“Making healthy choices when purchasing food today is more complicated than ever. Marketers know that parents want to buy nutritious choices, so if you are making your purchases based on the marketing messages on the front of the package, you are definitely misinformed! Go straight to the ingredients to determine if the foods contain natural or artificial ingredients—and of course, fruits and vegetables do not require packages! Engage your kids to do the same and the whole family will be at their best for energy and health. I have learned that if you eat the natural goodness from Mother Nature, she’ll never let you down.”
If you remember analogies from the SATs, you’ll likely know that gas is to a car as food is to your child’s body. Everything from participating in daily activities to keeping up with growth charts requires proper nutrition.
Unfortunately, certain ailments can interrupt your child’s normal energy intake and growth projections. Everything from anemia and celiac disease to food allergies and high cholesterol can change how your child consumes food. Phrases like fatigue and failure to thrive enter the picture when nutrition is not up to snuff.
This chapter tackles the most common eating and energy ailments that strike babies and kids. If your child has been diagnosed with one of these ailments, read on to understand how you can make mealtime smooth sailing for years to come.
When you think about oxygen, what comes to mind? Is it that precious air you breathe? Or maybe it’s the key ingredient in water that mixes with hydrogen to refresh you on a warm summer day. Air and water sure are important, but neither has a monopoly on the need for oxygen. It turns out organs and tissues need oxygen to survive and thrive, too.
Red blood cells inside the body make sure organs and tissues receive enough oxygen to do their jobs. Anemia is a blood condition that results from the body having an insufficient amount of red blood cells, or hemoglobin, in the blood. When oxygen delivery is impaired, organs and tissue are simply unable to perform at their full potential.
Anemia results from a number of conditions, the most common of which is iron deficiency. Other causes include blood loss from an injury or internal bleeding, vitamin deficiencies, bone marrow disorders, kidney disease, or even sickle cell anemia (a condition where red blood cells are abnormally crescent-shaped and therefore deliver less oxygen to body tissue).
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Good to Know |
Some types of anemia are hereditary, so your child can be affected from birth. Pregnant women are also at risk of anemia due to the increase in blood demand and nutritional needs during pregnancy.
Your child’s most likely anemia symptom is fatigue due to a lack of oxygen in organs and tissues. Alongside fatigue, your child may also exhibit shortness of breath, dizziness, paleness, heart palpitations, and lightheadedness.
Once anemia is confirmed by your family pediatrician—typically by a simple in-office hemoglobin test—you’ll want to check out these conventional remedies and treatment alternatives to pump up hemoglobin and get the oxygen flowing freely within your little one’s body.
Anemia Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Ferrous sulfate | Ferrous gluconate |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Feosol | Floradix Iron + Herbs |
| How it works | Feosol is an iron supplement that helps restore proper levels of iron in the body. | Floradix Iron + Herbs provides proper amounts of iron without unpleasant side effects. It is kosher and suitable for vegetarians. |
| Dosage | Children under 12: consult a doctor; children 12 years and older: take 1 tablet per day with water or juice on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. | Children 4-11: take 2 tsp once per day with food; children 12 years and older: take 2 tsp twice daily with food. |
| Active Ingredients | Ferrous sulfate | Ferrous gluconate, B vitamins, vitamin C |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction | None |
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Science Says |
Researchers at the Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica in Mexico studied the effect of adding ferrous gluconate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to milk sources for toddlers. Those children ingesting the vitamin- and mineral-fortified milk had significantly lower rates of anemia.
There’s a dietary supplement called lactoferrin—an antioxidant—that has been shown to reduce or eliminate iron deficiency (if this is the cause of your child’s anemia). You can also look for pastas and cereals fortified with the right vitamins and minerals to combat anemia (again, iron is often the key lacking mineral, along with vitamin C, vitamin B12, and folate). Even spinach (Popeye’s favorite) can battle anemia, as it’s rich in folate, iron, and vitamins. Finally, blackstrap molasses is extremely rich in iron and is a natural and vegetarian-friendly choice for curing anemic children.
Twenty years ago, very few people knew anything about gluten. In fact, it wouldn’t have been surprising if someone confused it with a certain backside body part (the glutes)! Today, eating gluten-free is all the rage, and gluten-free products line the shelves of local health-conscious grocery stores. That’s because celiac disease and gluten sensitivities have gone mainstream.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that disrupts the natural digestion process. It makes it difficult for your child’s body to digest any foods containing gluten.
