Research
Going Blind! by Sandi Star, CCN
I remember using a ton of eye drops and never getting any relief. I was finding pieces of Sclera (the white, dense, fibrous outer coating of the eyeball) inside the lids and I was getting scarring. I was working full time and going to school at night; looking at a computer screen all day and books all night made it much worse! The lights at night were a big blur and I couldn’t focus at all. My eyes were literally drying up. I was having ongoing eye infections. To say the least I was going blind and was petrified. I couldn’t wear contacts to save my life. They would pop right out or worse, get caught in the corner of my eye.
I saw an eye doctor who never gave me answers. He never thought to test me for Sjögren’s Syndrome. They put silicone plugs in my tear ducts to try and keep what little moisture I had in my eyes. Talk about a scary situation! My general doctor was determined to find out what was going on because it went way beyond the eyes. I was extremely fatigued and had major joint and muscle pain, stomach issues, brain fog and upper respiratory infections often. I was pretty discouraged, but felt lucky my doctor cared, who by the way told me it wasn’t in my head (nice rarity). I knew eventually we would figure it out. He ran some blood work and pulled out the big guns (gigantic reference book) while explaining I had Sjögren’s Syndrome and sent me to a Rheumatologist. I was not in the mood to add more medication to my already long list at the time and decided to look into alternative care. I already had developed hypothyroid – another autoimmune disease. Since going gluten, dairy and soy free, I have been able to wear contacts daily and most of the symptoms from Sjögren’s are gone. I consider myself one of the lucky ones who took control and is able to manage a great deal with nutrition alone.
What is Sjögren’s
Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which people’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands. Today, as many as four million Americans are living with this disease.
Although the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, Sjögren’s may also cause dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Patients may also experience extreme fatigue and joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.
With upwards of 4,000,000 Americans suffering from Sjögren’s syndrome, it is one of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders. Nine out of 10 patients are women. About half of the time Sjögren’s syndrome occurs alone, and the other half it occurs in the presence of another autoimmune connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. When Sjögren’s occurs alone, it is referred to as “Primary Sjögren’s.” When it occurs with another connective tissue disease, it is referred to as “Secondary Sjögren’s.”
All instances of Sjögren’s syndrome are systemic, affecting the entire body. Symptoms may remain steady, worsen, or, uncommonly, go into remission. While some people experience mild discomfort, others suffer debilitating symptoms that greatly impair their functioning. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are important – they may prevent serious complications and greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.
Since symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome mimic other conditions and diseases, Sjögren’s can often be overlooked or misdiagnosed. On average, it takes nearly seven years to receive a diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome. Patients need to remember to be pro-active in talking with their physicians and dentists about their symptoms and potential treatment options.
Testing
There is no single test that will confirm diagnosis. Rheumatologists have primary responsibility for diagnosing and managing Sjögren’s syndrome and can conduct a series of tests and ask about symptoms. An international group of experts formulated classification criteria for Sjögren’s syndrome which help doctors arrive at a diagnosis. These criteria consider dryness symptoms, changes in salivary (mouth) and lacrimal (eye) gland function, and systemic (whole body) findings.
Blood tests your physician may perform include:
ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibody)
ANAs are a group of antibodies that react against normal components of a cell nucleus. About 70% of Sjögren’s patients have a positive ANA test result.
RF (Rheumatoid Factor)
This antibody test is indicative of a most often performed for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but is positive in many rheumatic diseases. In Sjögren’s patients, 60-70% have a positive RF.
SS-A (or Ro) and SS-B (or La)
These are the marker antibodies for Sjögren’s. Seventy percent of Sjögren’s patients are positive for SS-A and 40% are positive for SS-B (these may also found in lupus patients).
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
This test measures inflammation. An elevated ESR indicates the presence of an inflammatory disorder, including Sjögren’s syndrome.
IGs (Immunoglobulin’s)
These are normal blood proteins that participate in immune reactions and are usually elevated in Sjögren’s patients.
The ophthalmologic (eye) tests include:
Schirmer Test
Measures tear production.
Rose Bengal and Lissamine Green
Eye drops containing dyes that an eye care specialist uses to examine the surface of the eye for dry spots.
The dental tests include:
Salivary Flow
Measures the amount of saliva produced over a certain period of time.
