child with PFAPA (periodic fever) syndrome

Dear Stephanie,

I find it interesting that your daughter responds to probiotics, even if just for a period of time.  That’s clear evidence of the gut-brain connection! I blogged recently on how medical research is even highlighting gut-body responses these days – hooray! http://bit.ly/xurR1u The connection is apparent in your daughter’s case, since temperature regulation is ruled by the hypothalamus in the brain and her temperature has been stabilized through providing probiotics to the gut.

Certainly there are different strains of probiotics that can be explored, however I have some other questions – what comes to mind is perhaps probiotics alone are not able to maintain the degree of vitality needed to shift her issue entirely:
1. Has she ever had a Comprehensive Stool Analysis? If not, you can read about it toward the top of this Forum under my recommended tests. I would also suggest a Gluten Sensitivity test. I would want to understand as much as possible about her gut environment. Fungal overgrowth, bacterial and fungal imbalances, pH distortions can create many issues even for a seemingly “healthy” person.

Certainly you’re doing many supportive things you didn’t mention. So when I ask below, I’m just thinking out loud, outlining avenues I would explore.
2. Have you modified her diet in any way from “regular fare“? If not, that would be my emphatic suggestion. Eliminate gluten/wheat completely, dairy, sugar, processed foods. Even eliminating all grains for a time to see if any changes occur. You can find an example of one elimination diet here. http://www.brendawatson.com/diet/ At the very least, an anti-Candida diet would be a good idea. http://blog.brendawatson.com/f…..diet-faqs/
3. NSAIDS are known to create Leaky Guts, which lead to a multitude of other conditions. You are welcome to email my assistant at jsinclaire@renewlife.com to send you the chapter on Leaky Gut Syndrome from my new book. It contains information and protocols that you may find helpful.
4. Has your daughter been tested (a blood test) for Aromatic Solvent exposure? Dr. Rick Sponaugle, one of the M.D.s who commented in the brain chapters of my new book, directs an anti-aging/detox facility (www.FLDetox.com). His research on brain function has led him to recognize the dangers of  environmental toxin exposure. He’s spoken many times about the hypothalamus. It’s amazing how often testing reveals the most unusual and harmful toxins – often it ‘s challenging to figure out where a person could have even been exposed! And the good news – there are ways to specifically detoxify the brain and body. Just a thought.

If you don’t know of anyone, here are 2 websites that might help you locate an Integrative Practitioner near you who may share this type of awareness. http://www.acam.org and http://www.functionalmedicine.org. Another option is to contact Phyllis at EnteroLab – 972-686-6869. She keeps a national database of practitioners who have greater insight into gut and toxicity issues and is happy to look up someone in your area.
5. Are you taking steps besides probiotics to support your daughter’s intestinal lining? You might be interested in exploring my H.O.P.E. program – not only for your daughter but for yourselves as well. http://www.renewlife.com/learn…..all-health

I hope this is helpful. Please keep in touch.

Brenda Watson