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, kamut, spelt, barley, and oats. It’s a key ingredient in many of your kid’s favorites including bagels, bread, muffins, pasta, and many pastries and desserts. While celiac disease and gluten are frequently linked together, it is possible to have gluten sensitivity without suffering from celiac disease.
The most common symptom of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity is abdominal pain after eating foods rich in wheat. This pain may also lead to gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
If your child has been diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s unfortunately a chronic condition. However, you can help your child keep the symptoms at bay by following a gluten-free diet and complementing that strategy with treatment alternatives such as probiotics as discussed here. For those with celiac disease (as opposed to only a gluten sensitivity), it is imperative to follow a gluten-free diet.
Celiac Disease/Gluten Intolerance Side-by-Side Comparison
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Science Says |
Researchers at the University of Bari in Italy studied the effectiveness of VSL#3 probiotics in decreasing the toxicity of wheat flour from fermentation. Researchers found VSL#3 played an important role in producing predigested and tolerated gliadins, which in turn helped with the palatability of gluten-free products. Researchers at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela in Spain went a step further and examined enzyme replacement therapy for those suffering from celiac disease. The study demonstrated extra support from dietary enzymes for celiacs.
Klaire Vital-Zymes can provide enzyme support for children with digestive issues, including celiac disease. While this product may make the digestion process easier, it’s important to note that this does not replace the benefits of a gluten-free diet. However, it may be helpful as an add-on for any gut inflammation your child experiences. You can also go the herbal route with your child to ameliorate celiac disease and gluten sensitivity issues. Turmeric and chamomile are two herbs that can help with inflammation and cramping.
You’ve likely seen hundreds of baby announcements in your day. The email or announcement card might say something like, “We’re excited to announce the birth of our baby boy, Joey! Weight: 7 pounds; length: 20 inches.” It’s a cute reminder of just how small babies are when they enter the world. From there you go back to your latte and work to-do list, never to think of that baby’s height and weight again.
For parents of children who fail to thrive, height and weight become all-too-important measurements. The failure to thrive label is given to children, most commonly babies and toddlers, whose height and weight are significantly below the curve and are not increasing at the right rate for age. The average and typical measurements can be found on standardized growth charts based on gender and age. Pediatricians commonly keep these records as your child grows.
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Good to Know |
The average birth weight of a full-term newborn is 7.5 pounds. The average length is around 18 to 20 inches. By age 3, girls are typically 26 to 39 pounds and 35 to 40 inches in length while boys are, on average, 27 to 39 pounds and 36 to 41 inches tall. Of course, growth is based on many factors, including genetics and nutrition.
The most common causes of failure to thrive include premature birth, poor nutrition, aversions to nutritious food and drink, or even childhood stress (e.g., an unhappy home). Your pediatrician is in the best position to check your child’s height and weight to see where she fits on the growth scale.
Less common causes can also lead to failure to thrive. These include medical conditions like gastrointestinal and endocrine disorders. If your child is in the lowest percentiles for height and/or weight, you’ll want to read this section closely for treatment alternatives.
Failure to Thrive Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Milk protein concentrate | Organic cow’s milk with vitamins and minerals |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Pediasure (vanilla) | Pediasmart (vanilla) |
| How it works | Pediasure is a gluten- free and kosher source of nutrition for kids needing additional nutrition. | Pediasmart is an organic nutritional supplement containing vitamins and minerals. It works well for those with lactose intolerance, those with celiac disease, and those who require a kosher diet; there is also a soy-based version for those with cow’s milk allergies. |
| Dosage | Drink 1-3 bottles per day or follow a doctor’s instructions. | For children ages 1-13: 8 oz per serving 1-3 times per day or as advised by a doctor. |
| Active Ingredients | Water, sugar, corn maltodextrin, milk protein concentrate, high oleic safflower oil, soy oil, whey protein concentrate, medium-chain triglycerides | Organic rice oligodextrin, organic evaporated cane syrup, organic lactose-free milk protein concentrate, organic high oleic sunflower oil, safflower oil, organic soybean oil, organic coconut oil, organic vanilla |
| Common Mild Side Effects | None | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | None | None |
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Science Says |
Getting calories into your child is critical in battling a failure to thrive. However, many choices contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and this can lead to obesity and related metabolic disorders like diabetes. Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University found a connection between HFCS in foods and beverages and the obesity epidemic. Researchers concluded that patterns from the U.S. Department of Agriculture food consumption tables over a 30-year period mirrored the rise in obesity in America.
