Flare-Free Back to School: Top Tips

 

I hope you’ve all had a restful summer and are ready for the new school term. For children with PANDAS, PANS, and those on the autism spectrum, the return to school can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. The shift in routine, increased social interactions, and exposure to various environmental factors can be overwhelming and may lead to immune system challenges. However, with the right support in place, we can help ensure a smoother transition and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

 

 

Understanding Your Child’s Unique Immune Needs

Children with PANDAS, PANS, and those on the autism spectrum often have sensitive immune systems that can react strongly to even minor stressors. This makes it crucial to focus on immune support as part of their back-to-school preparation.

In this post, I will be recommending several impactful interventions to support your child’s immune system. One of the most transformative approaches we’ve seen in our practice is Microimmunotherapy. This highly individualised therapy has been a game-changer for many of our patients. We highly recommend considering incorporating Microimmunotherapy into your health plan. However, because this approach is tailored to each individual’s needs, it’s something you would need to discuss with us directly. If you’re not already a patient, please book a free discovery call using the link here. In the meantime time, here is how you can help:

 

 

Prioritise Consistent and Restorative Sleep

Sleep issues are common amongst these kids, which can exacerbate immune challenges and increase the likelihood of flares. Here are some targeted strategies to improve sleep quality:

• Create a calming bedtime routine: Consistency is key. Consider incorporating a warm Epsom salt bath to help relax muscles and reduce anxiety.
• Limit screen time: Reducing exposure to blue light in the evening can help promote natural melatonin production, which is essential for sleep.
• Nutritional support: Certain supplements, like l-theanine, magnesium, and B6, can support better sleep. For children with low iron levels, ensuring adequate iron and ferritin levels is crucial, as iron deficiency can severely impact sleep quality.

 

 

Manage Stress to Prevent Immune System Overload

These children are highly sensitive to stress, which can trigger immune responses and lead to flare-ups. To manage stress:

• Create a stress-reducing environment: Minimise exposure to overwhelming stimuli and ensure your child has a safe, quiet space to retreat to when needed.
• Encourage outdoor play: Spending time in nature can significantly reduce stress hormones and provide a calming influence on the nervous system.
• Mindful exposure to news and events: Be cautious about exposing your child to distressing news or situations that could increase anxiety and stress levels.

 

 

Focus on Nutrient-Dense, Animal-Based Foods

A nutrient-dense, animal-based diet supports immune function and overall health. To optimise nutrition:

• Prioritise high-quality animal proteins: Include a variety of meats such as beef, lamb, chicken, and pork. These are rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that support immune function.
• Incorporate organ meats: Liver, heart, and other organ meats are nutrient powerhouses, providing vital nutrients like vitamin A, B vitamins, and zinc. If this is not an option, please consider taking Ancestral Supplements Beef Organs supplement. They taste amazing and are super easy to mix into food if you can’t swallow capsules. As a reader of our blog, you will get a 10% discount by using the code Brainstorm10
• Healthy animal fats: Ensure your child is getting enough healthy fats from sources like butter, ghee, tallow, and lard, which are crucial for brain health and hormone production.
• Eggs and dairy: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, choline, and other important nutrients. If your child tolerates dairy, include full-fat, raw or grass-fed options like milk, cheese, and yoghurt.

 

 

Support Gut Health as a Foundation for Immunity

Gut health is closely linked to immune function, helping reduce inflammation and support overall resilience. To support gut health:

• Incorporate fermented foods: Foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha can support a healthy gut microbiome. These foods provide beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and bolster the immune system.
• Avoid gut irritants: Be mindful of foods that may trigger gut inflammation, such as processed foods, excessive sugars, and artificial additives.
• Bone broth: Including bone broth in your child’s diet can help heal the gut lining and provide important minerals and collagen, supporting both gut and immune health.

 

 

Key Immune-Supporting Supplements

Supporting your child’s immune system with the right supplements can be crucial, especially for children with PANDAS, PANS, or those on the autism spectrum. Below are evidence-based supplements with recommended dosing guidelines to help maintain a strong immune system throughout the school year:

 

Vitamin D

• Typical Dosage: 1,000–2,000 IU daily
• Evidence: Vitamin D is essential for immune function, particularly in maintaining respiratory health and reducing the risk of infections. Children with low sun exposure, especially in winter, may need supplementation to reach optimal levels.

 

Zinc

• Typical Dosage: 10–20 mg daily
• Evidence: Zinc is vital for immune cell function and has been shown to reduce the duration and severity of colds. It’s particularly useful during times of illness or when there is a higher risk of infection.

