Magnesium plays a vital role in treating Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). In fact, magnesium deficiency may contribute to neurological and psychiatric symptoms commonly observed in PANS/PANDAS, such as anxiety, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), tics, and mood disturbances.
That is why understanding the role of magnesium supplementation in supporting neurological health and potentially mitigating symptoms associated with PANS/PANDAS is of significant interest to both healthcare providers and individuals dealing with these conditions.
And in today’s episode, I have the privilege of being joined by Dr. Darin Ingels – a naturopathic physician greatly committed to supporting people with infectious diseases. Stick with us as we’re going to explore how magnesium and other integrative treatments can help with neuroinflammation.
Nutrient depletion and its impact on the body.
When it comes to PANS and PANDAS, it’s vital to support the nervous system, brain, and body while addressing infections and toxins. These conditions, characterized by sudden onset neuropsychiatric symptoms often triggered by infections or toxins, necessitate a multifaceted approach to address their complex nature. This holistic approach not only seeks to alleviate immediate symptoms but also aims for long-term resilience and recovery.
Dr. Darin emphasizes that most people don’t think that magnesium is the most highly utilized nutrient in the body. It follows then that it becomes quickly depleted which can lead to issues with sleep, motor function, and cognitive processes. Beyond magnesium, other nutrients like B vitamins are also at risk due to their involvement in energy metabolism.
He delves deeper into the relationship between modern agricultural practices and nutrient depletion in the soil, shedding light on how these practices impact the nutritional quality of our food. With modern industrial farming methods, there's a concerning trend of soil degradation and nutrient loss. The widespread use of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers disrupts the balance of soil ecosystems, depleting essential minerals and micronutrients vital for plant growth and human health.
As a result, the produce harvested from such depleted soils often lacks the same nutritional contents. This deficiency extends to trace minerals like selenium, zinc, and boron, further complicating the nutritional status of individuals facing PANS and PANDAS. By raising awareness about these agricultural challenges, Dr. Darin promotes sustainable farming methods that focus on soil health and nutrient replenishment. This helps improve the nutritional quality of our food, aiming to support better health outcomes for people dealing with conditions like PANS and PANDAS.
Magnesium supplements for brain health.
Even the American Medical Association advocates for multivitamin use among adults, acknowledging the prevalent nutrient depletion in our food supply. Despite conscientious dietary habits, many individuals still exhibit deficiencies in essential nutrients, prompting the supplementation of multivitamins as a basic measure.
Dr. Darin highlights the importance of nutrient supplementation, especially in clinical conditions like PANS and PANDAS, where deficiencies in minerals like magnesium and zinc are common. There are various forms of magnesium but we have to praise how magnesium threonate has proven its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and alleviate neuroinflammation. This form of magnesium, along with other bioavailable variants like glycinate, is incorporated into neuro-supportive formulas, aiming to calm neural inflammation and enhance cognitive function.
Despite concerns about magnesium toxicity, rest assured that the body regulates excess magnesium intake, usually manifesting as diarrhea at higher doses. So it’s okay to experiment with dosage levels to maximize therapeutic benefits.
LDI therapy for treating Lyme disease and related conditions.
Treating PANS and PANDAS doesn’t come easy; it’s surrounded by many challenges along the way, particularly for those who have experienced multiple treatment failures. And despite attempts with conventional treatments like antibiotics, some individuals are wary of the long-term implications of such therapies. That’s why Dr. Darin emphasizes the importance of exploring alternative approaches to address the root causes of neuroinflammation associated with PANS and PANDAS.
He also introduces low-dose immunotherapy (LDI) as a promising tool for retraining the immune system's response to microbial triggers, offering hope for those seeking lasting relief beyond symptomatic management.
LDI remains relatively under-discussed in mainstream medical circles, despite its efficacy in addressing various microbial triggers and immune dysregulation. There’s such a thing as mimicry in immunology and this phenomenon occurs when the immune system, while targeting foreign pathogens, inadvertently attacks host tissues due to similarities between pathogenic antigens and self-antigens.
Dr. Darin explains how diseases like Lyme and streptococcal infections can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the body's own tissues, leading to neurological problems. He points out that this immune confusion seems more common in Western areas, possibly due to exposure to chemicals in the environment. Various factors like access to quality food, chemical exposure, and stress levels also play a role in the increase in mental health conditions.
Mold exposure and its impact on healing.
At the core of our holistic approach lies a deep belief in the body's innate capacity to heal itself. Dr. Darin often reminds his patients that the human body is designed with built-in mechanisms for healing. However, various factors, such as environmental toxins, infections, and immune dysregulation, can disrupt this inherent healing process. In line with this, I emphasize that the body's ability to heal is hindered when faced with obstacles like mold exposure.
Mold exposure, in particular, presents a significant challenge to health and healing insofar as mold can produce mycotoxins, potent chemicals that can wreak havoc on the body's systems. These mycotoxins not only induce neurological symptoms but also suppress the immune system, exacerbating existing health issues.
One crucial aspect of managing mold-related issues is environmental remediation. Identifying and eliminating sources of mold in living spaces can significantly reduce exposure and alleviate symptoms. For those who aren’t able to leave their contaminated environment, strategies like sauna therapy and nutrient support can help mobilize mycotoxins from tissues and support the body's detoxification processes.
Despite the challenges posed by mold exposure, we offer hope and support to individuals navigating their health journeys. Through personalized care and tailored treatment plans, we empower families to address underlying health issues effectively. Our approach emphasizes compassion, understanding, and a holistic view of health, recognizing that each individual's journey is unique.
LDI and healing crisis in children with a naturopathic doctor.
Dr. Darin and I both agree that destabilizing therapies should be avoided whenever possible considering that we've seen firsthand how they can take a toll on both the child and the family, mentally and emotionally. It’s important to stick to foundational aspects of health, like hydration, detoxification, and calming the nervous system. These are practices everyone should prioritize, regardless of their health challenges.
Like I always say, finding a qualified and competent provider whom you can trust is crucial. Dr. Darin and I believe in working collaboratively with our clients, guiding them through their health journey with confidence. Rather than fixating on a single cause or treatment, we advocate for addressing multiple factors and individualized strategies.
To learn more about magnesium, you may check this out: Magnesium
Connect with Dr. Darin Ingels here: https://dariningelsnd.com/
To learn more about Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge and science-backed mental health solutions, please visit www.drroseann.com.
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