How to Raise Healthy Kids: A Functional Medicine Approach

Mark Hyman

May 8, 2024

Episode description

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Every parent wants to raise a healthy kid, but our modern world, industrialized diet, and increased stressors can make that goal feel confusing and difficult. The good news is that we can do so many things during a child’s life, and even before it starts, to give them the best possible chance to truly thrive in body and mind. I’m thrilled to share this in-depth conversation with pediatric Functional Medicine expert, and mom to 2 thriving children, Dr. Elisa Song.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The disappearing act of Bifidobacterium infantis and why it matters 

  • Why preconception support is so important for optimal epigenetic programming 

  • The bloodwork Dr. Song runs when first assessing a child 

  • One nutrient that might dramatically help your sensory-sensitive child

  • A grounded discussion around the controversial topic of vaccines

  • And so much more!

No matter how old your kids are, it’s never too late to upgrade their health with holistic approaches. I know you’ll love this episode as much as I did!

This episode is brought to you by ButcherBox, Thrive Market, and One Skin.

ButcherBox is giving new members two pounds of wild-caught salmon for FREE plus $20 off. Visit ButcherBox.com/Farmacy and use code FARMACY.

Head over to ThriveMarket.com/Hyman today to received 30% off your first order and a free gift up to $60.

Unlock your healthiest skin yet. Try OneSkin with 15% off your first purchase using code HYMAN15 at OneSkin.co today.

Episode description

View Show Notes From This Episode

Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman

Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal

Every parent wants to raise a healthy kid, but our modern world, industrialized diet, and increased stressors can make that goal feel confusing and difficult. The good news is that we can do so many things during a child’s life, and even before it starts, to give them the best possible chance to truly thrive in body and mind. I’m thrilled to share this in-depth conversation with pediatric Functional Medicine expert, and mom to 2 thriving children, Dr. Elisa Song.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The disappearing act of Bifidobacterium infantis and why it matters 

  • Why preconception support is so important for optimal epigenetic programming 

  • The bloodwork Dr. Song runs when first assessing a child 

  • One nutrient that might dramatically help your sensory-sensitive child

  • A grounded discussion around the controversial topic of vaccines

  • And so much more!

No matter how old your kids are, it’s never too late to upgrade their health with holistic approaches. I know you’ll love this episode as much as I did!

This episode is brought to you by ButcherBox, Thrive Market, and One Skin.

ButcherBox is giving new members two pounds of wild-caught salmon for FREE plus $20 off. Visit ButcherBox.com/Farmacy and use code FARMACY.

Head over to ThriveMarket.com/Hyman today to received 30% off your first order and a free gift up to $60.

Unlock your healthiest skin yet. Try OneSkin with 15% off your first purchase using code HYMAN15 at OneSkin.co today.

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Optimize child's gut microbiome to enhance vaccine efficacy

Optimizing a child's gut microbiome before vaccination can improve the vaccine's efficacy and potentially reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

Manage stress to prevent leaky gut within an hour

Unmanaged psychological stress can trigger leaky gut and the release of zonulin within just one hour.

Take Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG to reduce infant allergy risk

Taking the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG during the third trimester and while nursing can significantly reduce an infant's risk of eczema and asthma.

Address nutrient deficiencies in children for better health

Despite living in an affluent country, 99.9% of children have nutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies, with zinc being the most common.

Address zinc deficiency to improve sensory issues and eating habits

A lack of zinc can cause picky eating by altering taste profiles and amplify sensory issues like sensitivity to sounds and clothing tags.

Personalize vaccine schedules based on genetic risk profiles

The emerging field of 'adverse-omics' studies the genetic profiles that may put someone at higher risk for adverse vaccine reactions, suggesting a need for personalized schedules.

Restore key bacteria in modern breast milk for healthier gut microbiome

The gut microbiome of a breastfed baby today resembles that of a formula-fed baby from 100 years ago due to a loss of key bacteria like Bifidobacter.

Boost happiness by nurturing your gut microbiome

80-90% of the body's serotonin, a key mood-regulating neurotransmitter, is produced by the gut microbiome.

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