Nothing is more troubling or scary for a parent than a sick child. Most parents try to diagnose the problems in countless ways – before they have even been to a doctor. And with a little luck, it turns out to be something as mild as “growing pains” or a common cold.
But according to the 2012 Golden Nautilus Book Award winner “What’s Eating Your Child?” common childhood sicknesses, like recurrent ear infections, anxiety, rashes, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, can be directly connected to what your child is eating.
Kelly Dorfman, the book’s author, asserts that, despite the evidence, doctors still aren’t seeing the connection, leaving it up to parents to make the real diagnosis. Doctors in today’s society are over-prescribing for drugs like Ritalin and antibiotics that merely cover the problem, according to a recent Mamiverse article. http://www.mamiverse.com/eat-your-way-out-of-sickness-15420/
According to Dorfman, a nutritionist, keeping a daily log of what your child eats can save a lot of time at the doctor’s office. The following are some handy tips to help you recognize what may be wrong with your child.
Gluten Intolerance
Gluten intolerance is usually marked by chronic stomach pain, acid reflux, constipation, bloating, and loose stools, according the article. It may point to Celiac Disease, especially if pizza, pasta and bread are found at home.
Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease triggered by wheat gluten. Gluten intolerance, a different ailment, occurs when the body has trouble digesting this protein. Children may also have CD or gluten sensitivity and suffer symptoms like joint pain, unexplained headaches or just fatigue.
Deficiency In Essential Fatty Acids
According to the article, 4.5 million children have Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Dorfman says that cutting high-fructose corn syrup and adding essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 will help. Essential fatty acids can be found in nuts, seeds, olive and canola oil, seaweed, and fish, according to the article.
Lactose Intolerance
This could be the source of frequent ear infections, Dorfman says. Parents can try removing dairy products from their child’s diet. If symptoms disappear in a few weeks, lactose intolerance is the likely cause.
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