Salivary scintigraphy
A nuclear medicine test that measures salivary gland function.
Salivary gland biopsy (usually in the lower lip)
Confirms inflammatory cell (lymphocytic) infiltration of the minor salivary glands.
Your physician will consider the results of these tests along with your physical examination to arrive at a final diagnosis. Further research is being conducted to refine the diagnostic criteria for Sjögren’s syndrome and to help make diagnosis easier and more accurate.
Treatments
The treatment of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome is directed toward the particular areas of the body that are involved and complications, such as infection. There is no cure for Sjogren’s syndrome.
Dryness of the eyes can be helped by artificial tears, eye-lubricant ointments at night, and minimizing the use of hair dryers. When dryness becomes more significant, the ophthalmologist can plug the tear duct closed so that tears cover the eye longer. Cyclosporine eye drops (Restasis) are recently approved medicated drops that can reduce the inflammation of the tear glands improving their function. These however are painful to use and have side effects. Signs of eye infection (conjunctivitis), such as pus or excessive redness or pain, should be evaluated by the doctor.
The dry mouth can be helped by drinking plenty of fluids, humidifying air, and good dental care to avoid dental decay. The glands can be stimulated to produce saliva by sucking on sugarless lemon drops or glycerin swabs. Artificial saliva preparations can ease many of the problems associated with dry mouth. Many of these types of agents are available as over-the-counter products, including toothpaste, gum, and mouthwash (Biotene). Vitamin E oil has been used with some success. Infections of the mouth and teeth should be addressed as early as possible in order to avoid more severe complications. Diligent dental care is very important. Saltwater (saline) nasal sprays can help dryness in the passages of the nose. Vaginal lubricant should be considered for sexual intercourse.
As mentioned, each person is different in how they are affected by Sjögren’s. Because I know first hand I would say first and foremost – GO OFF GLUTEN. Once you have that under control you can talk to your doctors about complimentary treatments if needed. The biggest thing with any auto immune disease is inflammation. Make that your number one goal to have that under control. Consider a holistic approach which has no side effects and is a lot safer.
Some essential survival tips for Sjögren’s patients:
- Avoid stomach upset.
- Never feel guilty about seeking a second opinion.
- Join a support group if needed.
- Listen to your body. Do not take on more than you can handle, and pay attention to new symptoms, or symptoms that get worse, and tell your practitioner.
- Do your research.
- Make sure you coordinate all of your care in Sjögren’s and head your “medical care team.” You want to make sure you are keeping records on medications, supplements and herbs. Make sure your physician knows about all the prescription and OTC medications you are taking. Many drugs have side effects that can make your Sjögren’s symptoms worse.
- Become an active participant in your treatment decisions and an informed consumer. You will feel more in control of your disease, decrease anxiety, and ensure you are getting the best possible medical care for you.
- You can maintain a good quality of life with Sjögren’s. Stay on top of the latest information, educate yourself, find support and watch your limits.
- Keep positive relationships and support in your life. These will help you cope and will reduce general anxiety when you have a frequently misunderstood disease.
Dry Mouth Survival Tips
- Eat soft, moist foods if you have trouble swallowing or with your teeth chipping and breaking.
- Sjögren’s patients should eat smaller, more frequent meals to stimulate saliva flow.
- Avoid salty, acidic or spicy foods and carbonated drinks that may be painful on your dry mouth or interfere with digestion in Sjögren’s.
- Help prevent dental decay by using oral products containing the sweetener xylitol For dry mouth, increase your intake of liquids during the day. Remember that small sips of water work best.
- Sjögren’s patients should avoid mouthwashes and rinses that contain alcohol or witch hazel. These ingredients can aggravate oral dryness and burning.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on hard diabetic or sugar-free candies to help increase saliva. The best gum I’ve found has xylotil called Spry. They also carry mints.
- Apply vitamin E oil or moisturizing gels to dry or sore parts of the mouth or tongue for long-lasting relief. Use the liquid oil or punch holes in vitamin capsules to apply.
Dry Eye Survival Tips
- Try sterile eyelid cleansers or baby shampoo on a warm washcloth to help with blepharitis, a common condition in Sjögren’s that causes chronic inflammation of the eyelids and eyelid margins.
