Here is Why My Children are The Healthiest!?

Living in the USA and raising little children comes with opportunities and challenges. One of the unique challenges in this country is the health and well-being of children. Even though the US is the wealthiest and a country with advanced medical theologies, it ranks at the bottom in children’s health outcomes almost in all areas among its other peer countries. Look for this data for reference. 

US ranks at the bottom from 40 “rich” countiries, more data avialable at the bottom of this blog post.

I am not going into details about why the US has ranked low for children’s health outcomes. It is a layer of factors, and this post is only about sharing what helped me to keep my children healthy, although we’re raising them in this country. Still, I want to mention the country’s economic, medical, and social systems being the major contributors. You can read and go deeper in the reports.

If you’ve been following along EnatHood blog from the start, you know I am a mama who gives a lot of attention to health and consciously makes decisions for my family’s well-being. Also, I am passionate about natural living. I try to balance this “modern” life of our time with my “traditional” upbringing. My grandparents are my role models for a simple and healthy lifestyle! 

Even though our kids are still young and we have been in the parenting gig only for the last 3 & half years, these are the reasons that make me boldly say our kids are HEALTHIEST. 

1. They don’t have any chronic diseases 
2. They don’t have any allergies 
3. Never had common childhood illnesses like ear infections, tonsil, eczema, constipation, etc  
4. We never run to the emergency rooms or need to schedule frequent sick visits other than a couple of times we visited their pediatricians for insect bites 
5. They recover fast from seasonal cold or flu symptoms 
6. There was never a need to use medication like antibiotics 

People say our kids have less exposure because they are not attending school yet. I say it is a fair claim. However, we don’t always keep our kids in the house. 

• We take them to the public library at least once a week
• They play in public playgrounds 
• We socialize and arrange playdates with kids who go to school 
• We travel locally and internationally. Our oldest traveled to Ethiopia two times, and our youngest traveled once. 

Therefore if I say this much, why do I say, “My kids are the healthiest,” let me go directly to what we do and help us to keep them healthy and strong. 

What to Do to Keep Your Children Healthy 

1. Breastfeeding for Kid’s Health Strong Foundation 

It’s been proven time and time again that breast milk is the perfect first food for a newborn. Read በዚህ ሊንክ for the excellent benefits of breastfeeding for babies. 

I love breastfeeding and am forever grateful I was able and committed to it. You can read my breastfeeding journey በዚህ ሊንክ. I have shared how I could breastfeed during pregnancy and tandem nurse. 

Before I jump into the next thing, I want to say this to mamas who couldn’t breastfeed their children for many reasons.

Although breastfeeding is the most accessible for mothers to do for their children, it is also the most challenging. Breastfeeding requires a lot of support from the start. And it is known that many mothers cannot breastfeed due to lack of help.

Therefore, if you don’t breastfeed your children, you can still do many things to keep your kids healthy. Keep reading. 

2. Homemade Nourishing Foods for Healthy Kids 

There is nothing like homemade food. You have control over the ingredients and the amount to use. 

Even though we eat outside occasionally, we eat homemade food almost all the time. We cook from scratch. We try to buy organic vegetables, fruits, and condiments. 

For some of you, cooking might not be a skill you already have, but it is encouraging that you can learn at any time. Thanks to our information era, there are plenty of resources, tutorials, and recipes. Start with the simple one, and you will be a pro soon. 

Our kids snack on fruits, yogurt, or homemade baked treats. We avoid highly processed foods because processed foods are known to be inflammatory. Most brands contain sugar, salt, preservatives, and other toxic chemicals from the packaging. Plus, these products are expensive. 

Therefore you save your money and stay healthy by cooking at home. Invite your kids to participate in food preparation. Most likely, they will eat the food they help cook. Also, kids who eat together with their families are less picky than those who eat foods ordered or bought from somewhere.  

I suggest easy spreads you can make at home for snacks, like homemade jam, nut butter, or even homemade Nutella. These spreads may sound difficult to make at home if you haven’t done it before. But it is straightforward, and you can prepare large volumes and store them so you can use them for a more extended time. The benefits are clean ingredients and saving money. 

