Welcome back to the Ananya Child Development Center (CDC) podcast, your source for expert insights and practical advice on supporting children's development in Hyderabad. I'm Madhavi Adimulam, founder and director of Ananya CDC. Today we are venturing into the fascinating world of integrated medicine with a renowned practitioner, Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena.
Dr. Saxena is a radiologist with vast experience in ultrasound-guided interventions. He's also one of only eight qualified clinical metal toxicologists in India and a passionate advocate for non-invasive therapies. He's a firm believer that while mainstream medicine plays a crucial role, it's often beneficial to explore alternative and complementary approaches to achieve optimal well-being. His clinic, conveniently located in Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, specializes in integrating diverse approaches for a holistic view of health and well-being.
Dr. Saxena, welcome to the podcast! It's a pleasure to have you here. It's truly inspiring to hear about your dedication to these innovative therapies and your commitment to sharing your knowledge at seminars and through media appearances.
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: Thank you, Madhavi. The first thing is, you asked me to come for your podcast, and I was getting prepared thinking about what questions you might ask. But I can tell you one thing. I started with simple things. I understood there is a need to educate the public as well as patients in a big way.
There was a song called, "Ae Bhai Zara Dekhe Chalo Aage Bhi Nahi Peeche Bhi..." This is what exactly brings me to this point because now we understand that even people who are not smokers, people who are strictly vegetarian, people who don't take a drop of oil, are getting into diseases like never before. So, where are we missing it? Just like that song by Raj Kapoor suggests, we need to look at things like air pollution, water pollution, and food pollution. What we are exposed to – everything matters. I think this generation has a lot to understand and uncover.
Removing the "dis" from "ease" is a real challenge.
1. Understanding Integrated Medicine
Madhavi Adimulam: Dr. Saxena, your clinic specializes in integrated medicine. Can you explain this approach to our listeners and how it differs from conventional medical practices?
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: When we started working only on the mainstream part, we were looking at the conventional aspect. Someone might have a cholesterol issue, but we missed things like fatty liver or the microbiome. Even if you don't consume oil, your liver still produces triglycerides. So, this integrated approach is essential.
Integrated medicine takes the best of both worlds - mainstream and alternative medicine. There are things in alternative medicine that are highly effective. For example, we focus on detoxification. But before we detoxify, we need to prepare the body. If someone is constipated or not sweating properly, there's no point in doing a detox. We need to ensure their bowel movements are normal and they are sweating adequately. It's a very integrated system.
God has given us four exit channels: our skin, our bowels, urine, and respiration. If one of these isn't working correctly, it overloads the other systems.
2. Understanding Symptom Management vs. Root Cause
Madhavi Adimulam: What is the difference between symptom management versus addressing the root cause of illness?
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: Think of the tip of an iceberg. What you see is just the tip; the real issue lies below the surface. Or imagine a rotten fruit on a tree. You can't just remove the fruit; you need to treat the whole plant, the roots, and even the soil to prevent further problems.
The same applies to human beings. We often focus on symptoms rather than the root cause. Take a headache, for example. The underlying issue might be constipation. If bowel movements aren't regular, ammonia levels won't come down. Even in breast cancer, we're now finding links to environmental toxins like cadmium, lead, and bisphenol A in breast tissue.
We need to be mindful of everyday choices. For instance, excessive use of antiperspirants, which contain aluminum, can block sweat glands and potentially contribute to problems. These toxins can accumulate in the body and disrupt our natural physiological processes.
Modern lifestyles and environmental factors play a significant role in our health. We need to adopt a more holistic approach, diving deeper to address the root causes of illnesses, rather than just managing symptoms.
Madhavi Adimulam: So it's not just about treating the symptoms but understanding the underlying imbalances in the body.
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: Exactly. And diabetes is not just about sugar levels. It's about addressing lipids, lifestyle factors, and potential toxins like arsenic, lead, and cadmium, especially for those who consume a lot of rice.
