It’s 3 o’clock in the morning and your child is awake complaining of aches and pains. You take his temperature, give him some water, and sit with him to encourage rest.
Parents commonly experience long nights like these, and it can be tormenting when you can’t make your ill child feel better. What’s a loving parent to do?
While every child gets sick now and then, the key to limiting illness and keeping kids as healthy as possible is taking a proactive approach.
Dr. Heather Manley, a naturopathic doctor who focuses on preventative health for families and is author of the “Human Body Detectives” series of children’s books, recommends that parents first look at their kids’ diets in order to boost overall health and wellness.
“The digestive system is the gateway to optimally fueling the body plus the first line of immune defense,” Manley said. “If the digestive system is not working well, germs can get into the body and foods will not be broken down and absorbed into the body’s cells. If nutrients are not absorbed, the body does not get the energy it needs to be healthy — physically and mentally.”