Dr. Dan Cardellichio’s Bio:

Dan Cardellichio, DC, MS has been an active practicing Chiropractor for over 30 years. He holds an MS in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. He serves an as Adjunct Professor at UB teaching Evidenced Based Nutrition and Pathophysiology of Disease. Dr. Dan is considered an expert in Clinical Nutrition and is a Leader and Educator in the field of Metabolic Nutrition and Functional Medicine. He graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Biology. 

What life events or challenges that you have experienced (could be minor, could be major) whether you have experienced them directly or via someone close to you, have had any type of impact on your desire to have a practice focus on patients with mental health challenges?

It was five years ago. My son was having difficulty in school – academically and behaviorally. He is a Tier 1 hockey player and his game suffered. After many parent-teaching meeting/conferences we decided to have him tested for ADHD. Frustration, confusion, and even embarrassment was the order of the day. The day of testing I was sitting in the waiting room, waiting for the Neuropsychologist to see us. There was further sadness and anger. How did this happen? What did I do? What did my son do? Tears swelled in my eyes. I realized that there was something not right with MY SON. Why? Why was the question that I kept on asking, day and day and day. I did not understand. I am not sure I wanted to understand.

My first comment when we finally met with the Neuropsychologist was there is nothing wrong with my son. The doctor sat back in his chair and said “There is NOTHING wrong with your son, but he is special and let us find out exactly why he is special”… I cried twice in my life – when my Father passed away and my Grandfather passed away. I could not hold back any longer – I lost it. This was the most uncomfortable I felt in my entire life. 

The testing was complete, James was diagnosed with mixed ADHD. The doc informed me this is not a “death” sentence. Your son is very bright and talented – in a different way. The doc asked James what he wanted to do with his life. Proudly, James sat up straight and said I am going to be a pro-hockey player and president of the United States of America. The Neuropsychologist leaped from his chair, smiled, looked at me, and said these are perfect jobs for James, and one day all these dreams and so much more will manifest and become a reality. Needless to say, I felt an incredible rush of calm, joy, even exhilaration. It was okay. I understand. It is going to be better. It was at this time I decided to change my career path. It is my absolute mission to help these children with ADHD.

What methods or practices do you utilize to help individuals get/feel better?

As a Chiropractor with an MS in Nutrition and training in Chiropractic Neurology, I was accustomed to treating brain-based conditions. However, this has propelled me to a higher level of service to humankind. I use functional lab testing to get to the root cause of mental illness. I utilize food sensitivity testing, intestinal permeability testing, and stool analysis to mention a few. We look at diet, vitamins, minerals, and food intolerances. The results are incredible! When I meet with an Internist, Pediatrician, or Primary Care Physician and discuss the approach that is taken they are curious and interested. I love breaking down the walls from “traditional” vs. “alternative.” I love being involved in a movement that is bigger than me to help those in need!