3. Integrated Medicine for Children’s Health
Madhavi Adimulam: Can you please elaborate on how integrated medicine tackles these challenges, especially for children?
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: That's a very relevant question. We see increasing rates of allergies, ADHD, asthma, and autism in children. It's a complex issue that can’t be solved with just a prescription. We need to educate parents about the importance of a holistic approach.
Integrated medicine for children starts with diet. We encourage parents to be mindful of what they keep in their refrigerators. Many fridges are filled with processed foods, sugary drinks, and other items that can be detrimental to a child's health.
Another major concern is handing over cell phones to toddlers. Studies suggest early exposure to excessive screen time can have long-term consequences, including potential risks of early-onset Alzheimer's.
Integrated medicine focuses on teaching parents the importance of establishing healthy habits, like ensuring their children get enough sleep, limiting screen time, and promoting good dental hygiene, which is often neglected. Excessive use of antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome, and over-reliance on combination vaccines can also be problematic.
We also encourage parents to minimize exposure to Wi-Fi radiation, especially for children with ADHD or autism, as it can exacerbate hyperactivity and sensory sensitivities. Simple changes like using a LAN cable for internet access can make a significant difference.
Even everyday products like talcum powder can contain harmful chemicals that impact a child’s health. We’re also seeing an alarming rise in conditions like fatty liver disease in young children, linked to the consumption of processed and refined foods.
It's not just about autism or ADHD. We’re witnessing an increase in autoimmune diseases like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and SLE in children. It’s crucial to look at the bigger picture and make informed choices to protect children’s health. Quick fixes don't work; a holistic, long-term approach is essential.
I can give you an example of a child, a seven-year-old, who has insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. It's a tough situation. He's getting the necessary care, insulin pumps, and everything, but these types of conditions are increasing. Research shows concerning trends. While he needs proper medical management, we also can't deprive him of simple joys like having ice cream occasionally. It’s about finding a balance.
Parents need to look at all the available solutions. Understand the problem, learn from their mistakes, and be proactive in their child's care. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics and consider the impact of vaccinations. Every child has a unique biological terrain, and building their natural immunity is essential.
A fever is a natural defense mechanism. Suppressing it with medication may not always be the best approach. It's about finding the right balance between modern medicine and allowing the body's natural healing processes to work.
Help Your Child Thrive
4. Approaching Autism with Integrated Medicine
Madhavi Adimulam: Thank you for breaking that down for us, Dr. Saxena. One of your areas of focus is autism. How does integrated medicine approach this complex condition? And what are some of the therapies you find effective?
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: Autism is a complex condition, and there's no single answer. A multi-faceted approach is crucial. We start by addressing nutrition. Research has shown a link between gluten and casein (from wheat and milk) and opioid production in the body. These "opioid peptides" can affect children with autism differently. The gut plays a critical role - it's often referred to as the "second brain."
Beyond diet, we look at the child's overall behavior and consider various interventions. I believe in an integrated approach, combining therapies like biotherapy (to improve eye contact) with nutritional supplements, such as the cis form of Vitamin A, which can enhance central vision, which is often lacking in children with autism.
Madhavi Adimulam: You mentioned biochemical gridlock. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: Think of it as a neural network with defects. These children have trouble converting certain essential nutrients. For instance, they struggle to convert linoleic acid to gamma-linoleic acid or folic acid to folinic acid. Early research pointed to cerebral folate deficiency as a key factor in autism.
The challenge is that many doctors don't fully understand the biochemistry involved. It's about looking at the intricate processes of methylation, sulfation, and phosphate delivery, which are often disrupted in these children. These are incredibly intelligent kids, but there's something blocking their full potential.
We need to look at all aspects—environment, nutrition, biochemical imbalances—to connect the dots. Information overload is a real issue. Research is constantly evolving, and it can be difficult to sift through the vast amounts of information available online.
Madhavi Adimulam: That's very insightful, Dr. Saxena. Many parents who come to Ananya are seeking help for their children with developmental delays. How does integrated medicine complement therapies like speech therapy and occupational therapy in supporting children?