- For dry eye, apply a warm, wet compress to the closed eyes using a washcloth. Apply at bedtime and upon awakening for 5 minutes, or more often if helpful.
- The mainstay of treatment for blepharitis, a chronic condition that accompanies dry eye and Sjögren’s, is warm compresses, lid massage and lid hygiene.
- If your eyes are bothered by light, wear sunglasses or try lenses with a FL-41 filter.
- Avoid applying anything to the eyelids that can irritate your dry eye; products placed on the eyelid will get into the tear film.
- Use non-preserved artificial tears frequently and regularly, even when your eyes feel good. The goal is to keep your eyes comfortable, not to wait until they are uncomfortable.
- Keep the upper and lower eyelids free of facial creams at bedtime; they can enter the eye and cause irritation.
- Try ointments or gels at bedtime by first applying them only to the eyelids and lashes. If that is not helpful, place ~1/4 inch of ointment between the lower lid and eyeball.
- Eye ointments and gels can blur your vision and are usually reserved for overnight use.
- If your vision is blurred with artificial tear use, try a less thick (viscous) drop or ointment.
- Try moisture chamber glasses, wrap-around sunglasses, or other glasses, goggles or shields to prevent moisture evaporation and offer protection from air currents that irritate your dry eye.
Dry Skin Survival Tips
- Take short, warm baths or showers to help with dry skin. Hot water removes skin oils.
- Sjögren’s patients with dry skin should pat dry after bathing and moisturize immediately while the skin is still damp. Natural oils such as coconut, almond, sesame and apricot work well.
- Sjögren’s patients with dry and/or sensitive skin should avoid fabric softeners in the washer and dryer. Always use hypoallergenic products.
- After swimming, make sure that you shower and immediately use a moisturizer to reduce dry skin symptoms.
Sun & Sjögren’s Survival Tips
- To reduce reactions to the sun, wear good UV-protective eye lenses and sunglasses, and seek the shade when outside.
- Protect your skin and eyes through use of sunscreen, sunglasses, ultraviolet light-protective clothing, hats, and non-fluorescent lighting.
- Did you know that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and other light sources can affect Sjögren’s patients, leading to skin rashes, disease flares, eye sensitivity and pain?
- Consider purchasing UV-protective car and home window films that are clear or tinted to protect yourself from UV radiation.
- Look for the words “broad spectrum” on sunscreen protection. This means that you will be protected from both UVA and UVB radiation.
- Make sure you are taking enough Vitamin D3 and antioxidants.
Fatigue Survival Tips
- Battling fatigue with Sjögren’s? Know your limits and pace yourself.
- Don’t be a couch potato! A common cause of chronic pain and fatigue in any disorder, including Sjögren’s syndrome, is lack of exercise.
- Educate your friends and family about what you are going through and how fatigue in Sjögren’s syndrome can come and go.
- Sjögren’s can cause fatigue, but there can be other related causes such as adrenal fatigue or hypothyroid disease and depression.
Brain Fog Survival Tips
- Did you know that “brain fog” is a major complaint of Sjögren’s patients? Hint: Train the brain! If you don’t use it, you will lose it.
- Don’t assume your “brain fog” is due to Sjögren’s, especially in patients over 65-70 years of age: a major cause of cognitive dysfunction can be side effects of drugs and drug interactions and food intolerance such as gluten and dairy. These foods are inflammatory and cause an opiate affect similar to brain fog.
- To help symptoms of “brain fog,” minimize stress and anxiety. Take breaks throughout the day and learn relaxation exercises and practice them at regular intervals.
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol to help with “brain fog” and sleep problems in Sjögren’s.
Dry Nose & Sjögren’s Survival Tips
- Use natural saline spray several times a day if needed. Clean and moisture nasal cavity in the morning and again at night. This helps keep allergens from settling in the cavity as well.
- Dry Ear Survival Tips
- A drop of earwax remover or mineral oil can help dry itching ears.