 

Vitamin C

• Typical Dosage: 250–500 mg daily
• Evidence: Vitamin C supports the immune system through its antioxidant properties and helps protect against viral infections. We recommend using a food-based supplement, like Camu Camu, which provides natural and bioavailable vitamin C.

 

Vitamin A

• Typical Dosage: 1,000–2,000 IU daily (from a combination of beta-carotene and retinol forms)
• Evidence: Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin and mucous membranes, which act as the first line of defence against pathogens. Supplementation is especially important if dietary intake is low.

 

Selenium

• Typical Dosage: 50–100 mcg daily
• Evidence: Selenium plays a key role in antioxidant defence and supports the immune system by enhancing the body’s response to infections. It can be particularly beneficial in managing chronic conditions and reducing inflammation.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Typical Dosage: 500–1,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily
• Evidence: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil or sourced from pasture-raised beef, are essential for reducing inflammation and supporting overall immune health. These fats are also important for brain function and development.

 

Probiotics

• Typical Dosage: 10-20 billion CFU daily
• Evidence: A healthy gut microbiome is critical for immune function. Probiotics help maintain this balance and can reduce the frequency of infections, particularly in the gut and respiratory tract. Look for strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, or consider fermented foods like kombucha and sauerkraut.
• Avoid lactobacillus helveticus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii. These strains can trigger histamine release and worsen symptoms.

 

Magnesium

• Typical Dosage: 100–200 mg daily
• Evidence: Magnesium supports many bodily functions, including immune response and stress management. Supplementation can help improve sleep and reduce anxiety, which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system.

 

Elderberry

• Typical Dosage: 150–300 mg of elderberry extract daily
• Evidence: Elderberry has been shown to have antiviral properties, particularly against influenza viruses. It can be helpful during cold and flu season to enhance immune defence.
• Avoid if you have an overactive immune system.

 

Colostrum

• Typical Dosage: 500–1,000 mg daily
• Evidence: Bovine colostrum is rich in antibodies and growth factors that support the immune system. It can be particularly beneficial in boosting immune responses and protecting against common infections.
• Avoid if you have an overactive immune system.

 

 

Tailored Supplementation

While these supplements can significantly support your child’s immune system, it’s important to tailor their use to your child’s specific needs. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosing and to ensure these supplements are safe and effective for your child, particularly if they have specific health challenges like PANDAS, PANS, or are on the autism spectrum.

 

 

IMPORTANT

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult with medical doctors or qualified functional medicine practitioners to address specific health concerns and obtain personalised guidance tailored to individual needs. Never add any supplements to your plan until it has been assessed and approved by your medical doctor or suitable qualified practitioner who is familiar with your health history. 

Concerned about your child’s health? We’d love to have a chat with you. 

Click the link here to book your Free Discovery Call.

 

 

 

Reference List

1. Murphy, T. K., Gerardi, D. M., & Leckman, J. F. (2014). Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS). Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 24(3), 151-160.
2. Bauman, M. L. (2010). Medical comorbidities in autism: Challenges to diagnosis and treatment. Neurotherapeutics, 7(3), 320-327.
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4. Hyman, S. L., Levy, S. E., & Myers, S. M. (2020). Identification, evaluation, and management of children with autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics, 145(1), e20193447.
5. Walker, W. A. (2017). The importance of appropriate initial bacterial colonization of the intestine in newborn, child, and adult health. Pediatric Research, 82(3), 387-395.
6. Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. The New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266-281.
7. Rondanelli, M., Miccono, A., Lamburghini, S., Avanzato, I., Riva, A., Allegrini, P., & Perna, S. (2018). Self-care for common colds: The pivotal role of vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and Echinacea in three main immune interactive clusters (physical barriers, innate and adaptive immunity) involved during an episode of common colds. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, Article ID 5813095.
8. Tiralongo, E., & Wee, S. S. (2016). Elderberry supplementation for respiratory and immune health in humans. Advances in Integrative Medicine, 3(1), 15-20.
9. Cao, C., Oremus, M., & Demmer, R. T. (2017). The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on mental health and immune function in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Lipidology, 11(6), 1199-1207.
10. Morris, G., Berk, M., Carvalho, A. F., Caso, J. R., & Sanz, Y. (2016). The role of microbiota and intestinal barrier function in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression: Role of microbiota in depression. Journal of Affective Disorders, 195, 1-14.