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During the fall and winter months, we’re all thinking about colds and the flu and how to keep our kids healthy. We often read about foods and natural ways to boost immunity but the immune system is more complex than we realize.
In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Heather Moday, an immunologist, allergist, and functional medicine doctor, and author of a new book, The Immunotype Breakthrough.
We talked about how the immune system works, why boosting the immune system may not always be the best idea, and the effects that COVID-19 may have on our kids’ health. We also talked about the best nutrients, superfoods, and healthy habits that help support our kids’ immune systems.
Welcome
3:17 Let’s talk about your story!
5:25 Can you give us a primer on the immune system?
8:10 What happens to a child’s immune system as they grow?
9:53 We hear a lot about “boosting” our immune systems, but I read that you say balance is more important—why?
13:12 What should parents know about COVID-19 at this stage of the game?
16:22 What do you think about the COVID-19 vaccine for kids?
17:29 Do experts expect to see—or are they already seeing—certain types of illnesses in kids this year?
19:08 Are there long-term effects to a kid’s immune system because of COVID-19 masking, social distancing, etc.?
21:00 What are the best ways parents can keep their kids healthy this fall and winter?
22:21 What are foods kids should avoid?
23:38 There’s controversy around the term “leaky gut syndrome,” so is it legitimate?
26:57 Which nutrients should kids focus on?
27:23 Are vitamin D, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids important for the immune system?
29:12 What are the best superfoods for kids?
30:27 Should kids take probiotics?
31:56 Should kids with allergies, eczema, and food allergies take antioxidants and probiotics?
32:54 How can parents make sure their kids are getting enough sleep—and quality sleep—every night?
34:59 How can parents get activity and exercise in their kids’ days?
36:34 Kids are under a ton of stress, which can affect your immune systems. What can parents do to help their kids?
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW
Julie mentions the “Food Issues” episode with Dr. Tracy Shafizadeh from Evolve BioSystems and Evivo.
Julie mentions that her young daughter had a severe case of COVID-19.
Dr. Moday talks about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease.
Grab a copy of Dr. Moday’s new book, The Immunotype Breakthrough.
Learn more about Dr. Moday at ModayCenter.com and follow her on Instagram.
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