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Childhood health concerns have been increasing, with nearly one in two kids having at least one persistent health issue. Solutions for childhood health concerns, including diabetes and obesity, often stem from the gut health. It is crucial to address these issues early to prevent long-term implications.
The first 1000 days from conception to early childhood play a vital role in shaping a child's microbiome and overall health. The gut microbiome influences immune system development, brain function, and even epigenetic factors. Supporting a healthy microbiome during this critical period can have long-lasting positive effects.
Promoting gut health through nutrition is key for children's well-being. Human milk oligosaccharides in breast milk support the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria. Introducing probiotics, human milk oligosaccharides in formula if breastfeeding is not possible, and focusing on fiber-rich foods can help maintain a healthy microbiome.
To support children's gut health and microbiome resilience, focus on nourishing foods rich in fiber, phytonutrients, and postbiotics. Encourage the intake of fermented foods, prebiotics, and diverse plant-based foods. Limit processed foods and additives that can disrupt the gut microbiome, fostering a balanced and thriving internal ecosystem.
Ensuring children get sufficient fiber intake is crucial for their overall health. With many American children lacking adequate fiber in their diets, incorporating fiber-rich foods like raspberries and lentils can significantly boost their nutritional intake. Comparing the fiber intake of traditional diets, such as those in Tanzania, where individuals consume up to 100-150 grams of fiber per day, highlights the disparity caused by modern diets filled with processed foods low in fiber. Educating children about the benefits of fiber and providing practical examples of fiber-rich foods can help address this nutritional deficiency.
Encouraging diversity in children's diets by consuming a variety of colorful foods can positively impact their microbiome health. Phytonutrients present in different colored fruits and vegetables offer various health benefits for different bodily functions and act as prebiotics for gut health. Incorporating fermented foods into children's diets, while initially challenging, can be made enjoyable through interactive activities like making sauerkraut and kombucha with them. By fostering positive associations with diverse foods and engaging children in meal preparation, parents can help build a foundation for long-term health and wellness.
In today’s world, our kids are up against a whole host of lot of factors that are threatening their overall health. Our modern environment presents threats like the accessibility of ultra-processed food, repeated exposure to chemicals like pesticides, and the overuse of medications that are harmful to human health in excess. If we want to raise healthy, strong children who can face these challenges head on, we have to help them build resiliency – and that’s exactly what you’re going to learn on today’s show.
Today’s guest is Dr. Elisa Song. She is a Stanford, NYU, and SCSF-trained integrative pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert. She’s helped thousands of families get to the root cause of their kids’ health concerns by bridging the gap between conventional medicine and functional medicine. Her new book, Healthy Kids Happy Kids, is a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to whole child health.
In this interview, Dr. Song is sharing so many valuable insights on children’s health. You’re going to learn what every parent needs to know about using antibiotics, how to get to the root cause of common ailments, and how our children’s mental health is influenced by their gut health. Dr. Song is also sharing her five science-backed, foundational behaviors for raising healthy, happy kids. This interview is full of tangible advice that I hope you will use to help your children thrive. Enjoy!
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