Just as when you plant a garden, it requires fertile soil, quality seeds, plenty of sunshine and water, planting the seed to grow a healthy child means taking specific actions.

With a mind-boggling amount of advice available on the Internet, countless TV programs, and by well-meaning friends and family members, it’s not always easy to know what advice is best to follow. Consider the following for growing healthy kids — naturally, of course!

Make Healthy Dietary Decisions

In today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult to provide our kids with healthy options. Everything from frozen foods loaded with chemical ingredients to fast food, it's not easy to fuel our kids. Here are some options to consider making staple items in your child's diet:

• Poultry

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Fish (choose fish that’s low in mercury)

• Low-fat dairy products

• Healthy monosaturated fats (in moderation) such as extra virgin olive oil

• Whole grain breads and cereals 

As childhood obesity is on the rise, keep portion control in mind and offer healthy snacks when kids get hungry between meals. Another great way to reduce caloric intake is by opting for water versus juice or soda, or even offering watered down juice.

The Sleep Your Child Needs

The required amount of sleep a child needs depends on his or her age. With too little sleep, your child will suffer from crankiness, negative performance in school and overall health. Depression is even sometimes a result from chronic sleep deprivation. Setting a regular bedtime routine can help prevent these issues. These bedtime rituals provide an excellent time for bonding with your child, especially with calming activities like story reading.

Older kids will need to be encouraged to turn off electronics well before bedtime and to read instead. Those high-tech gizmos and gadgets, from tablets to smart phones, can seriously effect your teen’s sleep. Many studies show that using electronics before bed means much less shut-eye.

Exercise Is Essential

While high-tech toys may tempt your child to stay indoors, regular outdoor activity and brisk exercise helps kids to not only have healthier bodies, but healthier minds. Exercise helps children get better sleep and to fight stress easier. While team sports are a great way for kids to get regular, brisk exercise, they can accomplish this by walking the family dog, playing games outside, or riding bikes.

Natural Health Booster

You know that having your kids brush their teeth promotes oral health and a bright smile. Well, like that, regular chiropractic care can help your child experience better health. Why? Because it promotes a healthier nervous system, and kids with a healthier nervous system that is free from interference may also benefit from a stronger immune system.

Call us today to schedule your child's wellness exam!