Pediatric Naturopathic Medicine

Please view our entire June e-newsletter on Kids and Teens, here.

Dr. Sonya Nobbe, ND

Children are not born as the “clean slate” we once thought of them as. Our environment is over-burdened with toxic chemicals and babies are exposed to many of these while still in mom’s tummy. Even breast milk, which is the healthiest food for a newborn child, can be laden with fat-soluble toxins from mom’s body. The good news is that children are generally quite resilient and they often respond very well to healthcare approaches that promote healthy functioning of the entire body. This differs from some approaches that address uncomfortable symptoms by suppressing normal body processes, sometimes until a child “grows out of” their particular concern.

Many complementary and integrative medicines, such as Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, and advanced forms of Reiki, treat conditions by identifying and treating where or how the body is having difficulty fixing itself. By gently supporting the body’s natural ability to heal, much of the guesswork in medicine is removed and optimal health, (rather than simply the absence of disease), is possible.

Some of the more common health concerns we see in Naturopathic Medicine include:

Digestive troubles: Constipation, acid reflux, and abdominal pain, are some of the most common childhood concerns we see. Addressing these concerns early is important, particularly since the developing digestive tract plays a critical role in the development of a healthy immune system. Proper digestion is also required for absorption of much needed nutrients and elimination of toxins that otherwise interfere with normal growth and development.

Behavioural concerns: ADHD, anger, and other behavioural concerns can be related to blood sugar imbalances, food intolerances, or other health concerns such as thyroid conditions and lead or mercury toxicity. A Naturopathic Doctor can explore these possibilities with you.

Allergies, Asthma, Rashes: Though these are common childhood ailments, they are not healthy, and they can sometimes be reversed. A Naturopathic Doctor can work with you to support a healthier immune response to allergens, offer alternatives to medications, or prevent the side-effects of medications if these are needed.

Frequent illness: Some children seem to sail through daycare and school unaffected, while others appear ill “all the time”. Mainstream medical options include effective methods for “killing” the bugs after they’ve caused some damage. However, there are also many safe and effective options for supporting a healthy immune response so that illness doesn’t occur at all.

Vaccinations: Naturopathic Doctors can support and guide parents in their decision to vaccinate, partially vaccinate, or not vaccinate their child. Discussions include alternate schedules for administering vaccines, therapies that can minimize possible side-effects or improve the effectiveness of some vaccines, or alternate plans should an unvaccinated child be exposed to a serious illness or become ill.

children, digestion

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We respectfully acknowledge that Kingston Integrated Healthcare is situated on ancestral Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Territory. Since time immemorial they have cared for these lands and waters, and we are grateful. We recognize that a healthy environment is essential to the wellbeing of all people and all life.


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