Helping a Child With PANS/PANDAS/AE Naturally
This blog is adapted from insights shared by leading experts in the field of PANS/PANDAS/AE, particularly from the book Brain Under Attack. This book is an invaluable resource for understanding these disorders and is a must-read for parents and caregivers.
Understanding the Root Causes
When a child develops PANS or PANDAS, it is often not the first sign that something is wrong. Many children with these conditions may have had a history of:
Chronic infections
Eczema
Asthma
Allergies
Other immune system dysfunctions
This suggests that before severe symptoms appear, a child may have underlying inflammation due to excessive immune system reactions, gut imbalances, structural misalignments, chronic stress, and environmental factors.
The goal of this post is to highlight potential underlying triggers that contribute to immune system overactivation and offer practical strategies to address them.
Reducing Inflammation: Removing Harmful Triggers
The first step in managing any inflammatory condition is to remove harmful environmental triggers before introducing supportive interventions.
Environmental Toxins to Avoid:
Household Toxins – Avoid bringing new furnishings, carpet, construction materials, paints, and glues into the home, as they often contain toxic chemicals.
Electromagnetic Radiation (EMFs) – Excessive EMF exposure can break down the blood-brain barrier and activate the body’s stress response. Steps to reduce exposure include:
Hardwiring internet connections instead of using WiFi.
Keeping routers out of children’s bedrooms.
Turning cell phones on airplane mode at night.
Moving beds away from large appliances.
Toy Safety – Ensure that your child’s toys are non-toxic.
Mold Exposure – Regularly check walls and damp areas for mold.
Air Quality – Test your home for radon and invest in high-quality air filters.
Personal Care Products – Use non-toxic hand soaps, toothpaste, and laundry detergents. Avoid products containing triclosan.
Cooking Materials – Avoid using plastics, aluminum, and non-stick cookware. Opt for stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
Lighting – Replace fluorescent bulbs with incandescent to reduce exposure to artificial blue light.
Water Quality – Use a high-quality water filtration system.
Fragrance-Free Home – Avoid perfumes and colognes, as synthetic fragrances can disrupt the endocrine system.
Mattresses & Furniture – Choose non-toxic, flame-retardant-free mattresses and furniture.
Microwave Usage – Minimize or eliminate microwave use; opt for convection ovens instead.
Medications – Avoid unnecessary pharmaceutical drugs whenever possible.
Sunscreen Use – Instead of conventional sunscreens that block Vitamin D absorption, manage sun exposure responsibly.
Consider running a urine test for toxin and mold exposure. These tests can provide valuable insights into hidden stressors affecting your child’s health.
Nutrition: The Most Powerful Tool for Healing
Diet is one of the most critical factors in reducing inflammation and supporting recovery from PANS/PANDAS. Many children with autoimmune disorders have high levels of inflammation due to:
Environmental toxins (as mentioned above)
Nutritional deficiencies
Highly processed foods and additives
Nutritional Guidelines for PANS/PANDAS:
Eat whole, organic foods – Choose foods that grow naturally (from trees, plants, or animals).
Eliminate processed foods – Avoid anything in a box or package with unfamiliar ingredients.
Remove sugar – Excess sugar fuels inflammation and can worsen symptoms.
Diversify food intake – A varied diet rich in vegetables supports gut health and immune function.
Prioritize clean protein – Opt for organic, grass-fed, or pasture-raised sources.
Incorporate healthy fats – Avocados, coconut oil, olive oil, and animal fats provide essential nutrients.
Hydrate with clean water – Filtered or spring water is best.
Food sensitivity testing can help identify specific dietary triggers that may be worsening your child’s symptoms.
Testing for Underlying Issues
Depending on your child’s medical history, these tests can provide additional clarity:
Stool Testing – Identifies gut imbalances (dysbiosis) that may be fueling chronic inflammation.
Nutritional Deficiency Testing – Checks levels of magnesium, iron, zinc, and essential fatty acids.
Oxidative Stress Markers – Measures free radical damage that can contribute to neuroinflammation.
Structural & Sensory Assessments – Evaluates body alignment, sensory function, reflex integration, balance, and eye tracking.
Addressing these imbalances can significantly improve your child’s ability to heal.
Reintegration: Restoring Brain Function
This is one of the most crucial steps for recovery. When a child experiences brain inflammation, certain developmental functions can regress. This often leads to:
Primitive Reflex Retention – These early-life reflexes may reappear, indicating the brain is stuck in survival mode.
Impaired Eye Tracking & Visual Function – Vision issues can contribute to learning difficulties.
Balance & Coordination Problems – Often seen as a decline in physical and academic performance.
Reintegrating these systems through specific therapies can help break the cycle and restore proper brain function.
Addressing Underlying Infections
Many children with PANS/PANDAS have underlying chronic infections. While conventional medicine often focuses on antibiotics, a holistic approach may include:
Homeopathic Remedies – A trained homeopath can help the body eliminate infections naturally.
Immune System Support – Through diet, detoxification, and targeted supplementation.
While infections may have triggered symptoms, they are often just the “final straw” in a long history of immune dysfunction. True healing requires addressing the entire system, not just the infection itself.
Final Thoughts
Supporting a child with PANS/PANDAS is a multifaceted journey that involves reducing inflammation, restoring brain function, and addressing hidden environmental triggers. By taking a holistic approach and prioritizing natural healing methods, you can help your child regain balance and thrive.
If you suspect your child has an autoimmune disorder, remember: healing is possible with the right approach. Please note that this blog is not a replacement for standard medical care but rather a supplement of natural strategies to support a child struggling with these conditions.
If you are interested in learning more, consider taking my course: Unlocking Hope: A Comprehensive Course for Understanding PANS and PANDAS