Also, you can make yogurt at home, but if you buy from a store, try avoiding flavored yogurt. It’s artificially flavored and full of sugar in small packages. If you want to flavor yogurt for your kids, use natural fruit and whole milk plain yogurt, blend it together. Or you can chop the fruits, and add them on top. Berries, mangos, kiwi fruits, and bananas are the best choices. 

3. Give Your Kids Grass Fed Organic Whole Milk (Raw Milk or Pastured) 

Our kids don’t consume milk until around one and a half. Milk is highly inflammatory, and I don’t believe it should be the first food or food to rely on. Read about milk በዚህ ሊንክ for more details. 

Milk is abundant in the US, but most of the milk brands are from genetically modified (GMO) sources, meaning the cows eat GMO corn and soy, not grass, which cows should eat naturally. Therefore, you have to choose milk wisely. 

These are the things I look for when it comes to sourcing milk for our family, especially for my young kids. 

• Grass-fed or at least organic 

• Whole milk (kids need all the fat for their growth. Please don’t give 2% watery milk unless they are on a particular diet recommendation) 

• Raw milk (I can pasteurize it at home if necessary or make yogurt from it) 

4. Filtered Water for Children  

Water is essential for our well-being. Clean and filtered water is critical more than anything. Bottled water has issues with the packaging and filtration process. Plus it is expensive. 

Most of the cities’ tap water in the US is claimed to be drinkable. But according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), tap water has contaminants and toxic chemicals. You can look at the details by searching down your zip code በዚህ ሊንክ. 

Therefore, we invest in countertop water filters, drink and cook our food with filtered water. You can also have a whole-house water filter system. It is a bit expensive and can served for many years. Weigh the benefit and the cost and choose the best option for your family. 

If you choose to buy a countertop like us, you can add this inexpensive shower head filter and minimize your toxic exposure from taking a bath, which is another opportunity for our body to consume water through our skin. 

5. Supplements to Support Your Kid’s Health  

I don’t believe in supplements substituting food. That’s why I list wholesome nutrition at the top for kids’ wellness. Supplements, as the name indicates, help to support our body. And I mainly focus on immune support supplements. 

I am going to list the supplements we give to our children below. Be aware their pediatrician recommends these all. Therefore never start these supplements for your kids because you see it here without discussing it with their pediatrician.

• Vitamin D for Children’s Immune Support

I give them this brand of Vitamin D3 (400 IU). We start with one drop and increase the dosage per their pediatrician’s recommendation. 

• Probiotics for Kid’s Gut Health 

Socrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.” And 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, where diverse bacteria are best. Therefore, it is essential to populate children’s gut with various good bugs more than anyone as their immune and overall digestive systems are not fully matured yet. 

There are excellent brands out there for probiotics. I use this powder baby probiotics and give it to the kids by adding it to their food/drinks. Make sure that the food or drink is not too hot because it can kill the good bugs. 

Again I want to say supporting the gut with food is still essential. Naturally, fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables (sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickles), and sourdough bread are great foods to add to kids’ diets.

Moreover, these good bugs we find from fermented foods and supplements thrive in the gut more by eating a lot of fiber-rich foods. Therefore make sure every plate kids eat includes vegetables and fruits. 

• Omega 3 Fish Oil for Kid’s Brain, Heart, and Immune Health

Omega-3 fish oil is highly beneficial for kids as it contains essential fatty acids like EPA and DHA, which are crucial for brain, heart, and immune health. It supports cognitive function, heart health, and overall well-being.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, and sardines), flaxseeds, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with various health benefits, such as supporting heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.

You need to know the crucial balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both are essential fatty acids, meaning our bodies cannot produce them, and they must be obtained through the diet. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in vegetable oils (e.g., soybean, corn, and sunflower oil) and many processed foods. While they are also essential for certain bodily functions, excessive omega-6 compared to omega-3 can lead to an imbalance and promote inflammation.

An ideal balance is generally considered to be a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids between 1:1 and 4:1. However, the modern Western diet, especially the American Diet, often has a much higher ratio, ranging from 10:1 to 20:1 due to the increased consumption of processed foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids.

