Pediatric Autoimmune Disorder Care
Understanding Pediatric Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders are on the rise in children, affecting their immune system, energy levels, digestion, brain function, and overall well-being. These conditions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, neurological symptoms, and chronic illness.
At The Restorative Medicine Center in Rochester Hills, we specialize in pediatric autoimmune disorder care using a functional medicine approach—helping children find relief by identifying the underlying triggers of their condition rather than just managing symptoms.
If your child is experiencing unexplained symptoms like joint pain, chronic fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, or frequent infections, it could be a sign of an autoimmune disorder. Early diagnosis and root-cause treatment are essential for preventing long-term complications and restoring health.
What Are Autoimmune Disorders in Children?
The immune system is designed to protect the body from harmful invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. However, in children with autoimmune disorders, the immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues. This leads to chronic inflammation and damage in various organs and systems.
Autoimmune disorders in children can affect:
✅ The brain & nervous system (PANDAS/PANS, multiple sclerosis)
✅ Joints & connective tissues (juvenile arthritis, lupus)
✅ The digestive system (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease)
✅ The endocrine system (Type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
✅ The skin (eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo)
The Growing Prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases in Kids
Pediatric autoimmune diseases are becoming more common, with cases increasing dramatically over the last few decades. Studies suggest that environmental triggers, diet, infections, toxins, and genetics all play a role in this rise.
Key Statistics on Pediatric Autoimmune Conditions:
📌 Over 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disorder—many are diagnosed in childhood.
📌 Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is one of the most common autoimmune conditions in children, affecting 1 in 1,000 kids.
📌 PANDAS/PANS, an autoimmune neurological disorder triggered by infections, is estimated to affect 1 in 200 children.
📌 Type 1 diabetes diagnoses in children are rising 3-4% each year, with autoimmune activity targeting the pancreas.
📌 Celiac disease, an autoimmune reaction to gluten, is now four times more common than it was 50 years ago.
How Functional Medicine Takes a Root-Cause Approach to Pediatric Autoimmune Care
Conventional medicine typically treats autoimmune conditions with immunosuppressant drugs, steroids, and anti-inflammatory medications—which can mask symptoms but do not address the underlying causes.
Functional Medicine, however, focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of immune dysfunction. Instead of suppressing the immune system, we work to rebalance it naturally using personalized, science-based approaches.
Key Principles of Functional Medicine for Pediatric Autoimmune Disorders:
🔹 Identifying Triggers – Finding underlying infections, food sensitivities, gut imbalances, environmental toxins, or genetic factors that contribute to autoimmune activity.
🔹 Comprehensive Testing – Using advanced lab tests to assess immune system function, inflammation levels, microbiome health, and nutritional deficiencies.
🔹 Healing the Gut – Addressing leaky gut, dysbiosis, and food intolerances to improve immune function.
🔹 Reducing Toxin Exposure – Identifying and minimizing exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, mold, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
🔹 Restoring Immune Balance – Using targeted nutrition, anti-inflammatory protocols, and immune-modulating therapies to rebalance the body.
🔹 Personalized Treatment Plans – Every child is unique, so their treatment plan is customized based on their specific biochemistry, genetics, and lifestyle factors.
This holistic approach not only reduces symptoms but also prevents further immune system damage, giving children a chance to thrive without long-term reliance on medications.
Functional Medicine Treatment Strategies for Pediatric Autoimmune Disorders
At The Restorative Medicine Center in Rochester Hills, we take a functional medicine approach to pediatric autoimmune disorders, focusing on identifying the root causes of immune system dysfunction and restoring balance naturally.
Autoimmune conditions in children can lead to chronic inflammation, digestive issues, neurological symptoms, and hormonal imbalances. Instead of suppressing the immune system with medications, we use personalized treatment strategies to:
✅ Reduce inflammation and remove autoimmune triggers
✅ Restore immune system balance through targeted nutrition and natural therapies
✅ Support nervous system and emotional health for long-term healing
Reduce Inflammation & Address Root Causes
Chronic inflammation is at the core of autoimmune disease. Functional medicine focuses on removing inflammatory triggers and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
✅ Anti-Inflammatory Diets for Autoimmune Healing
Food is one of the most powerful tools in autoimmune care. Certain foods can trigger inflammation, while others help calm the immune system. We create personalized dietary plans that may include:
✔ Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Diet – Removing common inflammatory foods to help reset the immune system
✔ Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Diets – Reducing gut inflammation, leaky gut, and food-triggered immune responses
✔ Elimination Diets – Identifying and removing personal food sensitivities that contribute to autoimmune activity
✅ Identifying & Removing Dietary Triggers
Some of the most common inflammatory foods for children with autoimmune disorders include:
🚫 Gluten & wheat-based products – Can trigger inflammation and immune system overreaction
🚫 Dairy products – Contains casein & lactose, which can contribute to gut inflammation
🚫 Processed foods & food additives – Artificial preservatives, dyes, and MSG can worsen symptoms
🚫 Refined sugars & high-glycemic foods – Promote gut dysbiosis & immune system dysfunction
✅ Supporting the Gut Microbiome
A healthy gut is critical for immune function. Leaky gut and microbiome imbalances are often the root cause of autoimmune conditions. Functional medicine uses targeted gut-healing strategies, such as:
✔ Probiotics & Prebiotics – Balancing gut bacteria to improve immune regulation
✔ L-Glutamine & Collagen – Supporting gut lining repair for leaky gut syndrome
✔ Digestive Enzymes & Betaine HCL – Improving nutrient absorption and digestion
✅ Reducing Environmental Toxin Exposure
Children are particularly vulnerable to toxic exposure, which can contribute to immune system dysfunction. We help parents reduce their child’s toxin load by:
✔ Using air purifiers & water filtration systems to eliminate contaminants
✔ Switching to non-toxic personal care & cleaning products
✔ Reducing exposure to pesticides & heavy metals in food and the environment
Restore Immune Balance & Reduce Autoimmune Attacks
Once inflammation is reduced, the next step is to rebuild immune tolerance and regulate the overactive immune system.
