Dr. Gianina Shek, ND

Hey all! I would like to share with you all my unique story of becoming a naturopathic doctor and wanting to specialize in pediatrics. 💕

Is your child with autism is also having other health conditions? What are the common underlying causes of these conditions? Here are some examples: mold exposure, MTHFR mutation, gut dysbiosis, heavy metal toxicity, nutritional deficiency and more! It is important to find the root cause of your child’s symptoms. I work with parents to figure that out!

Feel free to schedule an appointment with me thru bio link, you can always start with a 15 mins discovery call (FREE) to learn more about my approach and services!

I am looking forward to work with you regarding your child’s health!

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

Is your child with autism is also having other health conditions? These conditions often come together because they share common underlying causes, eg. MTHFR mutation, mold exposure, heavy metal toxicity, nutritional deficiencies and more!

It is important to learn the root causes and triggers of your child’s symptoms and I help parents to identify the underlying causes! If you would like to work with me. Feel free to schedule an appointment thru bio link.

I am looking forward to work with you regarding your child’s health!

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

Sleep disorders are one of the most common complaints among my patients with behavioral disorders. While researchers still do not know what causes ASD -sleep-related issues in children, they have narrowed it down to a few likely culprits: medication side effects, comorbid health conditions, and genetic abnormalities that disrupt the circadian clock.

Without enough sleep, kids’ behavior & learning problems increase, and this also worsens the child’s autistic symptoms. I have included some tips to improve your child’s sleep naturally. Sleep hygiene is one of the most important parts to focus on. Kids with behavioral disorders are often more sensitive than other kids, so it is important to keep the room comfortable, quiet & dim when children are ready for bed. Supplements like magnesium, melatonin, valerian & chamomile would help with your child’s sleep.

However, always seek healthcare professional advice for the correct dosage that best fits your child’s health condition.

If you are interested to learn more about my approach, feel free to schedule a 15 mins discovery call with me through the bio link.

XX,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

                 

If you’re curious on how we do a screen detox, I admit that I did not plan or even thought about it, and it did naturally happen!

What has changed is, we started “part-time” homeschooling, 2 week days at home and 3 week days at the daycare. During the days “at home”, he does his “homework” in the morning and go out for fun in the afternoon, basically, he did not have time to think about TV. After two weeks of this routine, yes, just two weeks, he stopped asking for TVs and would play with his toys to keep himself busy. Once in a while he would ask for it, but as soon as we offer an incentive (stickers for rewards 🙈), he would immediately stop asking.

I’m so thankful this has happened, and I did not expect how much screen time had adversely impacted my child’s behavior. I’m now more mindful of balancing screen time with other activities to promote healthy development and behavior in my child 🫶

Continuing our series of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS)! Here are some common triggers of PANS/PANDAS👇🏻

Infectious Triggers:
⚠️Group A Streptococci
⚠️Lyme
⚠️Mycoplasma
⚠️Mononucleosis … and more!

Non-Infectious Triggers:
⚠️Environmental factors include but not limit to heavy metals / mold exposure / pesticides ... and more!
⚠️Metabolic Disorders

As a Naturopathic Doctor, my expertise is to identify root causes. Understanding these factors is crucial for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. Check out my previous IG post “PANS/PANDAS Symptoms”. If you suspect your child is showing symptoms of PANS/PANDAS, feel free to schedule an appointment with us (🔗link in my bio). We would love to work with you to optimize your child’s health.

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

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If you suspect your child having symptoms of PANS/PANDAS, feel free to schedule an appointment with us. We would love to work with you to optimize your child’s health.

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

                                                 

As a naturopathic doctor, I often find myself not just helping other parents optimize their kids’ health, but also reflecting on my own parenting journey. Now that my son is getting ready for school, I’ve been thinking a lot about what kind of education would be best for him. After weighing the options, homeschooling seems like a great fit for our family compared to the school system in our state. But, I’ll admit, I worry if I can do a good job educating him.

So, we’ve decided to give part-time homeschooling a shot for my older child. Let me tell you, being a working mom and homeschooling at the same time is not easy! I’m sure many of you can relate.

That’s why at AlphaPed, we’re not just about holistic healthcare. We want to create a cozy space for families like ours who are diving into homeschooling. We’re even planning some fun homeschooling events to bring everyone together and share tips and tricks. So, stay tuned for more details!

xx,
Dr. Shek

🔍 What are PANS/PANDAS?
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are pediatric disorders characterized by sudden onset neuropsychiatric symptoms. These conditions often occur following an infection, triggering an autoimmune response that affects the brain.

