Nutrition for PANS and PANDAS

How does diet impact PANS and PANDAS?

• PANS/PANDAS is an inflammatory condition. Unhealthy and processed foods cause inflammation which makes flares worse
• Processed foods are often high in calories but low in nutrients, often leading to nutrient deficiencies that interfere with optimal functioning
• Unhealthy foods are addictive, and can cause rapid fluctuations in neurotransmitters such as dopamine when they are eaten
• Processed foods can lead to wild swings in blood sugar, which lead to rapid changes in mood, focus, anxiety, and irritability
• Even healthy foods can increase inflammation if they are foods your child is sensitive to or if they are high histamine foods and your child has histamine intolerance

What are food allergies?

Food allergies can be severe, also called anaphylactic allergies, or more mild. The more severe allergies (like peanuts and shellfish) are mediated by fast acting IgE antibodies and can be life threatening. The less severe allergies, also called food sensitivities are mediated by slower to respond IgG or IgA antibodies. These antibodies produce a system-wide inflammatory response and can be associated with mental and neurological health conditions. This phenomenon is often associated with “leaky gut” in which micro-tears in the gut lining allow for particles of food that have not been completely digested to enter the bloodstream. Identification of offending foods can be accomplished by an elimination and challenge diet or by blood tests. Following a strict diet without the identified allergies for a period of 3-6 months accompanied by the use of homeopathy and other gut-healing therapies can greatly reduce the impact individual foods have on your mood.