Juliana O’Boyle offers insights into a functional medicine approach for children
Does your child have ongoing or low-level health issues that you haven’t been able to get a handle on? Do you also struggle to decide which of the confusing array of natural health options to try? How do you know which remedies and supplements are most relevant, safe, and effective for your child or yourself?
Our current generation of children are facing a rising number of underlying health problems – from colic and eczema as babies and young children, to frequent fevers, ear infections and tummy aches (with concurrent use of paracetamol and antibiotics) to high numbers of longer-term prescribed medications for behaviour, depression, and anxiety.
Welcome to an approach where health isn’t just about managing symptoms but which aims to address root cause imbalances. It’s called functional medicine and, unlike a conventional one-size-fits-all approach, it takes a holistic view, recognising that every individual is unique and requires individualised care.
Understanding cause is paramount for children’s long-term well-being. Whether it’s recurrent infections, behavioural or learning issues, digestive disturbances or poor immunity, these symptoms often signal underlying imbalances that, if left unaddressed, can impact health into adulthood. By identifying and addressing these root causes early on, we can lay the foundation for a lifetime of vitality and resilience.
A Different Approach
Functional medicine offers a revolutionary approach to paediatric healthcare by prioritising holistic and individualised care. It delves deep, often with the help of cutting-edge laboratory testing, to identify the underlying imbalances driving the visible symptoms. The approach recognises that each child has unique genetic makeup, environmental influences, and lifestyle factors contributing to their health. Treatment can be tailored to address specific needs arising from these, integrating a range of therapeutic option from dietary changes to nutritional supplements and mind-body techniques, empowering families to take an active role in their child’s health, not just managing symptoms.
Identifying Imbalances
Child health issues, whether physical, emotional or cognitive, range from the easily solvable, where a single supplement or herb that has worked for another child works for yours too, to more complex needs which require a targeted plan. This is where functional medicine comes into its own.
Common imbalances that can impact children’s well-being include gut health issues, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances. But these issues can manifest as a variety of symptoms, ranging from fussy eating to digestive problems like bloating and constipation, to mood swings, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. By observing patterns and connecting symptoms to potential root causes, parents and healthcare practitioners can gain valuable insights into the underlying factors. This holistic approach allows for targeted interventions aimed at restoring balance and promoting optimal health.
Root Cause Dysfunction
In children this encompasses a wide array of factors that can contribute to health imbalances. Dietary choices, lifestyle habits, environmental factors such as toxins, genetic predispositions, and emotional well-being are all potentially relevant. It’s also essential to recognise how these factors can interact synergistically, creating a cascade of dysfunction. For instance, poor dietary habits coupled with genetic susceptibility may lead to nutritional deficiencies and inflammation, exacerbating symptoms of conditions like ADHD or asthma.
The good news is that parents alongside healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing the specific root causes unique to their child. And by adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach, parents can feel empowered in supporting their child’s journey.
Starting the Healing Journey
A functional medicine plan for children begins with practical steps that parents can implement to address imbalances and promote optimal health. This means firstly, focusing on a nutrient-dense, wholefood diet tailored to their child’s unique needs, providing a solid foundation for healing. Supporting gut health through probiotics, prebiotics, and targeted supplements can further enhance digestive function and overall well-being while also improving nutrient deficiencies. At the same time reducing exposure to toxins by choosing organic foods, non-toxic household products, and limiting screen time can help mitigate environmental stressors. Working on quality sleep and incorporating stress management techniques into daily routines are also essential for supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
It’s important to emphasise that results may take time, and consistency in implementing these strategies is key, so parents are encouraged to seek support from practitioners trained in functional medicine who can provide guidance and personalised recommendations, or even shortcuts.
The Role of Parental Health
Parents play a vital role as active partners in their child’s path to healing and well-being. Through creating a nurturing atmosphere, making informed lifestyle decisions, and actively engaging in healthcare choices, parents have the power to empower their children to flourish and achieve their utmost potential.
It’s also essential for parents to focus on their own health as a fundamental step in supporting their children’s well-being. Prioritising self-care and addressing their own health needs better equips caregivers to navigate the challenges of parenting and provide the nurturing environment their children require to thrive. This involves being able to make nutritious meals, engage in regular physical activity, manage stress effectively, and seek support when needed.
By focusing on their own health and well-being, parents set a powerful example for their children and create a ripple effect of positive health habits within the family unit. By nurturing themselves, they are better equipped to nurture their children, creating a cycle of wellness that benefits the entire family.
Conclusion
Functional medicine offers a transformative approach to healthcare, focusing on identifying imbalances and addressing root causes to promote long-term wellness in children. By empowering parents with the knowledge and tools needed to support their child’s healing journey, the approach encourages proactive measures tailored to each child’s unique needs.
From focusing on nutrient-dense diets and gut health support to reducing environmental toxins and prioritising sleep and stress management, parents play a vital role in nurturing their child’s health from within. Moreover, ongoing learning and collaboration between parents and healthcare providers are crucial for optimal outcomes, ensuring that children receive comprehensive care that addresses not just their symptoms, but the underlying factors contributing to their health challenges. Together, we can foster a holistic approach to children’s health, empowering children to thrive and reach their full potential.
Juliana O’Boyle MSc. IFMCP is a mum of two living in London. She is a registered functional medicine certified practitioner, naturopath and herbalist specialising in holistic support for the whole family and in particular healing the gut to address common energy and mood dysfunctions experienced by both exhausted mums and children from babies to teens. If you would like to discuss your child’s or your own needs with a free call, she can be contacted at [email protected]. www.functionalherbology.co.uk