
Seeing this, I now knew exactly what was happening but just didn’t connect the dots right away…
Unraveling the Mystery of PANDAS and PANS
Enter PANDAS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). These conditions are triggered by infections like Strep, which can lead to autoimmune responses that target the brain's basal ganglia—a region responsible for behavior, emotions, and motor control.
The main difference between PANDAS and PANS is that PANDAS is directly related to the Streptococcus virus whereas PANS is triggered by other viruses or infections.
It’s so important for parents to note the behavioral changes (which are often reported as happening ‘overnight’) because PANDAS isn’t always preceded by a notable Strep infection. Like Jake, some kids are asymptomatic and just don’t display the sore throat we associate with Strep throat.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of PANDAS and PANS
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Sudden onset of OCD symptoms
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New and intense fears
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New and intense concerns about things like being clean or putting certain things away
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Stressful thoughts and images.
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Compulsions
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Repetitive jerky motions or ticks
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Mood Swings
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Acting out or hyperactivity
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Behavioral changes like adopting baby talk
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Frequent urination or bedwetting
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Challenges with fine motor skills like handwriting
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Challenges with memory
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Sleep issues
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Sensory issues (sensitivities to noise, touch, or light)
Additional PANDAS and PANS Triggers
In my quest to fully understand what was going on, I wanted to get Jake in to see an expert. Dr. Nancy O'Hara is the pre-eminent expert and luckily for us, she’s just a 3-hour drive away. She explained that while Strep is a common trigger of PANDAS and PANS, it’s not the only one. In fact, she says the cases she sees are typically triggered by mold, Lyme, or other viruses. So, we kept a close eye on Jake and tested for all of these other potential triggers.
Dr. O’Hara had us do a parasite protocol with Jake and interestingly, this brought on some stuttering (which was unusual for Jake). We attributed this to the release of viruses harbored within the parasites. This further reinforced the intricate web of triggers affecting Jake's condition. I decided to also start using anti-inflammatories with him like a strong curcumin supplement. This is, after all, an autoimmune disease. Just like Hashimoto’s, it’s important to manage the inflammation and be aware of the triggers in order to manage the disease and avoid flare-ups.
Advocating for Awareness and Understanding
As I journeyed through this maze of PANDAS and PANS, I realized that these conditions are far less understood and recognized than they should be. Many families, educators, and healthcare providers remain unaware of their existence. This lack of awareness can lead to misdiagnosis, unaddressed challenges, and unnecessary suffering for children and their families. This is what inspired me to share this personal story. And, why I hope you’ll share it with anyone who has kids, grandkids or works with kids.
My hope in sharing this personal journey is to shed light on PANDAS and PANS and encourage a broader conversation about these conditions. By sharing our experiences and knowledge, we can empower others to seek answers, find support, and navigate their own health mysteries with determination and hope.
Resources mentioned
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What Is Candida?
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What You Need to Know about Candida and Probiotics
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As soon as you find out that you have a thyroid issue, or that you’re diagnosed with Hashimoto's, your instinct is to learn as much as you can. As the internet becomes more and more crowded with information, it can be so difficult to find useful information. And, it can be hard to determine who to trust as you try to navigate your way to overcoming your Hashimoto’s and hyperthyroid symptoms.
I know because I was once in this position and because I’ve spent the last decade helping Hashimoto’s and hypothyroid patients regain their health.
A lot has changed in this time - and more changes are coming (more on that at the end of these show notes) but over the years, I’ve discovered that there are 5 key drivers of success when it comes to overcoming your thyroid issues and Hashimoto’s symptoms. I share them in this episode along with a big announcement about this show and support for anyone dealing with autoimmunity, Hashimoto’s, and hypothyroidism.
The 5 Keys to Overcoming Hashimoto’s
These five proven strategies have made a huge difference for me and many of my clients struggling with Hashimoto's.
1. Diet: Balancing Blood Sugar Is Key
It all starts with food! While everyone's needs are unique, there's one common thread: balanced blood sugar. Eating a balanced diet with all the macronutrients – carbs, proteins, and fats – is crucial. Avoid blood sugar spikes by avoiding excessive carbs at once and pair your meals with protein and healthy fats. Remember, stress can be physical too! Unbalanced blood sugar creates stress on the body, hindering progress.
