Allergies

The daylight is increasing yet, most kids, even in the south, are not receiving enough Vitamin D from the sun.  Either due to weather, use of sun-screen or indoor behavior patterns, deprivation of this vitamin is common among kids. Supplements are a practical way to provide adequate amounts in their blood stream. Vitamin D3 is a nutrient powerhouse.It is vital for the efficient use of calcium by the body. Lack of it opens the doors for brittle bones. It is know to boost ones immune system and has even has been shown to be a protective agent against cancers.   

What an easy way to ensure you children have an adequate amount of Vitamin D3.  These Yummi Bears by Hero Nutritionals taste delicious, as verified by the Kid Kritics. Plus, they are Allergen, Gluten and Dairy Free. They're for everyone! Add them to your supplement grocery list.

… for the health of your family,

ellen

Hope you are the one I call next Monday to say, You Won!"  Enter to win a Case of Oat Blueberry Lemon Whenever Bars, gluten free, by Pamela's Products.  Perfect breakfast, lunch and snack food.  www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.

“Organic milk has up to 60% more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids?”*  This is because these cows eat grass, a source of this precious heart and brain food. Omega 3s play an important role in brain memory, performance and behavioral function. Your body does not make this fatty acid so you have to eat it. Organic milk gives you a daily opportunity to do so.  If you are lactose intolerant, look for lactose-free. I like to use organic milk in smoothies, cereal, recipes – every little bit counts! What are some other ways to sneak organic milk into your meals?

… for the health of your family,                        
ellen

*Joy Manning, “Get More From Your Moo Juice,” Prevention, July 2011, p. 67. Her source: Journal of Dairy Science.

Win a Case of those irresistable Veggie Stix and receive a BONUS GIFT, “The Princess and the Pop Star” DVD by Veggie Tales!  Go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes and enter.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread, organic,  by Rudi’s Organic Bakery has been Kid Kritics Approved!  In fact, the kids had a lot to say about it, ” really really good and good for breakfast… it was sooooooooooooooo sweet!… the best ever. I want it every day… uncommonly remarkable… it had a wonderful taste that was the best raisin brand ever!” For a knock out breakfast, lunch or snack, make a toasted peanut butter cinnamon raisin sandwich.  There is a Kid Kritics Approved gluten-free version as well so this bread is a grocery list option for all!

… for the health of families,
ellen and sally

A report estimates “50% to 90%  of presumed allergies aren’t, in fact, allergies.”*  This article points out that frequently used singular diagnosis practices such as skin and blood tests administered by doctors are not soley reliable.  What is really needed is the complete picture provided by taking family history and a medically supervised food challenges.   There are so many variables that is is necessary to be thorough when evaluating food reactions. Here are the eight most common foods with the percentage of Americans who are allergic: FISH: 0.3%-0.6%. SOY: 0.2%-0.7%. PEANUTS: 0.6%-0.75%. TREE NUTS: 0.1%-0.45%. MILK: 0.9%-3%. SHELLFISH: 0.6%-1.2%. WHEAT: 0.2%-2%. EGGS: 0.3%-1%.*  Bet you expected these numbers to be higher. 

Double check your allergy reports. Reactions may be related to other medical conditions.  Some may be related to the chemicals used when growing or raising these foods.  This issue offers a good reason to chose organic.  Artificial ingredients such as dyes are serious bodily rejection culprits.  When addressing allergies, make sure you have covered all the bases, including serving the best possible foods at home.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

*”New Rules for Food Allergies,” Melinda Beck, Wall Street Journal, 12/7/2010, pp. D1, D4.