Herbal Remedies and Supplements
Rosemary
The rosemary plant contains several anti-inflammatory agents that help in the prevention of arthritic pain and dryness caused by Sjogren’s Syndrome. It is recommended to make rosemary tea instead of eating the plant. Mix a half an ounce of rosemary leaves in a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes. Consume the tea before going to bed. This can be repeated as often as necessary.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil contains gamma linolenic acid, also known as GLA. GLA is a fatty acid that helps Sjogren’s Syndrome sufferers by introducing prostaglandin into the system. Prostaglandin in turn works as an anti-inflammatory to help common Sjogren’s Syndrome symptoms. Evening primrose oil should be taken daily, with a dosage of 3,000- to 6,000-mg.
Celery Seeds
Celery contains several different anti-inflammatory agents that can help Sjorgren’s Syndrome symptoms such as joint paint, inflammation, and lethargy. Celery also packs over 340 milligrams of potassium per single cup. This is beneficial to anyone with an autoimmune disease, since lack of potassium can cause arthritic like symptoms. Celery plants can be eaten in large quantities, but for faster and easier results, celery seeds are recommended. Place a teaspoon of celery in a cup of boiling water. Up to three cups daily may be consumed.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) may actually reduce inflammation. Much of the GLA taken as a supplement is converted to a substance called DGLA that fights inflammation. Having enough of certain nutrients in the body (including magnesium, zinc, and vitamins C, B3, and B6) helps promote the conversion of GLA to DGLA.
Cysteine is an amino acid that can be found in many proteins throughout the body. When used as a supplement, it is usually in the form of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). The body converts this to cysteine and then to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant reducing symptoms associated with Sjögren’s syndrome.
REFERENCES:
Koopman, William, et al., eds. Clinical Primer of Rheumatology. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003.
Kelley’s Textbook of Rheumatology, W B Saunders Co, edited by Shaun Ruddy, et al., 2000.
Sjögren’s Foundaton.
You can read all about Sandi Star’s remarkable story in her 3-part article series available at the following links: Living Gluten Free – Right to Heal – Part I, Living Healthy, Without Gluten and Dairy– Part II, Living Healthy, Without Gluten and Dairy Part III.
About the author: Sandi Star, CCN Sandi is the founder of Karmic Health, specializing in nutrition related to disease where a gluten and casein (dairy) free lifestyle is crucial; working with celiac, autism and all auto immune disorders. Sandi graduated from The Natural Healing Institute with a degree in Clinical Nutrition and is continuing her studies in Clinical Herbology. She has hands on understanding of many health issues and has dedicated her life in helping others reach their optimal health.
For more information related to this article (or her previous articles) please visit www.karmic-health.com or contact Sandi Star at 760.685.3154.
Tina Turbin
www.GlutenFreeHelp.info
Pesticides Are Shown to be Linked to ADHD
As a concerned mother and a children’s author who cares very much for families and children, I found the following article to be both appalling and at the same time refreshing to know that such a critical issue is being exposed.
While it has been known that pesticides used for our food and vegetable supply pose a variety of health risks, the fact that these same pesticides are linked to so-called ADHD in children is a truth that every parent needs to know about.
Click here to read the full article. Afterwards, browse through this section of my website for MANY helpful tips, resources and information to improve your family’s and your children’s quality of life.
I hope the above information helps you.
Tina Turbin
Get Some Sleep
About 70 million Americans experience sleep problems ranging from chronic sleep disorders to sporadic sleep troubles. Studies show that just one night of insufficient sleep can affect memory, productivity, and even the ability to carry on a regular conversation. In my work as a writer, researcher, and humanitarian, with several radio interviews a week, I can’t afford to not be at my mental peak, and chances are you can’t either. Long-term sleep deprivation can have serious effects such as higher risk for high blood pressure, depression, heart attack, decreased immunity, obesity, and diabetes. As you can see, getting enough sleep should be as much a part of your health regimen as eating well and exercising. Fortunately, by making a few adjustments to your diet, you can improve the quality of your sleep.
Tina Turbin
Americans Need to Make More Friends!
Statistics are showing that Americans have fewer friends than they used to, according to a recent study, “Social Isolation in America,” which was published in the American Sociological Review. The authors found that the number of Americans who feel they have someone with whom they can discuss important matters dropped by nearly one-third from 1985 to 2004, and the number of people who said they had no one they could discuss such matters with tripled to nearly 25 percent of Americans. The authors suggest the cause for this decrease in intimate friendships may be longer work hours and the increased popularity of the Internet and television.
