I am interested in changing my 3 year old sons diet. He has recently become a very picky eater and coincidentally has been very sick! (HMMMM??) I was thinking about adding probiotics or having him take supplements, but I am so lost on the subject. He does eat apples and grapes, and is pretty good at drinking water, so his digestive system is pretty good. I am more concerned with the mucus producing systems. I have heard several people state that they stay away from dairy when there is an over production of mucus.... any thoughts on the dairy reduction and probiotics/supplement incorporation????
Maybe he needs some whole grains? Rice-quinoa-Yogurt? No tap water. Just thought I'd throw that in while you weren't looking. Potatoes-sweet or red-organic. Lean meat-veggies sauted in olive oil-and something sweet-mommy!
I have a very picky eater too. It takes some getting used to to find the right combo, but, the thing is, probiotics is not a good idea at such a young age. THeir immune system is still developing and being introduced to all these different strains of germs. My kids HATE the prescription vitamins. So, we went with gummy vites. Not the most nutricious, but, they take 2 a day and like the gummy (actually taste like the real thing!!) When you go to the grocery store, let him pic a few things out that look familiar from TV (that's how my kids started eating trix and dora yogurts - again, not the most healthy, but getting there!!)
Some kids are allergic to dairy and don't know it - try vanilla soy or almond milk instead and see what happens. Pediasure is a little on the pricey side, but, one a day is also all the vitamins and minerals that they need.
Just another little thing - something else I"ve learned from my 6 year old - it's true what everyone says - this is a phase - as they get older, they do start to eat a little better when they see the other kids at school eating everything else - they will be willing to try more stuff as their taste buds develop with them. Hope this was a little helpfull - give it some time - not all answers come in 1 day!!!
He could have a food allergy. Is there a food he's totally addicted to? Sometimes that is a sign of a food intolerance.
I think getting him plenty of fiber and having him take a good children's multivitamin is fine. No need for probiotics if his digestion is fine, you might throw it off with the addition of probiotics.
Dairy is not good when it comes to mucus. If he's stuffy, avoid it.
I like the supplement Lauricidin.
It's made from mother's milk and it boosts immune system the way breast milk does for a baby. It's fine for children provided you follow the dosing instructions. Check it out for yourself.
I also think Emergen-C is a great supplement! They make it for children too. It's a tasty powder you mix with water. Boosting his vitamin C levels will help if he's getting sick often.
my dad swears dairy products particulary milk are the reason my sister was sickly and still is.
unfortunately i am clueless on those topics with my children but here is some things i've found to help their overall health or ideas that might point you in the right direction.
if he doesn't eat vegatables i would suggest grating them up in his food so he doesn't see it or steam veggies then puree them and hide them in foods he does eat. I was doing this for a while then found out that Sienfields wife has a good on it of course i can't think of the cook book right now but its pretty fun.
is he anemic? you could have him checked easily at the doctors office. the key to iron absorbtion is to have it with vitamin C like oj or apple juice not milk!
have you spoken to any nutritionists? ask to see one through your doctor. or they are usually available at natural nieghborhood markets like Henry's here in san diego.