Dr. Rosen has his own homegrown recipe for rice milk smoothies, a good source of protein and calcium to help a baby or child get necessary nutrition for growth. This recipe is especially well suited for kids with milk and soy allergies or sensitivities. Simply combine 6 ounces of rice milk, 1⁄2 tablespoon of rice protein powder, and 1 teaspoon of flaxseed powder with additional fruits (and vegetables if you dare) for flavoring. Almond milk is a good low-carb substitute for those not allergic to tree nuts. It’s rich in calcium; you can add organic almond butter for a healthy fat boost.
Otherwise, focus on meals and snacks that are high in calories based on healthy fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Children are known for their endless expendable energy, so prolonged fatigue may be cause for concern. Fatigue is often a symptom of illness, such as a cold or a case of the flu. Exhaustion and fatigue are also side effects of many medications taken for cold, flu, or allergies.
Fatigue may also be a natural result of a child’s growth spurt. A child may require more sleep if he or she is in the midst of growing. Or it can be an indication of a medical condition, as it is a key symptom for conditions such as anemia, celiac disease, and mononucleosis.
For general fatigue unrelated to a medical condition, many parents rely on commercial nutrition drinks such as PediaSure and BOOST. However, you might want an alternative if either the sugar content or tolerance of lactose is an issue so we’ve provided one in the table. Also worthy of note here is more and more children (often unbeknownst to parents) are unfortunately turning to caffeinated beverages like Red Bull for energy. The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically cautions against the use of energy drinks in children, noting, “Energy drinks contain substances not found in sports drinks that act as stimulants, such as caffeine, guarana and taurine. Caffeine—by far the most popular stimulant—has been linked to a number of harmful health effects in children, including effects on the developing neurologic and cardiovascular systems.”
Fatigue Side-by-Side Comparison
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Science Says |
Researchers at the Key Laboratory of General Administration of Sport in Shanghai, China, found nutrients like coenzyme Q10 and carnitine stimulate performance in exhaustively exercised rats. Their findings suggest mitochondrial nutrients may play a role in the enhancement of physical performance and fatigue recovery. In a separate study, researchers at the Division of Applied Physiology at the University of South Carolina studied the dietary flavonoid quercetin. They found that quercetin successfully increased VO2max, the maximum capacity of a human body to transport and use oxygen while exercising.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and flaxseeds, for example, help provide the body with extra energy in the form of healthy fats. Your child can also consume omega-3s in supplement form. Many of the B vitamins are considered “energy” boosters, including B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12. These are commonly combined in a vitamin B-complex supplement. Together omega-3s and B vitamins also support mitochondrial metabolism.
Between three square meals and snacking, we sure do eat a lot during the day. Add the pre-bedtime noshing and many kids are eating six or seven times per day. For most kids, food concerns focus on eating too much or too little, or too much of the wrong things and too little of healthy alternatives. This is not the chief concern for kids with food allergies. One consumption mistake can potentially be life-threatening for severe allergy sufferers.
We don’t typically expect peanuts, seafood, and other common food allergens to start a fight inside our child’s body. However, when a child suffers from a food allergy, the body misidentifies the food as something foreign and harmful. The immune system kicks into high gear and creates symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening. These reactions run the gamut from diarrhea and rashes to throat swelling and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, more and more children are being diagnosed with food allergies than ever before.
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Parental Guidance |
| “My son suffered seafood and chicken allergies throughout his childhood. Luckily, he outgrew the chicken allergy, but seafood remains a challenge. We found the most effective game plan was prevention, simply teaching my son to ask waiters and chefs about ingredients before consuming anything unusual. It’s amazing how seafood finds its way into sauces, pasta dishes, and even dips.” | |
| —Janis, mother to lifelong seafood-allergy-suffering son |
Among the most common food allergies are peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, seafood, cow’s milk, soy, and eggs. The challenge goes beyond simply your child’s avoidance of these foods. In many cases, severe allergy sufferers react when consuming otherwise harmless foods prepared with or near ingredients that cause allergic reactions. This issue in part led to changing food label rules requiring companies to list other common allergens (e.g., peanuts) produced in shared facilities and factories. In cases of children with severe allergies, it’s important to carry ready-to-use injections of epinephrine like an EpiPen. This provides a first-line treatment for emergency allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
While your child may simply outgrow a food allergy with age, you can also check out these complementary treatment options while waiting to see if adulthood is the ultimate cure. Of course, whatever treatment option you choose, teaching your child to avoid those foods causing allergic reactions should be the first line of defense.