The same study also determined that the number of people who discuss important subjects with family members only increased from 57 percent to 80 percent, and those who depend solely on their spouse for such intimate discussions increased from 5 percent to 9 percent.
So what does this mean for you? It may be harder than ever to fight loneliness in society and to form intimate connections with others, but the health benefits are worth the effort to forge friendships with a large number of people.
Start visiting with friends on a regular basis and befriend their own friends, family, and acquaintances to instantly increase the number of friends you have. There are countless ways to meet people in your community as well. You can get involved in volunteer work, take local classes in subjects and hobbies you’re interested in, or start a book club at your neighborhood bookstore or café. You can also take advantage of online social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace, but with the view of using these to set up real-life meetings with the friends you make online, taking the safety precautions of meeting new people in groups of people you already know and in public places, of course.
Tina Turbin
Mom’s Talking About 6-Year-Old Handcuffed and Committed in School
Times have been slowly but surely changing and it is stories like this that really can hit home as to the NEED for teachers and school officials to have some of their control taken into account. As a mother of three, and American citizen and a humanitarian I can not believe acts like this can not only occur but that they are. This is a story for every parent to read and every family to understand.
When a simple call to a police official can get your pre-school or elementary school child handcuffed and placed in a mental institution, you know something is VERY wrong. What gives them the right to by-pass the parent’s authority of the child and by-pass the parent’s right of guardianship. Not that I agree with my 94 year old grandmother when she commented on this,What happened to the good old days with the simple spanking or slap on the back of the hands with a ruler” -but tell me, what has happened to our society? Can’t we expect and demand simple discipline to child where we can be confident it is safely applied? Isn’t this our right? My advice to you is “get involved”.
I deal a lot with teachers, children and moms as a children’s author and I can tell you the number of times I speak about kids and the school system is often. I welcome any radio station to have me on when it comes ot topics like this. I have a lot to share about actions like this. Please read this:
On FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010 a young girl was sent to an adult mental institution for being unruly. This seems to be the way Port St. Lucie’s ( FL) school system has in dealing with disruptive students. This same school district allowed an autistic boy to be voted out of kindergarten class for unruly behavior.
Also, a Parkway Elementary School( FL) student was cuffed and sent to an adult mental institution earlier this month after she through a temper tantrum in the middle of class, reports TCPalm.com. The police report stated the cuffs were "for her safety and the safety of others”.The handcuffs calmed the little girl down after an hour in the tight silver handcuffs yet little did her and her family know what was ahead.
A few days later, this same girl had another “fit” and the school called the same deputy, who tossed the little girl in the back of his patrol car and transported her to the local adult mental institution. “The girl’s mother said “These people are going to the extreme”.
5-year-old Alex Barton was voted out of class two years ago for being disruptive in class. Alex Barton had a form of autism and his mother is now suing the school board. The School Board official will most likely be looking into this one!
http://www.momlogic.com/2010/02/6-year-old_student_handcuffed.php#ixzz0fkdVvS0w
As American citizens we can not let things like this happen. I welcome your feedback and any involvement or situations you have witnessed like this. We can find many groups to help violations like this. See My Favorites as a start. Leave a commnet tothis post and I will get it or you may Contact me
Tina Turbin
Children Need Good Literature
The fact that kids need good literature is not a new one. Just look at the number of awards available in the United States alone to reward authors for superb children’s literature. The long list of such awards includes the Newbery Medal, Caldecott Medal, Coretta Scott King Award, and Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal. With such an extraordinary effort made to celebrate good children’s literature, there must be something important about it.
I know how short the attention span of a child can be yet how thrilling it is to watch a child’s imagination partake in an exciting adventure story. However, why should a child read good literature rather than watch an “educational” television show or an entertaining children’s movie? The answer lies in the benefits of reading to your child.
Research continues to support that reading benefits children of all ages in a number of ways. Reading helps to build your child’s vocabulary, develop his imagination, and improve his ability to communicate. In fact, there is a direct relationship between how many words an infant hears in a day and his language skills, and even his intelligence quotient. Reading is crucial in exposing your baby or young child to a variety of words. The images and colors in children picture books and illustrated books are also stimulating of the imagination. This is part of the reason why I spent a whole year interviewing illustrators after writing the first book in my series, Danny the Dragon—I knew from reading to my own children just how much children appreciate art in children’s literature.
