Dr. Joseph Cannizzaro, a pediatrician in practice for 50 years in the Central Florida area, has a specific approach when it comes to treating patients who have one of four conditions he terms an “epidemic” in our country–autism, allergies, ADHD and asthma. And that holistic approach involves looking inward–specifically, at diet and the toxic load our bodies carry.

In this episode of 30 Something, I talk with Dr. Cannizzaro about his book, “Answers for the 4A Epidemic: Healing for Kids with Autism, ADHD, Asthma and Allergies.”And while integrative and holistic medicine is gaining popularity in some circles, it’s important to know that this approach doesn’t represent everyone’s opinion on how to best manage these conditions. In fact, as you’ll hear in the intro to the podcast, I got a message from a listener that reminded me that this can feel triggering to some parents of autistic children.Just a note of assurance: My intention isn’t to isolate one treatment over another, claiming one is the best, but to share information from a doctor who has decades of experience. But for those who would like to try a more natural approach to their child’s health journey, the integrative way is one method to try.And to the parents who submitted questions on this book through my Instagram–first, thank you!–and second, we get to all of those in the second half of the interview. So let’s dive in.

Here’s what we cover:

• The impact of what he calls “environmental toxins” on our kids’ health, and ours
• Is there really a “4A” epidemic?
• Why and how gut health is tied to other health issues
• What to do when you have a child with ADHD but don’t want to medicate
• The test to ask your pediatrician for if your child has allergies
• The condition EOE (Eosinophilic esophagitis), and the course of treatment he suggests
• And so much more!

Give it a listen, and as always, I’d be so grateful if you Subscribed! Lots of good episodes coming up!