What's Eating Your Child Book Review Part 2

I am still really enjoying this book and can't wait to share some more details with you

     In the next few chapters, Dorfman discusses being a detective to your child's symptoms.  The more information you gather about your child's symptoms, treatments, and similar cases, the better you will become at advocating for your child.  One common theme that keeps arising is that many parents already know the answer or have gut instinct about it.   

     Unfortunately many doctors have so much to learn that they simply can't not be experts in all areas.  Humans are only capable of holding so much in their brains.  There is a lot of value in seeking several options and making sure you are clear and to the point about what you are seeing in your child's health.  

• What is your concern?
• What worries you the most?
• When did it start?
• Are their any outside factors? (environmental, situational, milestones etc.)
• What is your child's diet? (what does he/she eat a lot, crave, not eat)
• Any medications, minerals, or vitamins?

     Dorfman includes an excellent chapter on picky eaters.  I highly recommend this chapter if you have a child who eats only select foods.  Children who eat very limited fruit, vegetables, fish, and varieties of whole grains tend to be irritable, tired, easily overwhelmed and sleep poorly.  A poor diet can affect a child's development as well as their IQ.  Dorfman includes a few great case examples.  One case describes the effect of the mucous found in dairy lining the digestive tract making food less desirable.   Once eliminated the child's diet increased almost immediately.   

     This last point has hit home for me.  "Children act bad when they feel bad."  I have noticed an increase in whining from my two year old.  Sure people can tell me that it is typical behaviour for a two year old but I don't think it is normal for her and my gut is telling me something is bothering her.  I decided to try eliminating a few trigger items in her diet; one at a time.  I also making sure I am continuing to give her daily doses of EPA-DHA (fish oil) and probiotics.  Fish oil is for improving her mood, immune system as well as her brain function.  The probiotics regulate her gut system and introduce healthy bacteria.

Back to reading, do look for future posts.