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- [Mountain-River Naturopathic Clinic](https://www.mountainriverclinic.com/about/about-mountain-river-naturopathic-clinic)
- [Dr. Kim Nearpass, ND](https://www.mountainriverclinic.com/about/dr-kim-nearpass-naturopathic-doctor)
- [Dr. Justin Pollack, ND](https://www.mountainriverclinic.com/about/dr-justin-pollack-naturopathic-doctor)
- [Laura Eickhoff, LPN](https://www.mountainriverclinic.com/about/laura-eickhoff-licensed-practical-nurse)
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# Articles/Resources
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# Kids Become What They Eat
## [ Dr. Kim Nearpass, ND ](https://www.mountainriverclinic.com/about/dr-kim-nearpass-naturopathic-doctor)
The old saying, “You are what you eat” holds true today, and the results are not so pretty. The American diet has evolved quickly over recent decades, from home-made meat and potato meals, to fast-food and processed meals. Our bodies have not evolved simultaneously to run off of hydrogenated oils, artificial colors and sweeteners, preservatives and genetically modified organisms. Eating these foods is equivalent to filling your gas tank with contaminated, cheap gas. The car doesn’t run so well, and neither does the body.
Modern science and medicine has made great strides in the fight against infectious disease. However, a reverse trend has developed. As infectious disease decreases, chronic disease is on the rise. Today, nearly 80% of Americans die of heart disease, diabetes and cancer, all of which are at least partially related to nutrition. To put it simply, we are killing ourselves with our food, and causing healthcare costs to sky-rocket. America spends more money on health care than any other nation, and yet, we are amongst the least healthy in the world.
The impact of the worsening American diet can be seen early on in children. We see an abundance of childhood illnesses that are diet-related, including recurrent ear infections and congestion, allergies, eczema and skin rashes, hyperactivity, colic and other digestive complaints, and of course, childhood obesity. Today, one in three American children is overweight.
So, what can we, as parents, do to stop this trend? Let’s remember the introductory phrase and start with the basics. Our cells are mostly water. Therefore, water intake is essential. The rule of thumb is half your weight in ounces of water daily. So, start by cutting back on juice, milk (which is a perfect food for calves, not kids) and soda, and substituting good, clean water or herbal fruit tea.
It is also wise to use caution with common food allergens. The most frequent include dairy, wheat and soy. It’s not an accident that these are the foods Americans eat the most and are usually the first to be introduced to babies and toddlers. The earlier and more frequently we eat foods, the more likely to develop an allergy to them. Rotation and moderation are wise rules to follow when choosing foods for your kids.
Most importantly, choose whole foods for your children, whenever possible. The more processed a food, the less nutritious. When we feed our kids packaged foods, crackers, cookies, and other pre-prepared meals, we are giving them empty calories. The body needs vitamins, minerals, protective phytochemicals and anti-oxidants to function, stay healthy and thrive. Essential fatty acids and other healthy fats are important for brain, hormonal and immune system development. Kids who get these essentials through fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, raw nuts and seeds and wild fish will be much stronger, healthier and less susceptible to chronic disease.
What we feed our children not only sets the course for their dietary habits in adulthood, but also has a great effect on the dietary contribution to cancer than what they eat over the next fifty years. We all want what is best for our kids. Laying a foundation of healthy nutrition is one of the greatest gifts parents can give to their children.
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## Schedule your health journey appointment: [970-668-1300](tel:1-970-668-1300)
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### Phone/Fax
T: [970-668-1300](tel:1-970-668-1300)
F: 970-668-1301
### Clinic address
507C E Main Street
Frisco, CO 80443
### Mailing address
PO Box 4236
Frisco, CO 80443
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## Serving
Summit County, Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon, Breckenridge, Blue River, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Heeney, Montezuma, Grand County, Kremmling, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Winter Park, Parshall, Fraser, Grand Lake, Tabernash, Lake County, Leadville, Twin Lakes, Park County, Alma, Fairplay, Hartsel, Clear Creek County, Silver Plume, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Saint Mary's, Downieville, Lawson, Dumont, Chaffee County, Buena Vista / BV, Nathrop, Johnson Village, Poncha Springs, Salida, Granite, Twin Lakes, Eagle County, Vail, Eagle-Vail, Avon, Beaver Creek Minturn, Eagle, Edwards, and Gypsum
**Web Site Disclosure**
The information on this website is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for your specific medical needs.
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