Therefore to achieve a healthier balance, it is recommended to reduce the intake of processed and unhealthy fats while increasing the consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. One thing I do to minimize omega – 6 consumption is by eating homemade food, as I mentioned above. Also, I choose avocado, olive, and coconut oil for cooking and baking because they are not a significant source of omega-6 fatty acids and are healthy oils. 

Having said that, I use this omega-3 fish oil for the kids. 

• Vitamin C for Children’s Immune Support

Vitamin C is vital for kids as it supports their immune system and collagen production for healthy skin and bones and acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage. It also aids in iron absorption from plant-based sources, helping prevent iron deficiency anemia. Including fruits like oranges, strawberries, and kiwi and vegetables such as tomatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers in their diet ensures that children get enough vitamin C.

I haven’t given our children vitamin C supplements before. I would start using it after a few years, then use this brand. 

• Zinc for Kid’s Immune Support

Zinc is an essential mineral for kids that is crucial to their growth and well-being. It supports a robust immune system, helping children fight infections and illnesses. Additionally, zinc is vital for proper growth and development, as it aids in cell division, protein synthesis, and wound healing. This mineral also contributes to cognitive function and supports healthy skin. To ensure children receive adequate zinc, including zinc-rich foods in their diet, such as lean meats, seafood, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dairy products, is essential. 

I hadn’t given our children zinc supplements before because it was unnecessary. If I had to, I would use this brand. 

6. Use Non Toxic Personal Products for Kid’s Skin and Hair

Prioritizing non-toxic personal care products ensures that kids can thrive without unnecessary exposure to harmful substances, promoting a healthier and safer environment for their overall development. 

Children’s skin is more delicate and sensitive than adults, making them more susceptible to potentially harmful effects of chemicals and toxins found in specific skincare and hair care products. 

Opting for non-toxic, natural, and organic products can help prevent skin irritations, allergies, and other adverse reactions. Look for products free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances. Instead, choose gentle, hypoallergenic formulations with natural ingredients that nourish and protect their skin and hair. 

I didn’t use soap or shampoos much before they turned one. Babies don’t get dirty. A warm water bath was enough for most days. And I used organic coconut oil for their body, hair, and even as a diaper cream for the first year of life. I never had an issue. Coconut oil is light and doesn’t have a strong smell. 

Later, I noticed our daughter’s skin needed more moisture and asked her pediatrician for recommendations. I was looking for natural products, and she suggested a great brand called Tobby Todd. Unlike other brands, this company has nice body creams made from beeswax and other natural ingredients without toxic chemicals. Also, they carry shampoos, toothpaste, etc. 

In our kids’ toddler age, when they are active and dirty, I use Tobby Todd’s products and coconut oil. 

7. Choose Non-Toxic Natural Cleaning Products and Detergents for The Sake of Your Children’s Health

Opting for non-toxic natural cleaning products and detergents is key for safeguarding your children’s health. Conventional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals and harsh ingredients that can emit toxic fumes and leave residues on surfaces. These chemicals can pose serious health risks, especially for children, who may be more vulnerable to their effects. 

By choosing non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning alternatives, you can create a safer environment for your kids to live and play in. Look for products labeled as biodegradable, plant-based, and free from synthetic fragrances, chlorine, and phosphates.

These natural options protect your children from potential hazards and contribute to a healthier planet. Prioritizing non-toxic natural cleaning products is a proactive step towards ensuring your children’s well-being and promoting a sustainable and cleaner future for all.

We use this natural castile soap with essential oils in our house for most of our cleaning needs. It can be used for hand soap, dish soap, laundry, and everything else. I dilute it with water and add essential oils or vinegar, depending on my needs. I also use baking soda in the bathroom, in the laundry, and in the kitchen. The amazing fact is these products work well without causing harm to our bodies. 

8. Avoid Using Plastics Bottles, Plastic Food Containers, and Stop Cooking with Non-Stick Cookware for Your Kids and The Whole Family

Making the conscious choice to avoid using plastic bottles, plastic food containers, and non-stick cookware is vital for the health and well-being of your kids and the entire family. Plastic bottles and containers can leach harmful chemicals into food and beverages, potentially disrupting hormone balance and causing other health issues.

