What We Address Through Pediatric Functional Medicine: Root Causes and Restorative Care for Children

Pediatric Functional Medicine is a child-focused, whole-body approach that goes beyond treating isolated symptoms. At our practice, we believe in looking at how all systems in the body are connected—physical, emotional, neurological, and biochemical. We take time to explore how these systems influence each other and how imbalances in one area may cause dysfunction in another.

Rather than simply diagnosing and prescribing, we ask deeper questions. Why does your child experience recurring eczema? Why are they having trouble focusing? What’s affecting their digestion, mood, or immune function? Pediatric Functional Medicine allows us to look at these symptoms through the lens of root-cause analysis so we can design personalized, long-term solutions.

We believe health is not just the absence of disease—it’s about thriving. Every child deserves the chance to feel well, grow optimally, and enjoy life with energy, focus, and resilience. That belief drives everything we do.

Common Conditions We Help Manage

Many families come to us when they feel like conventional care is not addressing the full picture. Pediatric Functional Medicine provides a framework to manage a wide range of conditions by understanding the underlying mechanisms behind them. Some of the most common issues we support include:

• Digestive problems like constipation, reflux, diarrhea, or bloating
• Behavioral concerns including ADHD, anxiety, or mood swings
• Developmental delays or sensory processing difficulties
• Chronic skin issues such as eczema or psoriasis
• Asthma, seasonal allergies, and recurring respiratory infections
• Poor sleep quality and bedtime resistance
• Frequent colds or slow recovery from illness
• Nutritional imbalances that affect appetite, focus, and growth

We recognize that many of these symptoms overlap, and we treat the child as a whole—rather than separating each concern into its own category. Our systems-based approach looks for patterns that indicate which areas of the body may need support.

Functional Lab Testing for Deeper Insights

We often utilize functional lab testing to uncover hidden contributors to a child’s symptoms. These tests are not typically part of conventional care, but they provide valuable data that allows us to create effective and targeted care plans.

Tests may include:

• Stool analysis to assess gut flora, pathogens, and inflammation
• Food sensitivity testing to identify potential triggers
• Organic acids tests to evaluate metabolic pathways
• Micronutrient testing to detect deficiencies
• Heavy metal and toxin screening to check for environmental exposures
• Hormonal assessments, even in children, to evaluate stress responses

These insights give us a clearer picture of what’s happening internally and how best to support your child’s physiology. This reduces guesswork and gives families a more efficient path to wellness.

Why We Take a Root-Cause Approach to Pediatric Health

With Pediatric Functional Medicine, we look beyond symptoms and aim to uncover the factors driving dysfunction. This may include gut dysbiosis, nutrient deficiencies, immune system dysregulation, toxic overload, or even emotional stress.

We explore a wide range of influences that may contribute to your child’s condition, such as:

• Prenatal and birth history, including C-section or antibiotic exposure
• Feeding history (breastfeeding, formula, introduction of solids)
• History of infections, medications, or trauma
• Current lifestyle and family routines
• Environmental exposures, including mold, pollution, or household chemicals

By piecing together your child’s timeline and history, we can trace back to the origin of health challenges and create a care plan that addresses them at the source.

Nutritional Therapy and Supplementation

Food is medicine—especially in growing bodies. One of the first areas we address in Pediatric Functional Medicine is your child’s diet. We help families implement nutrition strategies that reduce inflammation, improve gut health, support brain development, and promote immune balance.

We customize plans based on age, preferences, sensitivities, and lifestyle. Recommendations may include:

• Removing processed and inflammatory foods
• Adding more nutrient-dense whole foods
• Incorporating healthy fats, lean proteins, and fiber
• Addressing picky eating habits gently and gradually

In some cases, we recommend professional-grade supplements to correct deficiencies and support recovery. These may include:

• Multivitamins and trace minerals
• Omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive health
• Probiotics for digestive and immune support
• Herbal support for calming or immune modulation

All supplements are chosen thoughtfully and adjusted as your child improves.

Our Collaborative, Family-Centered Process

We work closely with parents as partners. No one knows your child better than you do, and we value your insights, concerns, and observations. Pediatric Functional Medicine is a collaborative journey, not a one-time fix. We take time to build trust and provide support every step of the way.

What you can expect in our care model:

• Comprehensive intake process and review of past labs
• Detailed health timeline and symptom tracking
• Custom treatment plans with clear next steps
• Nutritional guidance and family education
• Ongoing monitoring and regular reassessment
• Coordination with your child’s pediatrician or specialists when appropriate

We believe informed parents are empowered parents. Our goal is to help you understand your child’s health on a deeper level so you can advocate with confidence and make decisions that align with your family’s goals.

Supporting Long-Term Wellness and Resilience

Pediatric Functional Medicine is not about band-aid solutions—it’s about helping children build the foundation for lifelong health. Whether your child is struggling with chronic symptoms or you’re simply looking to optimize their wellness, this approach helps build a stronger immune system, better mental clarity, improved digestion, and more emotional stability.

We also emphasize prevention. Teaching families how to create a low-toxin home, minimize processed food, improve sleep hygiene, and manage stress are essential parts of long-term wellness. Our goal is not just to resolve issues—but to help your child thrive in every stage of life.