✅ Targeted Nutritional Therapy for Immune Modulation
Certain key nutrients help regulate immune function, reduce autoimmune attacks, and improve resilience. These include:
✔ Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil, DHA/EPA) – Reduces inflammation and supports brain health
✔ Vitamin D – Helps regulate the immune system and prevent autoimmunity
✔ Zinc – Supports gut lining integrity and immune cell function
✔ Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Selenium, Glutathione) – Protects cells from oxidative stress
✅ Regulating the Immune System with Herbal Medicine & Adaptogens
Certain botanicals and adaptogenic herbs help balance the immune response and reduce autoimmune flare-ups:
🌿 Turmeric (Curcumin): Natural anti-inflammatory that reduces cytokine storms
🌿 Reishi & Cordyceps Mushrooms: Helps regulate the immune system without suppressing it
🌿 Ashwagandha: Supports adrenal health and reduces stress-induced inflammation
✅ Balancing the Microbiome for Autoimmune Healing
Since 70% of the immune system is in the gut, restoring microbiome health is essential for regulating autoimmune activity. We use:
✔ High-quality precision probiotics to increase beneficial bacteria
✔ Prebiotic-rich foods to feed gut-friendly microbes
✔ Polyphenol & fiber-rich diets to reduce gut inflammation
✅ Addressing Stealth Infections & Chronic Immune Triggers
Many pediatric autoimmune disorders are triggered by hidden infections, such as:
- PANDAS/PANS (linked to strep infections)
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) & chronic viral infections
- Mold & Mycotoxin Exposure
- Lyme Disease & Co-Infections
Support Nervous System & Emotional Health
Autoimmune disorders don’t just affect the body—they also impact the brain, nervous system, and emotional well-being. Children with autoimmune conditions often experience:
❌ Neurological symptoms (brain fog, tics, OCD, anxiety, depression)
❌ Chronic fatigue & energy depletion
❌ Emotional & behavioral changes
✅ Mind-Body Therapies for Stress & Immune Balance
Chronic stress is a major trigger for autoimmune flares. We use mind-body techniques to help children regulate stress and reduce inflammation, including:
✔ Biofeedback & neurofeedback for nervous system calming
✔ Guided meditation & mindfulness techniques
✔ Gentle movement therapy (yoga, stretching, breathing exercises)
✅ Addressing Neurological Symptoms in PANS/PANDAS
Children with PANS/PANDAS often experience sudden-onset anxiety, OCD, and tics. Our approach includes:
✔ Antimicrobial support to treat infections contributing to neuroinflammation
✔ Reducing neuroinflammation with turmeric, resveratrol, and omega-3s
✔ Enhancing mitochondrial support to restore brain function
✅ Supporting Mitochondrial Function for Energy & Cognitive Health
Mitochondria are the energy-producing centers of cells, and dysfunction can lead to chronic fatigue, brain fog, and developmental issues. We restore mitochondrial health using:
✔ CoQ10, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, and Alpha-Lipoic Acid
✔ B-Vitamins & Magnesium for ATP energy production
✔ IV Therapy & Peptides to enhance cellular repair
Schedule a Pediatric Autoimmune Consultation Today
If your child is struggling with chronic inflammation, unexplained symptoms, or an autoimmune diagnosis, early intervention is key to preventing long-term complications and restoring their health. Autoimmune conditions in children are often triggered by underlying infections, gut imbalances, environmental toxins, and immune system dysregulation—all of which can be identified and treated through functional medicine.
At The Restorative Medicine Center in Rochester Hills, we take a root-cause approach to pediatric autoimmune disorder care, helping children reduce symptoms, rebalance their immune systems, and regain their energy and vitality.
🔹 Take the First Step Toward Your Child’s Healing Journey
✅ Comprehensive Functional Medicine Testing – Identifying hidden triggers like food sensitivities, gut imbalances, infections, and toxins.
✅ Personalized Treatment Plans – Addressing your child’s unique needs with nutrition, gut healing, immune support, and detox therapies.
✅ Restoring Brain & Nervous System Function – Supporting children with PANS/PANDAS, neurological symptoms, and emotional health challenges.
✅ Reducing Dependence on Medications – Helping parents find natural, effective alternatives to steroids and immunosuppressants.
The sooner you take action, the better the long-term outcomes. Let’s work together to help your child heal, thrive, and enjoy a vibrant, symptom-free life!
📍 Contact Us & Book Your Child’s Consultation
📍 The Restorative Medicine Center
📌 Address: 705 Barclay Circle, Suite 115, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
📞 Phone: 248-289-6349
🌐 Website: restorativemedcenter.com
🌱 Give Your Child the Gift of Health – Start Their Healing Journey Today!
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen or become irreversible—functional medicine offers solutions that can restore your child’s health naturally.
📞 Call us today at 248-289-6349 to book your child’s consultation!
🚀 Your child deserves a future free from autoimmune struggles—take action today!