Pediatric naturopathic care in Erie, CO
Nutrition and nutrient deficiencies in children
You can't see a nutrient deficiency from the outside, but you can see what it does: tiredness, pale skin, poor sleep, frequent illness, a child who is anxious or can't focus. Testing turns a guess into a plan.
The children I see
Selective eaters whose plates have shrunk to beige. Kids who are tired all the time. Babies and toddlers whose iron has never been checked. Children with eczema, constipation or frequent illness where a nutrient gap is quietly making everything else worse. And parents who have bought a cabinet of supplements without knowing whether any of them were needed.
Iron and vitamin D are the two I find low most often, and both matter enormously for a growing child. But they are not the only ones, and guessing is how families end up spending money on the wrong thing.
Testing that answers the question
I test for what the history suggests. That can mean a full iron panel rather than just a hemoglobin, vitamin D, zinc, B12 and folate, omega-3 status, or markers that tell me how well a child is absorbing what they eat. I explain what each test would tell us before we order it, and I go through the results with you at a lab review visit rather than sending numbers in an email.
A plan a real family can follow
Food first, always. I'll show you where the nutrients your child is missing actually live, in foods there's a reasonable chance they'll eat. Where food alone won't close the gap quickly enough, I recommend specific supplements in the right dose and form for the child, for a defined period, with a plan to retest. Nothing open-ended, nothing "just in case."
For selective eaters I work on the eating itself: pressure off, exposure up, sensory needs respected, and the digestive discomfort that often started the pickiness addressed at the same time.
Growth and the bigger picture
If you're worried about your child's growth, weight or energy, that's a reason to talk. I'll look at the growth history alongside nutrition and digestion, and I'll coordinate with your pediatrician if anything needs a closer look.
Nutrition sits underneath almost everything else I do. It's a big part of how I approach frequent illness, eczema, and developmental concerns.
Questions parents ask
Should I just give my child a multivitamin?
A general multivitamin rarely corrects a real deficiency, and it can hide one. If there is a reason to suspect a gap, it is worth testing so you know what to give and how much.
How do you test a small child?
Most labs are a simple blood draw at a local lab, and I choose the shortest panel that answers the question. For some nutrients there are non-invasive options. I will talk you through what to expect and how to make it easier on your child.
My child only eats a few foods. Can you help?
Yes. Selective eating is one of the most common reasons families call me, and it is usually a mix of sensory, digestive and habit factors that can all be worked on.
Do you sell supplements?
I recommend specific products when they are needed and tell you where to get them. You are never required to buy anything from me.
From parents
We love Dr. Lyle! My daughter has been going to Dr. Lyle since she was 6 months & it was truly the best decision i could’ve made for her! Dr. Lyle has been an absolute blessing for us, she is super supportive & understanding. My daughter has been having skin issues since birth and she has been determined to help us every step of the way. Whenever my daughter is sick, Dr. Lyle is very responsive and helpful. She really is the best & has your kiddos best interests at heart!
Dr. Lyle is just fantastic! In home or in office visits?! She spends so much time, is so caring and knowledgeable. We needed a blood draw for my child, and she was beyond patient, helpful with explaining, and respectful of my daughters fears surrounding the procedure. So nice to have a doctor who can help you make the best choices for your family, and meet children where they are. Super thorough! Looking forward to future appointments, strongly recommend.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Lyle!! She is kind, welcoming, professional, and extremely knowledgable. As a new mom of a 6 month old I was nervous about finding the best care for my little one, but I can say for certain we will be seeing Dr. Lyle for life. She understood my holistic preferences and provided us with wonderful advice in various areas of development. It is easy to tell she loves her work and is passionate about providing the highest level of care. I will send everyone I know her way!
Other things I help with
Constipation and digestive concerns
Chronic constipation, tummy aches, reflux, picky eating that started with a sore belly. Finding out why, not just softening stool.
Read about constipation and digestive concernsEczema and skin concerns
Eczema that keeps coming back, dry patches, rashes and reactive skin. Looking at what is going on underneath, from gut to diet to environment.
Read about eczema and skin concernsImmune support and frequent illness
The child who catches everything. Back-to-back colds, ear infections, lingering coughs. Support for a body that is working too hard.
Read about immune support and frequent illnessDevelopmental concerns
Autism, ADHD, speech and sensory concerns. A whole-child look at nutrition, digestion and sleep alongside the care team you already have.
Read about developmental concernsLet's talk about your child
A free 15-minute meet and greet, by phone. No charge, and you'll leave knowing whether I can help.
By appointment, Monday through Friday. Weekend visits available.