Core Supplementation

for Kids

We all want our children to be healthy, but that seems like a constant challenge in this age of processed foods, excess sugar, and nutrient-depleted foods. It can be difficult to ensure our children get the nutrition they need to thrive. Fortunately, we can fill the gaps left by our modern food supply with targeted supplementation.

While some children may need a more complex supplement regimen, most will get the support they need from just a few basic products. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, meats, and other real, unprocessed foods are still an ideal foundation for all of us. Supplements offer concentrated sources of nutrition to help us meet our child’s needs and give us peace of mind in a world where it is not easy to eat perfectly.

The Basics

So, what are the basic foundational supplements your child needs?

Multivitamins

Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in every cellular process in the body, and the fact is we are all deficient in one or more nutrient. This should come as no surprise when we consider that our soils have been depleted of vital minerals and most of us (especially kids) eat processed foods that are virtually devoid of nutritional value.

What I’ve found when working with moms on their children’s health is that our kiddos need extra nutrition to help support their detoxification systems, and to help fill in the gaps of their picky eating habits. While kids are learning to swallow capsules, they can benefit from a chewable or even a shake that gives them the nutrients they need. I do not recommend gummies because they can be high in sugar.

Having healthy levels of vitamins and minerals can help with virtually every aspect of our children’s health. Their immune systems will be stronger, their blood sugar more stable, and their mood brighter. A multivitamin is a great investment that pays big dividends in terms of giving your child a foundation for better health.

Probiotics

One of the biggest factors in both our immune health and brain health is the condition of our gut microbiome. This is the balance of good and bad bacteria in our digestive tracts, and it has a profound impact on every aspect of our health.

If you have a child with digestive struggles, trouble with mood and focus, or if they seem to get sick often, a probiotic may be the key to dramatically improving these issues. You will be pleasantly surprised to see something so simple make such a big difference. A capsule of probiotics can be easily added to soft foods or a smoothie as they are virtually tasteless.

Adding healthy bacteria to the gut can be accomplished through supplementation or dietary changes, but doing both if possible is the ideal solution. Food including plain yogurt (if your child tolerates dairy) and sauerkraut can be healthy additions to your family’s diet that add good bacteria in addition to a daily supplement.

Omega-3

The typical America diet is extremely out of balance in terms of our ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The result of this can be inflammation because omega-6 fats tend to drive inflammatory processes in the body while omega-3 fats work to calm inflammation.

Ideally these two types of fats would be in a 1:1 ratio in our diet, and that was the case in more primitive times. Our modern diets are rich in sunflower and sesame seed oils (omega-6) and low in fatty fish (omega-3) resulting in underlying inflammation, which sets the stage for a myriad of health challenges. This can be offset by limiting processed foods and adding a liquid omega-3 to our daily diet.

Indications that a fat imbalance is an issue for your child can be skin conditions, asthma, allergic responses, trouble focusing, or pain of any kind. These are just some of the early warning signs, but I truly believe we all need to be taking an omega-3 daily and consciously incorporating foods omega-3 rich foods into our diets. These include fish, walnuts, flax, and chia seeds.

Finding Quality Products

It can be overwhelming to sort through all the information and marketing out there to know which supplements your child really needs. Hopefully, I’ve shed some light on that for you. I know finding good quality supplements can be equally as daunting, so let’s talk about that next.

While we all love a good deal, choosing a supplement is not a decision you want to base solely on price. Cheap products are made with low quality ingredients, fillers, and typically small amounts of nutrients. It’s ideal to find a holistic practitioner who can help you navigate the sea of products out there and point you to quality brands you can trust.

Through my online dispensary, I have access to product lines that are only available through health care professionals, and I send personalized links to my clients with recommendations of products that are right for them. I would love to help you too! Feel free to reach out and we can work together to help your child achieve better health!