“The digestive system is the gateway to optimally fueling the body plus the first line of immune defense,” Manley said. “If the digestive system is not working well, germs can get into the body and foods will not be broken down and absorbed into the body’s cells. If nutrients are not absorbed, the body does not get the energy it needs to be healthy — physically and mentally.”
o Fruits and vegetables: The fresh facts
“Encouraging kids to try an array of fruits and vegetables is really the key,” says Manley. She notes that some kids may have a preference for veggies over fruit, or vice-versa. Try including a mix in their diets. Vegetables typically have more fiber and less sugar, and should be incorporated at every meal. Fruit can serve as a great hydrating snack, especially during the summer months as they help to prevent dehydration or heat exhaustion. Manley suggests munching on blueberries, watermelon, plums and cherries.
What are some smart ways to add more vegetables to your child’s diet? “Broccoli and carrots are the usual kid favorites, but adding local and seasonal vegetables is a clever way to entice a variety of produce into your child’s diet,” says Manley. She suggests starting a garden or visiting a weekly farmers market so children can be more hands on about choosing their vegetables. She says that asparagus, green beans, snap peas, tomatoes, beets, lettuce varieties, cucumbers, zucchini, and peppers are all vitamin-packed vegetables that are great for preventing illness and boosting health.
o Supplements: The key to filling in nutritional gaps
It’s no secret that kids don’t always eat what they should. Manley suggests that everyone take three daily supplements: a good multivitamin, probiotics, and omega-3 fish oil.