🚨 Recognizing the Symptoms:
1️⃣ Sudden onset of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) behaviors.
2️⃣ Severe anxiety, panic attacks, and mood swings.
3️⃣ Tics or involuntary movements.
4️⃣ Changes in handwriting or academic performance.
5️⃣ Sleep disturbances and regression in developmental milestones.
6️⃣ Sensory sensitivities or hallucinations.

Early recognition and intervention are crucial in managing PANS/PANDAS. These conditions often go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, leading to prolonged suffering and impairment in children’s lives.

If your child is having one or more of the above symptoms with an acute onset, feel free to schedule an appointment with us. We would love to work with you to optimize your child’s health.

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

When I was traveling in the UK last summer, it surprised me to learn how different the quality and ingredients of food can be compared to the same food brands in the United States.

3 years ago, the EU banned titanium dioxide, which is commonly used in the U.S. Titanium dioxide can be found in Skittles, baked goods, sauces, soups, spreads, etc. Studies have shown TD can damage DNA and lead to cancer.

Food additives are one of the unknown toxins that could lead to serious damage to your and your child’s bodies. Conditions that are related to some of the food additives are hypersensitivity (ADD/ADHD), cancer, diabetes, infertility, etc. It is important to read the ingredients carefully to avoid harmful substances in the body.

If you wonder why some food additives are banned in Europe or other countries but not in the U.S.,. One of the reasons is the difference in evaluation. EU focuses entirely on prevention and avoiding risk, while the U.S. evaluates the probability of a hazard.

If you are interested in learning more, please DM or comment below!

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

Neuroinflammation can cause a lot of cognitive and physical symptoms (See slide 3). If an individual has genetic predispositions towards conditions like Autism, ADHD, Schizophrenia etc., inflammation of the brain will activate these dysfunctional phenotypes and trigger the symptoms.

It is true that the genetic condition cannot be “cured” but the symptoms can be reduced by identifying and eliminating the triggers of neuroinflammation.

Do you or your child struggle with some of the symptoms? It is important to find out what causes these symptoms. I have listed 8 common causes of neuroinflammation but there are more! What do you think is triggering your child’s symptoms? If you struggle with finding the root cause, feel free to schedule an appointment with me. We can work together to discover and treat the root cause of your child’s or your condition.

xx,
Dr. Shek

Feel free to comment below or DM if you have any questions. Also, DM or visit www.AlphaPed.com to make an appointment

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

                                                         

RSV is a common but also contagious virus that leads to respiratory infection in most children esp. kids before 2 years of age. Most RSV infection cause cold-like symptoms that could be treated at home. However, in severe cases, there could be wheezing and difficulty breathing that requires immediate medical attention.

Feel free to comment below or DM if you have any questions. Also, DM or visit www.AlphaPed.com to make an appointment.

xx,
Dr Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

Have you found yourself thinking about ways to raise healthy children a million times?
You may have heard some of the advice I’ve given before, but can you really implement it all? Whether you can collaborate with them and serve as a role model for a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important factors in raising a healthy child.

To discover more about enhancing the health and brain of your child. You may schedule an appointment with me to find the best treatment plan for your family’s condition and your child’s health.

I’m excited to support the wellness of your family and child!

xx,
Dr. Shek

Feel free to comment below or DM if you have any questions. Also, DM or visit www.AlphaPed.com to make an appointment.

                                                 

It is true that social distancing has caused speech delays in a lot of children since the pandemic. However, did you know that a child's speech delay could also be caused by a variety of other factors? Let’s take a quick look at the 8 possible root causes!

👅Oral-motor development issues
🦻🏻Hearing Impairment
👨‍👩‍👧Family history
🐣Premature birth or low birth weight
💩Gut health imbalances
🍴Nutritional Deficiencies
😷Food sensitivities & allergies
☠️Toxic exposures

‼️🔈There may be additional contributing factors associated with a child’s speech delay beyond the list mentioned above. In other words, there are other treatment options beyond speech therapy, which include identifying and addressing the root causes of the issue.

📩➡️If you’re interested in discovering the root cause(s) of your child’s speech delay, feel free to reach out and schedule a free 15-minute discovery call or book an appointment on our website. I’d love to help you get to the bottom of this.

xx,
Dr. Shek

 

Since we've been planning a surprise for our followers over the last several months, our Instagram hasn't been updated as frequently as it usually is! As 2024 started, I can't wait to share this exciting news with you! AlphaPed Pediatric Wellness Group is thrilled to announce my relocation to a new office space in the Orange County! My commitment to providing exceptional naturopathic services and the growing clientele have led me to this exciting change.

• My new address:
12395 Lewis St, Ste 103, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Click the link in the bio to read more about my move and my services.

