ADHD: A young boy's journey with natural medicine
In Episode 4 of the ReMed podcast, we continue Bailey's story, first introduced by his mother, Carly, in Episode 2. Bailey, an active young boy on the cusp of starting school, was showing signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that raised concern for Carly, an experienced teacher and mother. This time, we hear directly from Bailey’s naturopath, Samantha Bake, head of ReMed's Kids Clinic, who dives into Bailey's journey from her perspective. Samantha takes us through Bailey's initial presentations, the targeted testing to uncover underlying drivers, and the individualised treatments tailored to support his well-being. With a special interest in DNA testing, Samantha also breaks down some of Bailey’s significant SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) and their impact on his symptoms, providing insight into how genetics play a role in personalised paediatric care.
Covered in This Episode
2:06 Sam's Initial Career Path & Her Journey into Natural Medicine
Sam shares her varied career background, her interest in food as medicine, and how personal experiences with her children's allergies influenced her career change.
4:15 Allergy Focus & Evolution in Practice
Sam talks about starting her practice with an allergy focus and how this focus has evolved over the years, including working with the ReMed PANS Clinic and moving into behavioural conditions.
5:30 Head of the Kid's Clinic
Sam explains her role as the head of the ReMed Kid's Clinic, her mentoring responsibilities, and the types of cases she deals with, especially PANS/PANDAS, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders.
7:15 Bailey's Case Introduction
An insight into Bailey, a young patient with behavioural challenges and ADHD-like symptoms, and the initial approach to address his issues, including dietary changes and potential triggers.
10:15 The Importance of Testing
Sam explains how certain genes are linked to behavioural responses to food dyes and preservatives, leading to the decision for DNA testing specifically tailored to Bailey's condition.
11:45 Genetic Testing Insights
A dive into the genetic results for Bailey, including his melatonin receptor gene, COMPT, and MAO-A, which influence neurotransmitter clearance, and how these impacted his behaviour and sleep.
18:50 Histamine and Gut Health
Sam described how Bailey's gut health, including histamine production and bacterial imbalances, contributed to his behavioural issues. She also discusses the importance of personalised supplement plans.
21:55 Dietary and Supplement Adjustments
The Importance of a nutrient-dense diet, managing gluten intake, and eliminating artificial colours and preservatives as a foundational approach for Bailey.
23:30 A Family-Focussed Approach
Sam highlights the importance of a step-by-step, family-focused, and individualised approach to managing health issues, especially for children with sensitivities.
Resources and Links
Book with ReMed Nutritionist Sam Bake: Samantha Bake is a founding member of the ReMed Kids Clinic and specialises in paediatric anxiety, OCD, tics, PANS, and PANDAS. With a deep understanding of the gut-immune-brain axis, Sam applies her expertise to improve children’s health holistically. She is also a co-author of the “Calming Kids Naturally” program, offering parents practical strategies for managing their children’s neuro-developmental conditions.