2. Clean Eating: Ditching Chemicals and Going Organic
Our world is full of chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Research shows these chemicals can negatively impact our health. So, the cleaner you eat, the better. Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods straight from the earth. Consider going organic, especially for the "Dirty Dozen" – the foods most heavily laden with pesticide residues (check the Environmental Working Group's list). Organic meats and dairy are also beneficial to avoid added hormones and antibiotics.
3. Identify and Address Food Sensitivities
Gluten is a common culprit for many with Hashimoto's. Not everyone needs to be gluten-free, but some may have the DQ2 and DQ8 genes, making gluten processing difficult. When you consume gluten, even without immediate symptoms, the immune system attacks it. This can lead to accidental attacks on the thyroid due to molecular similarities between gluten and thyroid molecules (cross-reactivity).
I personally struggled with gluten for years, but identifying it as a trigger made a significant difference. Consider exploring food sensitivities to see what might be hindering your progress.
4. Targeted Supplements for Personalized Support
Supplements can be extremely helpful, but a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. Our immune triggers and thyroid types vary. However, some supplements have been particularly beneficial for me and my clients:
- SPM (Specialized Proresolving Mediators): Helps reduce inflammation and calm the immune system.
- Glutathione: An amazing antioxidant that supports detoxification and promotes immune balance. I recommend the APEX Trizoma Glutathione brand for its liquid form and good taste.
- Vitamin D: Another immune balancer and natural anti-inflammatory. I recommend Designs for Health's Vitamin D Synergy or Vitamin D Supreme.
- Remember: These are just a few suggestions. It's important to find what works best for you.
5. Calm the Nervous System
The nervous system has a powerful influence on the immune system. A calmer nervous system translates to a more balanced immune system. Here are some ways to achieve this:
- Meditation
- Movement
- Visualization
- Reframing negative thoughts
- Releasing negativity
- Setting positive intentions
- Affirmations
- Faith
- Mantras
- Self-worth exercises (like clearing feelings of "not enoughness")
I find meditation and movement particularly helpful. Experiment and find what works for you.
Bonus Tip #1: Building a Morning Practice Can Make a Big Difference
Mornings can be tough, but incorporating a self-care routine can shift the entire day. I recommend starting your day a little earlier, even before the kids wake up (believe me, I get it, I'm not a morning person either!).
The book "The Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod offers great tips on establishing a morning practice and provides ideas to optimize your early-start time. It’s hard to believe but the benefits of improved sleep quality and stress reduction outweigh the initial sacrifice of a little extra sleep.
Bonus Tip #2: Increase Your Capacity to Receive
This may sound surprising, but it's incredibly powerful. We all want optimal health, vibrant energy, and freedom from Hashimoto's. But sometimes, we struggle to allow ourselves to truly receive these things.
My question for you is, can you allow all of the things you picture when you see yourself in optimal health? Take a moment and really feel this question in your body. How much good health can you really receive without feeling like, ‘Oh, gosh, this is too much’? All the things that you want to be able to do when you are feeling better; when you have more energy; when you lose that weight – how much of that joy can you actually allow and take in?
This might feel like a strange concept, but explore it. Notice any tightness or resistance in your body when you imagine complete freedom from symptoms. Do you feel undeserving of such good health?
We often have subconscious beliefs about deservingness. We may feel good things like joy, love, and health need to be earned. This can block our ability to receive the very things we desire.
You’ve heard the stories about lottery winners who lose their winnings quickly. This is often due to a deep-seated feeling of not deserving it. They sabotage their own success.
The same can happen with health. If you don't feel deserving of good health, your nervous system won't feel safe receiving it. This can lead to unconscious sabotage of your healing journey.
Learning to receive is crucial for overcoming Hashimoto's and any chronic health issues. I have entire programs dedicated to overcoming these blocks: "Clear Your Thyroid Blocks" and my signature program "Thyroid Mystery Solved." You can find more information on my website … which brings me to my important announcement!
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