Change signifies growth, and I appreciate your trust. I would be delighted to meet you if you're searching for a pediatric naturopathic doctor to assist you in maximizing your family's journey toward health and wellness.naturopathic. I look forward to serving you at our new location!

xx,
Dr. Shek

 

🌡️🤒 Worried about those sniffles and sneezes? It’s that time of year again! 🍂❄️ If your child has been feeling under the weather with the recent weather change, you’re not alone. 🤧

🤔 Have they been sick on and off for the past two weeks? 🤧 Are you looking for ways to boost their immune system and keep those germs at bay? 🦠

Here are some reminders to boost your child’s immune system. It can be “normal” for your child to get sick 6-12x yearly. However, if your child takes time (eg. >2 weeks) to recover and symptoms like coughing and congestion always stays even the virus is gone, it would be best to seek help from a medical professional to discover and treat the root causes.

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram
account is provided for information and educational
purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the
advice provided by your healthcare professional or
physician.

Is your child with autism is also having one or more of these chronic health symptoms?

These signs may hint at deeper problems that could be affecting your child’s physical and mental health, such as gut dysbiosis, toxic exposure, nutritional deficiencies, or mitochondrial dysfunction. 🧬

It’s time to uncover the ROOT CAUSE of these signs. 🌱 Consider getting functional lab work done to gain insights.

Feel free to schedule an appointment with us thru bio link.

I am looking forward to work with you regarding your child’s health!

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

Tantrums usually start when kids are around 12-18 months old, peak between 18-36 months old and continue until age 4.
During this age period, the part of your child’s brain that experiences emotions is more developed than the part that is responsible for rational thinking.
It could be normal that these tantrums are efforts your child make to express their feelings of unhappiness or frustration.

However, in some individuals, these could be signs of underlying causes. If your child is above age of 5 with frequent tantrums, OR having 5+ tantrums daily OR uncontrollable tantrums OR having aggressive behaviors towards other OR self-harming, it would be best to seek help to discover and treat the underlying causes.

Remember, tantrums do not define your child as a bad kid or your parenting, it is not your or your child’s fault!

Feel free to seek help, you can schedule an appointment with me through the bio link. I would love to work with you to discover and treat the root causes of your child’s behavior concerns.

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations.

Did you know that your child’s gut health plays a crucial role in their overall well-being? When your child is having some sort chronic symptoms eg. Constipation, eczema etc., instead of jump right into medication, you may try to see if there’s any gut microbiome imbalances that could be contributing to your child’s symptoms. Here are some common reasons for gut dysbiosis.

❗️ Pathogenic Bacteria
❗️ Poor Diet/Picky Eating
❗️ Poor Digestion
❗️ Poor Dental Hygiene
❗️ Environmental Toxins
❗️ Medication Impact

Remember, a happy gut = a happy child! 🌈👶

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations.

Let's face this! While you may be consuming your vitamins and minerals daily to optimize your health, the quality of the supplements makes a huge difference. Many over-the-counter supplements contain harmful ingredients that you might be unaware of. Although FDA considers these substances to be generally safe, however, there are multiple evidence-based studies showing these substances can cause immunotoxicity, allergies, developmental disorders, infertility, cancer, and more chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important to learn about and pay attention to the ingredients!

Here are some of the common harmful substances that might be in your supplements:
❗️Titanium dioxide
❗️Sodium benzoate
❗️Soybean oil
❗️Artificial colors
❗️Magnesium silicate

To read more, check out my blog at www.AlphaPed.com

Feel free to schedule a consultation with me for recommendations that best fit for your health condition. I am looking forward to working with you to optimize your health!

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

Do you know Candida overgrowth can increase symptoms and cause behavioral changes in children with Autism? What are more signs to look for?

❗️Sleep issues
❗️Unexplained fatigue
❗️Hyperactivity
❗️Inappropriate laughter
❗️Increased stemming
❗️Oral thrush
❗️Recurring ear infection
and more…….

If you would like to know if your child is suffering from Candida overgrowth or get tested, feel free to schedule an appointment through the bio link.

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

As a parent of a child with autism, you may have noticed your child engaging in repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping or rocking. These behaviors are known as stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior.

Stimming is a way that many individuals with autism self-regulate and cope with sensory stimulation. Stimming can help your child feel calm, focused, and less overwhelmed in a world that can be overwhelming.

It's important to discover the root causes and triggers of your child’s autistic symptoms. This could include mold exposure, heavy metal toxicity, poor gut health, food sensitivity, MTHFR mutation, and more.

xx,
Dr. Shek

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER | All material on this Instagram account is provided for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.