122. Root Causes of Chronic Illness in Kids with Dr. Somer DelSignore

This episode goes straight to the root of what is happening beneath chronic illness in children, and it is far more complex than a single diagnosis or quick fix. In this conversation, Dr. Somer DelSignore joins Susan Robbins to explore the real drivers behind immune and neurological dysfunction in kids. From hidden infections and toxin exposure to nutrient depletion and chronic stress, this discussion connects how everyday lifestyle patterns shape long term health. It challenges the habit of chasing symptoms and instead brings attention to patterns, history, and the deeper factors that build over time.What makes this episode powerful is how grounded and practical it feels. You will hear how modern life, including screen time, poor sleep, and highly processed food, keeps kids in a constant stress response and how that shows up in ways many parents miss. The conversation brings clarity without making things complicated. It highlights how small, consistent changes can shift a child’s health in a meaningful way and why prevention starts earlier than most people realize.In this episode:Why chronic illness in children is rarely caused by one single factor and how multiple stressors build over timeThe impact of hidden infections on inflammation, behavior, focus, and common misdiagnosesHow sleep, nutrition, and daily habits directly influence immune strength and brain functionWhat a constant stress response looks like in children and how it affects growth, mood, and focusSimple ways to support your child’s nervous system, detox pathways, and overall health without overwhelmDr. Somer DelSignore BioDr. Somer DelSignore is a pediatric board-certified provider who blends integrative pediatric care with evidence-based medicine to address the root causes of immune and neurological dysfunction. Trained at the University of Pennsylvania and SUNY Upstate and further mentored in integrative medicine, Lyme, and PANS, she is known for highly personalized, research-driven treatment plans for children. Dr. DelSignore is an ILADS Member, a MAPS Fellow, and holds a Fellowship with the American Academy of Ozone Therapy. Her holistic 10-key approach emphasizes nutrition, environmental factors, and mental health, reflecting her commitment to whole-child care. She is the founder of Hudson Valley Integrative Health, where she helps families find clarity, hope, and a better quality of life.  RESOURCES:Connect with Dr. Somer DelSignore:Website: https://hudsonvalleyintegrativehealth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nylymesandpans/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nylymesandpans/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somerdelsignorekidslyme/https://healthyawakening.co/2026/05/04/episode122/Connect with Susan: https://healthyawakening.co/Visit the website: healthyawakening.co/podcastFind listening links here: https://healthyawakening.co/linksP.S. Want reminders about episodes? Sign up for our newsletter, you can find the link on our podcast page! https://healthyawakening.co/podcast