Our sweet little babies! It wrenches at my heart when I see these little ones suffering. It seems they suffer more than ever. Is it because there are so many more diseases affecting our babies today, more so than in the past, or is it because I'm just so much more aware of them?

More parents than ever are considering less invasive, more "alternative" treatments for their children. They don't want them on meds, want to avoid surgery if possible, and just want to remedy their condition, as well as end their suffering. I, too, prefer to see their condition resolved, rather than just ameliorated.

Two things seem to be on the increase in babies: the allergy, asthma, frequent colds and ear infections spectrum, and digestive distress. Let's take a look at some of the things that may be setting the stage for some of these afflictions.

First of all, food. So many people, including children and babies, are sensitive to foods. Babies are started on cereals - probably the worst thing you can start them on. Sometimes it is appropriate, when done properly (like soaked first or even cultured first), but mostly, cereals are irritants. Babies already have sensitive digestive systems and if they were born early, they can be even more sensitive.

Nursing a baby for a minimum of 10 months is ideal. When that is not possible, homemade formulas are better than store-bought ones, which generally are made with the most allergy-producing ingredients around! There are good recipes for quality formulas on the Internet (or in our office).

If the baby is already weaned, start them on cooked vegetables. When babies are grabbing food from your fork or spoon, they're ready to eat table foods. If you start them on cereals, they're more likely to develop allergies. If you start them on fruit, they get too accustomed to the sweet taste. If they're ready to eat, start them on steamed veggies like spinach, sweet potato, peas or green beans. Also, egg yolks are great for babies. Give them lots of variety, and they'll grow to expect something different all the time. Put butter on the veggies, as they need the fats. Meats are generally pretty hard to digest when babies are small, and they'll do fine on the veggies and egg yolks. Younger kids are better eaters when started this way.

Above all, don't give kids, and especially babies, sugar. They don't need it! Sugar weakens the immune system, leaving them more susceptible to allergies and immune challenges. It is counter-productive for a developing skeletal system and, of course, leads to obesity and diabetes.

Pasteurized milk and milk products can also set the stage for developing allergies and asthma. Another absolute "NO!" is hydrogenated products. This includes margarine (or anything in a tub), most peanut butters and other cheap packaged foods.

Remember, as parents, your role is to help the development of a healthy body for your children. How you feed them can make a profound impact on their health now, and for the rest of their life

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health-care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. She can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.