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: As a radiologist, I've had the opportunity to look at brain scans of children with developmental delays. We've observed that while standard MRI and CT scans might appear normal, advanced imaging techniques like PET and SPECT scans reveal that certain areas of the brain, like the limbic system, are not functioning optimally.
Biophysics can play a significant role here. Therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be very beneficial. But it requires sustained effort and commitment. Biomedical interventions are also crucial. We've found that many children with autism and hyperactivity have fungal overgrowth. Addressing this through antifungal treatments can lead to remarkable improvements.
I've had cases where children have shown dramatic improvements after addressing fungal overgrowth and implementing dietary changes. It's crucial to remember that the gut and the brain are interconnected. We need to restore balance in the gut microbiome to support overall neurological health.
Parents need to understand that it's not about putting all their eggs in one basket. It's about exploring different approaches, embracing both conventional and alternative therapies, and working with a team of professionals to create a personalized plan for their child.
5. Dietary Advice for Children
Madhavi Adimulam: You were highlighting the importance of diet in your approach to integrative medicine. What dietary advice do you give to parents for promoting their children's overall health and well-being?
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: We strongly recommend using organic foods and cold-pressed oils. Unfortunately, even seemingly healthy options like muesli and oats are often contaminated with glyphosate, a herbicide that has been linked to autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Parents need to be vigilant about what they are feeding their children.
6. Chelation Therapy for Autism
Madhavi Adimulam: So what is the role of chelation in treating autism, and can you explain this therapy and when it might be considered for children with autism?
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: Research has shown a strong correlation between mercury toxicity and autism. We started looking at mercury levels in hair and nail samples of children with autism back in 2001. However, we found that the levels were not as high as expected. This led us to realize that children with autism might have difficulty excreting mercury from their bodies, making them more susceptible to its toxic effects. Similarly, lead toxicity has been linked to ADHD.
We started using a test called the "optimal challenge test," where we administer detoxifying agents and then analyze the urine for heavy metals. We found significantly elevated levels of lead and mercury in the urine of these children. Chelation therapy can be a very effective way to remove heavy metals from the body.
Many doctors question the rationale behind detoxification in autism, just like they used to question the need for deworming. But we've seen remarkable results in children who have undergone chelation therapy, just like we've seen with deworming. In India, lead exposure is a significant concern, and chelation can be a valuable tool for addressing heavy metal toxicity.
Certain factors, like a mother having hypothyroidism or consuming high-lead foods like biryani during pregnancy, can increase a child's risk of heavy metal toxicity, making chelation therapy a viable option.
7. Advice for Parents Considering Integrated Medicine
Madhavi Adimulam: Dr. Saxena, what advice would you give to parents in Hyderabad who are considering integrated medicine for their child, and what should they look for in a practitioner, and what questions should they ask the doctor?
Dr. Praveen Kumar Saxena: My advice to parents is to be smart and practical. Carefully observe your child and understand their individual needs. Don't rely solely on social media for information, as it can be overwhelming and misleading. Do your homework, consult with different practitioners, and find what works best for your child.
Outro
Madhavi Adimulam: Dr. Saxena, thank you so much for this fascinating conversation. It's clear that integrative medicine offers a unique and potentially valuable perspective on children's health and well-being. What I find so inspiring about your approach is your belief in the power of small and simple things. You have shown us today that by thoughtfully weaving together these seemingly minor adjusments, we can create a tapestry of well-being.
Dr. Saxena's clinic is located at 1 Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029. To learn more about his clinic and his integrative approach to healthcare, you can visit his website at https://www.drsaxenaclinic.com/.
And for comprehensive child development services in Hyderabad, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, autism support, and support for other developmental challenges, please contact Ananya Child Development Center. You can find us at www.asap.org.in or call us at 9848513192.
We are committed to partnering with families and medical professionals to create a network of support that helps every child thrive.
Thanks for tuning in, and we'll be back soon with more insightful discussions on the Ananya CDC podcast.
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