Essential Pediatric Health Tips Every Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Elisa Song Part 2: Episode Rerun

In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge revisits her conversation with holistic pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song about what to do when a child gets sick. Dr. Song shares how she blends conventional pediatrics with functional medicine to support kids through common acute concerns, from helping the gut recover after antibiotics to calming the nervous system with breathwork. They talk through ear infections, enlarged tonsils, seasonal allergies, and why engaging the vagus nerve may matter for far more than relaxation. If you care for kids, or you're raising them, this one gives you practical tools and a lot of reassurance.

3 Key Takeaways

• Plan for the microbiome after antibiotics. In preschool children, lifetime macrolide use was associated with long-lasting shifts in gut microbiota composition. (Korpela 2016) Dr. Song encourages parents to stay on top of microbiome support whenever a medication is truly needed.
• Calm is a bonus; regulation is the goal. The nervous system helps regulate inflammation in real time through a vagus nerve–mediated reflex. (Tracey 2002) Dr. Song teaches kids simple breathing practices to engage it. (Zaccaro 2018)
• Integrative care works alongside conventional care. Dr. Song emphasizes partnering with your practitioner on any medication change rather than stopping something that's helping.

Guest: Dr. Elisa Song is a holistic pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert who combines conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, essential oils, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is the founder of Healthy Kids Happy Kids and the founder and holistic pediatrician at Whole Family Wellness, and the author of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience.

Clinical FAQ

Which medications can affect a child's gut microbiome?

Dr. Song names NSAIDs, SSRIs, steroids, reflux medications, and birth control pills, in addition to antibiotics. (Vila 2020) She recommends working with a practitioner to support the microbiome and watch for nutrient depletion, not stopping needed medications.

Does every ear infection need antibiotics?

Not always. For selected children with uncomplicated acute otitis media, the AAP guideline includes observation with close follow-up as an option. (Lieberthal 2013) Dr. Song shares supportive strategies she uses alongside medical evaluation.

Why work on the vagus nerve?

Beyond helping kids feel calm and focused, Dr. Song explains that vagal tone is linked to inflammation, blood sugar regulation, recovery from illness, and gut health. (Breit 2018)

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

02:43 – Post-antibiotic recovery for kids

08:34 – How one conference transformed Dr. Song's practice

15:17 – Engaging the vagus nerve

25:22 – Natural support for ear infections

31:41 – Childhood illness and enlarged tonsils

37:58 – Natural allergy tips

42:50 – Restoring health at any age

Ready to elevate your practice? This episode is sponsored by Fullscript, a comprehensive care delivery platform designed to support whole-person, integrative healthcare. Fullscript helps clinicians bring supplement dispensing, lab ordering, and patient education into one centralized workflow. For more practitioner education on supplements, nutrition, and evidence-informed clinical care, visit Fullscript Academy at academy.fullscript.com.

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and don’t necessarily reflect those of Fullscript or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. For your safety, always check with your doctor or healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.