So the next time you’re shopping for the kids at Wal-Mart, think twice before you get them another DVD, remember the pleasure you get from curling up with a good book, and pick out some high-quality children’s literature instead.
Helpful Tips to Encourage Learning in Your Children
First of all, read to your children! Studies show that reading to your child can begin before the age of six months, as soon as they’re able to enjoy the images and pictures inside of their books. Children have varying attention spans and you should keep in mind not to push too far past these limits and not to force them to read, as children tend to dislike things they are forced to do when it’s not on their own determinism. You can read to your child or have them read you, or take turns.
Play board games to stimulate an interest in learning. Not only are they tons of fun, but they help your child develop his reading skills and practice following rules.
A family day at the museum, library, or other stimulating place will encourage your child to be interested in his environment and take a hands-on approach to learning. Ask your child questions about the artwork he sees at museums, such as “Why do you think the painter chose this color?”
Volunteer at your child’s school whenever possible. You can go along on field trips, help decorate for class parties, or read to the class. This will show that you care about your child’s schooling enough to go to his school yourself.
Finally, make sit-down dinners a regular part of your family’s evening, turning off the TV and cell phones so you can sit and talk without distractions. Take advantage of this time to show a genuine interest in your child’s schooling and in academic subjects in general. Ask him lots of questions, tell him funny anecdotes about when you were in school, or tell him what you thought of the book he’s reading in his literature class when you read it in high school yourself. This gets across the important message that learning is important, one of the most valuable lessons you’ll teach your child and which will help ensure his success in all his future endeavors.
Getting Involved in Your Child’s Education
First, make sure your child is well-rested and well-fed. A well-balanced diet, with nutritious meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and healthy snacks after school, has been shown to improve academic performance in children. Kids also need to be well-rested in order to focus during the day.
Next, take advantage of every opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, such as parent-teacher or open-school nights. Not only will you make sure you’re not missing vital information, such as what the teacher expects of your child’s homework assignments, but you’ll show your child and his teachers that you care about his education.
Familiarize yourself with your child’s daily routine by making a copy of his schedule. If you know gym class is on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you can make sure your child brings his gym clothes on these days.
Check your child’s backpack and planner to make sure you see teacher’s notes, important dates, permission slips, and graded assignments and tests. You prevent your child’s embarrassment in school by making sure your child is prepared for the special events and activities you’ll find out about through your backpack inspections and can provide your child with help for anything you find he may need help with.
Stay connected with other parents. Sometimes your child’s perception of what’s occurring in the classroom may not be accurate, or perhaps your child hasn’t been mentioning some essential information. By forming connections with other parents, you can ensure that you’re not missing out on vital data.
3rd Edition of Show Biz Kids Guidebook Available
MY 3rd Edition of my Show Biz Kids- East Coast Guidebook is released and available for purchase to help you or your friends in the exciting area of children’s Show Biz and Modeling. You may read reviews as well.
Again, I wrote this when first purchasing our East Coasthome and was bombarded with questions and calls after my many years in LA with working with the kids in our Burbank Studio and working with one of my sons, Jason in television shows and stage- Les Miserables and music.
You may purchase it on line on Amazon as well as read many reviews.
Thank you, Tina Turbin
Packing the Kids a Healthy Lunch
What exactly should you look for in a healthy, well-balanced lunch? You should make sure to include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, calcium, and lean protein. The USDA has daily recommendations for children for each of these food groups, and you should aim to provide as much as possible in each category when preparing your child’s lunch.
Collect recipes just as you would for dinners which can deliver to your child the nutrition he needs in a variety of creative ways. You can make lunch for the whole family in large servings—for Mom, Dad, and all the kids. Not only will this ensure that you’re feeding your child a variety of tasty foods, since you’ll be eating it yourself, but you’ll also save money and time by simplifying lunch-making.
If you’re strapped for time, get your kids to prepare their own lunches the night before (this is usually better than rushing in the morning). Kids are actually happy to help with cooking are able to pull it off with success with some supervision. It is with this in mind that I’ve created Danny the Dragon Children’s Cookbook as part of my Danny the Dragon children’s series.
Give your child the daily gift of a well-balanced lunch and watch him thrive!