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Science Says |
Researchers at the Skin and Allergy Hospital at the University of Helsinki in Finland studied the connection between probiotics and development of food allergies in babies. Scientists studied a cohort of 327 allergy-prone infants receiving either probiotics or a placebo to see how gut immune markers change with respect to the development of eczema, food allergies, asthma, and rhinitis. Those ingesting probiotics, compared with controls, had significantly positive changes in immune markers indicating reduced risk of food allergies. Also, infants born via C-section and treated with probiotics were less likely to have allergic disorders than controls even at 5 years of age.
Food Allergies Side-by-Side Comparison
When expectant mothers take prenatal probiotics, studies have demonstrated a reduction in allergic disorders in their children even as late as seven years later. The timing of introducing foods into a child’s diet may also prevent certain food allergies and intolerances. While this point is hotly debated, a common example includes waiting to introduce cow’s milk until age 1. For some infants at high risk for development of food allergies, it may be prudent to wait until a year or later to introduce highly allergenic foods like peanuts or shellfish. Avoidance of known food allergens is the safest way to avoid serious problems.
We don’t typically see high cholesterol commercials aimed at little kids. It’s commonly thought to be an ailment for adults with high blood pressure, obesity, and other heart-related symptoms. Still, it is possible for children to have higher-than-normal cholesterol. More children and teens are at risk due to complications of obesity. Tackling metabolic concerns while young is the best way to avoid a lifelong battle with cholesterol.
There are different types of cholesterol in the human body. We still are discovering new facts about the harmful and protective effects of these different types. In very simple terms that do not reflect the complex nature of how lipids (fats) impact our risk for disease, here’s what we do know. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the harmful, artery-clogging type, while high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are thought to be heart-protective. If your child has too much LDL and not enough HDL, he is at higher risk to build up plaque on his arteries. This plaque buildup combined with inflammation can ultimately lead to heart attacks and strokes.
A simple blood test can determine your child’s cholesterol level. Overweight children and those with a family history of high cholesterol are most at risk for elevated readings. Exercise and improved diet are common recommendations to improve cholesterol numbers, as are the following conventional and natural treatment alternatives.
High Cholesterol Side-by-Side Comparison
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Science Says |
Researchers at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research at the University of Western Australia studied how omega-3s correlate with healthier food consumption in children and with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in adolescent boys. In the study, over 1,300 boys, ages 13 to 15, were tracked. Researchers found a positive correlation between omega-3 fatty acid concentrations in kids and intake of fish and whole grains. The reverse was true for adolescents with high consumption of soft drinks and unhealthy snack foods.
Beyond exercise, omega-3s, and healthier eating, artichoke leaf extract may help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Red yeast rice is also thought to lower cholesterol and the risk of cardiac disease. Finally, garlic consumption is associated with lower LDL levels.
Vitamins and supplements can enhance attention.
The safest and most effective way to consume vitamins and minerals is from an organic, whole foods diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Though there is a debate about ideal amounts of specific vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health, ensuring regular intake of healthy nutrients is crucial. Under certain conditions, it’s not always possible to obtain adequate levels of all nutrients, as in those with food allergies and gastrointestinal disorders.
It turns out the benefits of adequate vitamins and minerals may stretch beyond bodily health. Optimal nutrient levels are needed for maximum cognitive functioning. Researchers at the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom discovered positive cognitive and mood effects for healthy children receiving 12-week supplementation of multivitamins and minerals.
Scientists studied 81 healthy children ranging in age from 8 to 14 years. The children were tested for cognitive performance and general mood prior to supplementation, then again after 12 weeks of supplementation. Interim assessments were also done at four and eight weeks during the trial. Among the functions tested were attention, memory, spatial skills, and mood. The children receiving the supplements showed improved performance in attention-based tasks, while less conclusive evidence was discovered for mood enhancement. Still, as a parent, it’s nice to know that a daily multivitamin may help your child pay better attention in school. Combined with exercise and adequate rest, nutrition plays a key role in children’s physical and mental health.