One in two America children has a diagnosed chronic health condition such as an autoimmune disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder, diabetes or obesity or a mood or behavioral disorder.
54% of U.S. children.
This is up from an estimated 2% of children diagnosed with a chronic illness in the 1960s.
In recent decades, there has been a concerning trend of increasing chronic illnesses among children. These conditions, once rare among the younger population, are becoming all too common.
Why is this happening?
Why does 1 in 12 children have an anaphylactic food allergy?
Why do 10% of kids have ADHD?
Why does at least 1 in 8 children have asthma?
Why does 1 in 36 children have autism?
If you want to know why there are so many kids with acid reflux, failure to thrive, developmental delays, chronic ear infections, chronic constipation… if you seek to understand what is contributing to the skyrocketing rates of autoimmune disorders, autism, ADHD, asthma, Sensory Processing Disorder and PANS/PANDAS, then you need to take a hard look at how we are living in the modern world.
Our world is so different than the world our parents and grandparents grew up in and the things we eat, breathe, think, and do on a daily basis are profoundly impacting our kids’ health.
The Alarming Increase in Childhood Chronic Illness
1. Environmental Toxins: Modern life exposes children to a myriad of environmental toxins, including pollutants, pesticides, and synthetic chemicals. These substances can disrupt the delicate balance of a child’s developing body and immune system, leading to chronic illnesses.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle: The digital age has ushered in a more sedentary lifestyle for many children. The lack of physical activity can contribute to obesity and metabolic disorders, including Type 2 diabetes.
3. Poor Diet Choices: Convenience foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed ingredients have become dietary staples for many kids. Such diets are linked to obesity, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions.
4. Overuse of Antibiotics: Frequent use of antibiotics in childhood can disturb the balance of gut bacteria, potentially leading to digestive disorders and weakened immunity.
5. Excessive Screen Time: Prolonged screen time is associated with sleep disturbances, mental health issues, and a more sedentary lifestyle, all of which can contribute to chronic conditions.
If your children have diagnoses or chronic symptoms (or are just showing the “soft signs” of being affected), you will soon find out that there are certain imbalances in the body, caused by the totality of modern living, that may be preventing them from reaching their full potential.
The good news is that many of the “root causes” of these conditions including toxicity, birth trauma, gut dysbiosis and nutritional deficiencies, are treatable, and the conditions are often reversible.
Once you know about some of the root causes of your child’s symptoms and diagnoses, you can work with healthcare practitioners that know how to address them.
Kids can get better and we will do whatever we can to help them!
We want your child to be well just as badly as you do as the parent – kids deserve to be happy, healthy, and thriving!
How Can A Holistic Approach to Pediatric Health Help?
1. Root Cause Analysis: Instead of merely treating symptoms, functional medicine seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of illness. This personalized approach can uncover environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors contributing to chronic conditions.
2. Nutritional Guidance: Functional medicine practitioners emphasize the importance of a nutrient-dense, whole-foods-based diet tailored to each child’s unique needs. Proper nutrition can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
3. Lifestyle Modifications: Functional medicine encourages physical activity, stress management, and quality sleep, which are essential for overall health and well-being.
4. Reducing Toxin Exposure: Strategies to reduce toxin exposure include advocating for cleaner environments, safer household products, and minimizing unnecessary medical interventions like antibiotics.
5. Gut Health: Functional medicine recognizes the critical role of gut health in overall well-being. Addressing imbalances in the gut microbiome can alleviate symptoms of chronic illnesses and improve immune function.
6. Preventive Care: Functional medicine promotes preventive care to reduce the risk of chronic conditions in the first place, emphasizing vaccination, regular check-ups, and a holistic approach to wellness.
By addressing root causes, emphasizing nutrition, and promoting holistic well-being, we can offer our children a brighter, healthier future free from unnecessary chronic illnesses. It’s time to invest in the well-being of our young generation and provide them with the tools for a lifetime of health!