Switching to glass or stainless steel containers helps reduce exposure to these harmful substances. Non-stick cookware coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can release toxic fumes at high temperatures, posing health risks when inhaled.

Opting for safer alternatives like cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware ensures healthier cooking practices. By eliminating plastics and non-stick cookware, you create a safer home environment, reducing the risk of potential health problems and contributing to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle for future generations.

9. Choose Your Kid’s Healthcare Providers Carefully 

Choosing your kids’ healthcare providers wisely is paramount to ensure their well-being and optimal development. A child’s health is a precious and delicate matter, and the right healthcare professionals can significantly support their physical and emotional health. 

Look for pediatricians and specialists who are experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate, with a child-friendly approach. Seek recommendations from trusted sources, read reviews, and consider their credentials and expertise in pediatric care. 

A good healthcare provider will diagnose and treat illnesses and offer guidance on preventive care, vaccinations, and overall wellness. They must give the right to parents to make decisions with all consent.

Building a solid and trusting relationship with your kids’ healthcare providers can provide peace of mind, knowing they are in capable hands and receiving the best medical attention for a healthy and happy childhood.

The pediatricians we have gone to for the last three-plus years are recommended by my midwife, whom I trust, and she knows what I am looking for. They are a functional medicine holistic healthcare provider we are always grateful for, and we recommend them to many of our friends. 

10. Let Your Kids Play Freely in The Dirt and Introduce them With Nature for Their Overall Health

Even though it sounds counterintuitive, letting your kids play freely in the dirt and introducing them to nature is incredibly beneficial for their overall health. Allowing children to explore and interact with natural environments exposes them to diverse sensory experiences, fostering creativity and imagination. 

Playing in the dirt can strengthen their immune systems, as exposure to natural elements helps build resilience against certain illnesses. Moreover, spending time in nature promotes physical activity, reducing the risk of sedentary behavior and associated health problems. 

Additionally, connecting with the outdoors has improved mental well-being, reducing stress, anxiety, and attention deficits. Encouraging your kids to embrace the wonders of nature not only contributes to their holistic development and instills a lifelong appreciation for the environment and its conservation.

What I Give to The Kids for Mild Symptoms and Pain Management 

I am not scared of mild syptoms like fever. I know it is the immune response of fighting whatever pathogens are trying to attack them. Usually I don’t give them medicins for it. But if I have to I give them Homeopathic medicines for comfort and pain management, mainly from this brand. (It is approved by their pediatricians)

Homeopathic medicines can be considered for mild symptoms and as a painkiller option for kids, as they are generally safe, gentle, and have minimal side effects. Homeopathy follows the principle of “like cures like,” wherein substances that cause symptoms in a healthy person are used in highly diluted forms to treat similar symptoms in an individual.

Homeopathic remedies may provide relief for mild ailments like minor bruises, teething discomfort, or mild colds. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before administering homeopathic medicine to children, as the appropriate remedy and dosage need be tailor to each child’s specific needs and symptoms.

Homeopathic medicines should not replace conventional medical care for severe or urgent conditions, and seeking professional advice is essential for the safety and well-being of the child.

Finally, I want to say parenting is hard with so many concerning things around our kids. We all learn daily. We got this. Give yourself grace. You are doing your best. I would love to hear from you if you have any questions or anything you would like to share with me. Please let me know in the comment below.

Reference:

• US ranks lower than 38 other countries when it comes to children’s wellbeing, new report says https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/18/health/children-health-rankings-unicef-who-lancet-report/index.html
• The US ranks lower than 38 countries when it comes to our kids’ well-being https://www.thelancet.com/action/showFullTableHTML?isHtml=true&tableId=tbl1&pii=S0140-6736%2819%2932540-1
• The latest UNICEF Innocenti Report Card measures 41 countries against three main categories: mental well-being, covering life satisfaction and suicide rates; physical health including rates of obesity and child mortality; and skills, both academic and social. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/09/child-well-being-health-happiness-unicef-report/