. . . they’re drinking sugar-laden beverages instead Like everyone else, children need water.  For one thing, the immune system functions best when well-hydrated. Mild dehydration in children can also cause constipation and behavior changes, for example acting tired, dizzy or slow to respond. Most kids do get enough; the problem is they’re getting it in the form of fruit juice, soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks – all high in sugar, and most containing additional toxins as well. Sweetened drink consumption is on the rise. Soft drinks are the single largest contributor of calorie intake in the US today. About 50% of the added sugars in our diets come from sodas, sports and energy drinks, coffee beverages and fruit juice. A recent article in Pediatrics noted that energy and sports drinks are being heavily marketed to children; that energy drinks are inappropriate because they contain stimulants; and that sugary sports drinks should be avoided because they contribute to…

The school year is back and we have some tips on how to cold and flu-proof your child.Children need special nutritional support as they head back to school each fall. Any gathering of kids creates a perfect opportunity for germs to spread, and no sooner has the school year gotten underway then flu season beginning.How can you strengthen your child’s immune system and avoid winter colds and flus?Number one, banish sugar from your child’s diet. Even a small amount of refined sugar can suppress your child’s immune system for hours. Immune cells need a lot of vitamin C to function normally, but sugar, which has a chemical structure similar to vitamin C, competes with the vitamin to enter the cells, creating an artificial vitamin C shortage. Avoid fruit juices (including orange juice), which are also too high in sugar. Whole fruits, however, are fine in moderation.Feed your child the right fats. Trans fats and excess omega 6 fats (found in supermarket vegetable oils) depress immunity,…

In germ-filled classrooms, it takes just one sick child to infect classmates whose immune system is even slightly compromised. Almost 22 million school days are missed because of colds each year. And 38 million days are missed due to the flu virus. What can parents do to help kids stay healthy while in school? Encourage healthy eating of the right kinds of foods that boost immunity. While school breakfasts and lunches are far from perfect, this study suggests school foods are getting healthier, maybe even healthier than what some kids are getting at home. So heads-up parents! We’ve said for years that disease cannot survive in healthy cells. As long as you are insisting your kids eat nutritious foods that boost their immune system—and skip those loaded with toxins—they’ll stay healthy and strong throughout the school year. So here are our top six foods your child can eat while at school: Walnuts Just seven walnuts a day can have amazing health benefits. In fact…