Green Child Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 9

— be vigilant and read labels . When needed , choose alternatives such as coconut sugar , maple syrup , raw honey , organic cane sugar , or stevia . Alternatives should be used sparingly but will help to keep your blood sugar balanced .
5 . Probiotics are essential , especially for those with leaky gut . High quality brands should show you the genus , species , and strain on the packaging . The label should also indicate the type of CFU ’ s ( colony forming units ) that are present at the time of manufacturing . When purchasing a probiotic supplement always consider these key aspects :
• High quality brand .
• High CFU count .
• Diversity of strains included .
6 . Choose homemade . Even for “ kid foods ”. Chicken nuggets can be made easily using almond flour . Bake or fry in coconut or avocado oil ( making sure the oil does not smoke ). Fries can be switched out and baked using organic potatoes , sweet potatoes , or
yams . Drizzle them in avocado oil and season with sea salt . Stay away from deep frying and frying in vegetables oils or olive oil .
7 . Add fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi . These foods contain beneficial probiotics and can be eaten daily to improve the immune system and digestive function .
8 . Reduce stress . Is school going well ? Are they worried about anything ? Do they have close friends who they feel they can talk to ? Are you spending quality time together as a family without electronic devices ? Spending time together can reduce stress and anxiety ( which can lead to leaky gut ) and create an atmosphere of trust and love .
Eating together as a family in a calm and relaxed environment is crucial for optimal digestive health . Allowing time to smell and take in the appearance of the food , to chew properly and to not drink with meals will also help the healing process and aid in optimal digestion .
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